What It Takes to Become a Ramp Supervisor: From A to Z

As air traffic continues to grow, the need for skilled, trained ground operations staff keeps pace. According to Fortune Business Insights[1], the “global airport ground and cargo handling services market size (…) is anticipated to grow from USD 39.91 billion in 2023 to USD 81.83 billion by 2030”, doubling therefore in less than two decades. Consequently, the opportunities to build a career in the sector will be many. Read on to find out more about why ramp supervision is a rewarding career, what qualifications it takes to enter the field, and how to start your journey to becoming a ramp supervisor.

What is a day in the life of a ramp supervisor?

The ramp supervisor or turnaround coordinator oversees the activities of ramp agents and contractors involved in servicing, cleaning, refueling and re-stocking catering of an aircraft, unloading and loading cargo and baggage, and enabling passengers and crew to de-plane and board. Their aim is to ensure the smooth and timely departure of each flight, in the safest, most secure circumstances. A typical day could see them:

• Oversee turnaround of flights:
  • Coordinate schedules and the work of a team of ramp agents.
  • Coordinate the activities of service providers, i.e., caterers, aircraft loaders, cabin cleaning personnel, security.
  • Monitor and guide team members and service providers to ensure performance requirements are met.
  • Ensure baggage is scanned correctly; accountable for left-behind baggage.
  • Ensure correct preparation of cargo destined for bulk loading or in unit load devices.
  • Carry out operational safety and load security checks on aircraft prior to departure.
  • Keep track of the number of passengers, pieces of luggage and the amount of fuel, and coordinate Weight and Balance documentation with Load Control.
  • Ensure flight handling irregularities are dealt with in accordance with customer, economic and legal considerations.

• Ensure quality delivery:
  • Engage team members by recognizing and valuing them, and training and mentoring them.
  • Ensure tools and equipment are available and in working condition for team members to perform job functions effectively.
  • Ensure service level agreements are adhered to by all providers.
  • Ensure all aspects of the ground handling operation are in accordance at all times with safety and security regulations, and labor laws.
  • Support the development and modification of processes and procedures with the aim of improving quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
  • Ensure implementation of new procedures, processes or product features and enhancements by team members and contractors.

• Administer and report:
  • Maintain daily trip files, station traffic reports, and other aircraft-handling related statistical data.
  • Report any flight handling irregularities to management.

What are the essential skills and capabilities required in this role?

If you are considering becoming a ramp supervisor, you have probably already been a ramp agent. You are already used to working variable shifts, including weekends and holidays, being on your feet for long periods of time, staying situationally alert to moving vehicles, equipment, or aircraft, and being out in all weathers. You also already have, or know you can obtain and hold, the required security clearances. And you’re already aware that you need to be physically strong enough to lift and move heavy items. As a supervisor, you will be expected to have the following:

Why pursue a career as an aircraft turnaround coordinator?

Ground Operations is one of the rare sectors where you can literally start at the bottom, with little formal education, and work your way up to the top. What counts is dedication, precision, and teamwork, to which you will add hands-on experience, and training in specific areas to give you more knowledge and sharpen the skills you learn on the job.

• Job security – Ground Operations provides opportunities to move around and gain new skills, and its time-sensitive, safety-focused nature means skilled people are in demand. Once you know the job, as long as aircraft are flying, you’ll be wanted.
• Contributing to customer satisfaction – Your efforts ensure customers, whether passengers, shippers or airlines, have the best experience possible. Baggage and shipments that arrive on time; aircraft that are safe, secure, catered and clean; flights that leave on schedule are all signs you’re doing a great job.
• Career growth without qualifications – You only need a high school diploma to become a ramp agent, and you can switch from one side of the gate to the other to become a passenger service agent fairly easily. This enables you to gain all-round experience of ground operations to fuel your advancement.

How to start your journey to becoming a ramp supervisor?

Is it worth becoming a ramp supervisor?

It’s no secret that ground operations is a demanding job. However, it offers rare opportunities to start at the bottom and constantly learn new aspects of a very varied sector, grow your knowledge, and acquire different skills. It is easy to move around from area to area, as well as to move from airport to airline, and from company to company within an airline alliance, for example. If you are looking for a very varied career, and you are motivated by doing a good job in the most efficient way possible, as well as by working with a wide range of people, ramp supervision could be for you.

[1] https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/airport-ground-and-cargo-handling-services-market-105327