The unsung heroes of air travel are the people who handle luggage. They are in charge of boarding and departing the airplane with luggage, cargo, and other stuff. However, do they work for airports or airlines? The reply is “both”
The majority of the time, ground handling businesses with agreements with both airlines and airports employ baggage handlers. These businesses offer a variety of services, such as catering, cleaning of the aircraft, and baggage handling. The ground handling company receives payment from the airline for these services, and it also hires the luggage handlers.
Typically, you need a high school graduation or its equivalent, along with a current driver’s license, to work as a luggage handler. Additionally, some firms can insist on a spotless driving record and the capacity to carry substantial weights. It is typical to offer on-the-job training, which may span a few days to a few weeks. Baggage handlers receive training on how to operate tools including conveyor belts, dollies, and tow tractors. They also learn about handling dangerous materials and safety measures.
Passenger and freight are the two main categories of air cargo. Items like carry-on bags, backpacks, and suitcases that passengers bring onto aircraft are referred to as passenger cargo. Contrarily, freight cargo is transported separately and can contain everything from letters and packages to live animals and dangerous materials.
It takes particular knowledge and training to handle air shipments. The guidelines set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) must be understood by air cargo handlers. They also need to be able to read and comprehend air waybills, which are lists of each shipment’s contents.
There are various kinds of air cargo, and each has specific handling and transportation needs. The most typical kind is general cargo, which contains things like clothing, electronics, and machinery. Items like fresh vegetables, flowers, and medicines are examples of perishable cargo. Live animals need specific handling, while dangerous goods need to be handled with the utmost care. Specialized equipment and handling techniques are needed for handling oversized cargo, such as machinery or cars.
Last but not least, baggage handlers are employed by ground handling firms that have agreements with both airlines and airports. Typically, you need a high school graduation or its equivalent, along with a current driver’s license, to work as a luggage handler. There are various sorts of air cargo, and each has specific handling and transportation needs. The IATA and ICAO laws and regulations, as well as the particular specifications for each type of cargo, must be understood by air cargo handlers.
A high school diploma or its equivalent is normally required to work as an air freight agent, while certain businesses may also insist on further education or training. Additionally, you’ll need to receive a security clearance and finish any training or certification requirements. It’s crucial to do your homework on any applicable laws as well as the specific requirements for the firm you’re interested in working for. To improve your chances of landing a job, you might also think about acquiring experience in adjacent industries like logistics or transportation.