Ramp/Operations

Thanks guys

Consist of:

Baggage loading / off loading
Baggage stacking in the halls
Push back
Head sets
Airstarts
GPU
De-icing
Coach driving
Aircraft Towing
Passenger Steps
Chocking
Cones
Handling Bins/Containers
Marshalling
Air bridges

Ramp generally or loosely means any job which is undertaken on the tarmac, where aircraft park during a turnaround. Positions such as baggage loader, pushback, guys who service toilets etc. Many employed by a third party such as Menzies, Servisair or Swissport, though some airlines do have their won handling services. Dispatchers would also be part of the ramp team, when supervising a turnaround, however can also fall part of operations.

Operations are in my mind 2 areas. 1, every airline will have an operations department close to their head office, which controls their own fleet of aircraft throughout the world, sometimes including crew etc. They do a hell of a lot more besides! 2, handling agents also have operations offices at airports, where dispatchers, load controllers etc produce load sheets and generally ‘run’ the shift from.

Obviously some of the others on here maybe able to add more, but thats kind of an overview for you. 🙂