Last Updated On 23 Jun, 2020

How to Become a Ground Staff

About Ground Staff

Ground Staff are responsible for attending to the passengers before, after and in between the flight. They are also responsible for solving the queries of the passengers, providing flight information and ensuring that they face no difficulties during the flight. Ground Staff is a major part of the aviation industry and they cannot be replaced with machines or computers. Some of the major responsibilities performed by the ground staff are checking passengers for the flight, assisting the passengers who are with children and disabled passengers, handling the unloading and loading of passengers luggage from the aircraft, carrying security check activities as regular interval, updating passengers with timings and change in the flight schedule, preparing the flight plan according to the weather condition and climate of the destination and origin and re-booking the passengers whose flights have been delayed.

This position is very challenging and requires good managerial skills to manage all the customers. Candidates who are looking for a career as ground staff need to be friendly and have a calm disposition. 

Eligibility to become Ground Staff

Check the minimum eligibility criteria for a career as a Ground Staff provided below.

Academic Qualification: Candidates who are looking for a career in ground staff must have cleared 12th from any recognised institution or university. The job description for this position will vary depending on the type of industry. There is no additional requirement for Ground Staff. However, candidates who are aiming for a successful career in Ground Staff can check some degree essential for this profile provided below.

  • Diploma in Airport Ground Staff Training
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Airport Ground Staff Training

Experience: Since most of the companies prefer experienced candidates, it is advisable that candidates gain some experience before applying for any senior-level positions in ground staff. They can complete any training program in ground staff or any other aviation related course to gain some experience. 

Skills: Candidates should have some experience in customer service while looking for a career in ground staff. There are many other skills which can help the candidates have a successful career in ground staff. Some relevant skills are provided below.

  • Communication skills
  • Planning/ Organizing
  • Responsibility
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Interpersonal abilities
  • Flexibility
  • Soft skills
  • Management skills
  • Professional/ Technical technique

Types of Job Roles Ground Staff

A variety of job roles are available for ground staff. Airlines hire separate candidates for all types of work from handling the flight maintenance to solving the queries of passengers. Candidates can choose any job roles as per their interest. Some of the job roles are mentioned below.

  • Airline Operations Agent
  • Avionics Technicians
  • Airline Ticket Agent
  • Airline Station Agent
  • Crew Schedule Coordinator
  • Sales Representative
  • Reservation Sales Agent
  • Ramp Planner
  • Passenger Service Agent
  • Flight Dispatcher

Employment Opportunities for Ground Staff

Candidates who are looking for a career in ground staff can apply for a job at an airline company after completing their education. Airlines are always looking for professionals in this field. Candidates can check the job description of the company to find out the eligibility criteria. Some employment opportunities available for ground staff are listed below.

  • Airlines
  • Airports
  • Travel Agencies
  • Aviation Firms
  • Tour Agencies

Top Recruiting Agencies for Ground Staff

Some of the major recruiting companies for Ground Staff are listed below.

  • Air India
  • Vistara
  • SpiceJet
  • Lufthansa
  • IndiGo
  • Virgin Atlantic
  • Jet Airways
  • Emirates Airlines
  • Qatar Airways
  • AirAsia India
  • GoAir

Planning to choose Ground Staff as your career?

Pay Scale/Salary of Ground Staff

An average salary for ground staff is INR 21,000 for a fresher. The average salary for this position will depend on the airline company and the job profile of the candidate. Their salary will increase with experience. Find out the average salary for various levels of ground staff in the table below. 

Profile

Starting Salary per annum (in INR)

Mid Level Salary per annum (in INR)

Senior Level Salary per annum (INR)

Ground Staff

1,50,000

2,75,000

5,85,000

Books & Study Material to Become Ground Staff

Ground Staff should have a good command over the English language along with good presentation skills. He should be able to handle all the passengers in an amicable manner. There are many books available in the market which can help the candidates prepare for a successful career as ground staff. Some of the highly recommended books are listed below.

  • Airline Operations and Management by Gerald N. Cook and Bruce Billig
  • Skygods: The Fall of Pan Am by Robert Gandt
  • Glory Lost and Found by Seth Kaplan and Jay Shabat
  • Blue Streak by Barbara Peterson
  • Hard Landing by Thomas Petzinger, Jr.
  • Airline Operations: A Practical Guide by Peter J. Bruce
  • Air Carrier Operations by Mark J. Holt

Pros of becoming a Ground Staff

  • A career as a ground staff is challenging but also highly rewarding. 
  • A career as a ground staff is good for the candidates who are interested in helping others and providing assistance.
  • This profile helps one improve his presentation and communication skills.
  • Many job roles are available. You can choose any job role as per your expertise.

Cons of becoming a Ground Staff

  • Working hours for ground staff are generally very long.
  • You will have to work in rotational shift. Sometimes you might be asked to come in the morning shift while sometimes at night shift.
  • You will have to handle the queries of the customers in case of any emergency such as climate change.
  • Ground staff have to behave politely to the customers even while dealing with people who may be difficult.

Do you think this is the right career choice for you?

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FAQs about Ground Staff

How many departments are there in Ground Staff?

Ground staff is divided into many different departments such as Catering, Ramp service, Cabin service, Passenger service and Field operation service. This division will vary for all the airline companies.

What courses are available for a career as Ground Staff?

Many courses are available for training such as a Diploma in Air Hostess Training, Diploma in Airport Ground Staff Training, Flight Dispatcher Training, Diploma in Pilot Training, Diploma in Aviation Management Training and Diploma in Air Ticketing Training. Candidates can complete any training before applying for a job as Ground Staff.

What are the cons of a career as Ground Staff?

Ground Staff have to work in rotational shifts. Their working hours are not fixed. Apart from this, they also have to work during national holidays.

What is the average salary for Ground Staff?

Candidates who have no experience in the industry can get an average salary of INR 3 Lakh per annum. Apart from this, experienced candidates can get up to INR 7 Lakh per annum.

Who are the top recruiters for Ground Staff?

Ground Staff are mainly hired by airline companies. Some of the recruiting companies for this profile are Air India, Vistara, AirAsia India, GoAir, SpiceJet, Lufthansa and IndiGo.

What type of job profiles are available for the Ground Staff?

There are many job profiles available for Ground Staffs such as Avionics Technicians, Airline Ticket Agent, Airline Station Agent, Crew Schedule Coordinator, Reservation Sales Agent and Sales Representative.

What are the skills required to work as Ground Staff?

Ground Staff should have good presentation skills, soft skills and good communication skills. They also need to have knowledge of flight operations.

What are the roles and responsibilities of Ground Staff?

Some of the major responsibilities of Ground Staff are handling the unloading and loading of passengers luggage from the aircraft, updating passengers with timings and change in the flight schedule and ensuring that services are being provided to the passengers.

What is the eligibility criteria to become Ground Staff?

You must have completed 12th from any recognised board for a job as ground staff. Candidates who have a Diploma in Airport Ground Staff Training or Post Graduate Diploma in Airport Ground Staff Training will be given preference for this profile.

Who are the Ground Staff professionals?

Ground Staff are the people who are responsible for attending to the customers during the flights. They are also responsible for addressing their queries.

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