SOC 2020 · 8233
Air transport operatives
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Not eligible
No Skilled Worker route through this code.
Salary floor
£41,700
The higher of the going rate and the general threshold.
Shortage lists
Not listed
This code is on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | £26,837 |
| 25th | £29,587 |
| 50th | £34,700 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | £26,837 | £29,587 | £34,700 | — | — |
| East 2025 | — | — | £28,317 | — | — |
| London 2025 | — | — | £40,220 | — | — |
| North West 2025 | — | — | £29,435 | — | — |
| South East 2025 | — | — | £37,557 | — | — |
| West Midlands 2025 | — |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Air transport operatives refuel, load and unload aircraft, direct the movement of aircraft at airports, and positions gangways or staircases to allow passengers to board and disembark aircraft.
Typical tasks
refuels aircraft from mobile tankers
directs the ground movement of aircraft at airports
responds to emergencies or incidents on the airfield and completes runway inspections
loads and unloads conveyor belts to transport luggage between terminal buildings and aircraft, monitors conveyor belts and clears any blockages
loads aircraft with luggage, in-flight meals, refreshments and other items
operates retractable gangway or positions mobile staircases to enable passengers and crew to board and disembark aircraft
x-rays cargo and luggage
Entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements, though employers may require entrants to possess GCSEs/S grades for some posts. Training is provided Off and on-the-job. Vocational qualifications in Aviation Operations on the Ground at level 2 and 3 and apprenticeships are available.