Career Opportunities in Aviation Ground Operations
Why Ground Operation Is Becoming One of the Most In-Demand Aviation Careers Globally
What is Aviation Ground Operation?
Aviation Ground Operation refers to all the essential services carried out on the ground to ensure that every flight operates safely, smoothly, and on time. This includes check-in, boarding, passenger assistance, baggage handling, ramp activities, load control, aircraft turnaround coordination, and customer support. These functions collectively form the backbone of daily airport and airline operations.
Why This Career Matters NOW?
Aviation is expanding faster than ever
Global air travel is growing at record speed, with passenger numbers expected to double by 2040. Airlines around the world are facing a shortage of skilled ground staff, making aviation operations one of the most employment-ready sectors today.
Tourism and aviation rise together
Almost half of all international tourists travel by air, which means that as global tourism rebounds and grows, airports and airlines require more trained personnel to support operations on the ground. This growth directly translates into more job opportunities.
Japan’s SSW program has added Ground Handling
Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program—one of the world’s most structured overseas employment systems—now officially includes Airport Ground Handling. Since Bangladesh has already signed MoUs with Japan, this creates a direct government-to-government employment opportunity for young people who receive the right training.
Bangladesh’s Demand Is Immediate and Growing
Bangladesh’s aviation sector has become one of the fastest expanding in the region. The country is currently home to 31 foreign airlines, 4 local airlines, several passenger and cargo charter operators, and a national ground handling company that supports most of the airlines operating here. All of these organizations face continuous shortages of trained, operationally capable ground staff.
The upcoming Terminal 3, new airline routes, cargo expansion, and increased tourism will significantly multiply workforce requirements. When Terminal 3 becomes fully operational, the capacity of passenger handling will rise from 8 million to 24 million a year and more than 6000 new ground operation professionals will be needed within the next year alone.
Why Ground Operation Is a Strong Career Choice?
Ground operation roles offer a blend of prestige, professionalism, and global exposure. Aviation is considered a luxury service industry where operational discipline, safety culture, and high-standard customer service are essential parts of daily work life. Many young professionals choose this sector because the skills they acquire are internationally recognized.
One of the greatest advantages is skill portability. Since aviation follows ICAO and IATA global standards, anyone trained in ground operation in Bangladesh can apply the same skills in countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Turkey, and the Maldives. The career also welcomes individuals from a wide range of academic backgrounds, as operational competency and communication skills often matter more than academic degrees.
Worldwide, airports and airlines are struggling to fill roles in passenger service, ramp operations, load control, cargo support, and turnaround coordination. This makes the profession not only in high demand but also resistant to automation, ensuring long-term job security.
Job Opportunities in Bangladesh and Abroad
In Bangladesh, vacancies in ground operations appear regularly in Dhaka, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and in domestic airports. Both foreign and local airlines, as well as ground handling companies, consistently expand their teams.
Internationally, regions such as the Middle East have become major recruiters. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, and Muscat hire ground staff throughout the year. Japan, through its SSW program, now offers structured long-term employment opportunities with excellent safety culture and stable earnings. Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore, the Maldives, and Turkey also maintain a steady demand for trained aviation personnel.
What Roles Can Freshers Expect?
Newly trained individuals can start careers in passenger service, check-in, boarding, customer service, baggage and ramp operations, aircraft loading support, load control assistance, cargo handling, ticketing and reservations, GSA operations support, and airside safety. With experience, they can progress to coordinator, supervisor, duty officer, and eventually airport or station manager positions.
Why Freshers Should Consider This Career?
Ground operation offers a clear path for growth, global mobility, and professional recognition. Many young people choose this field because it allows them to work in a dynamic, international environment, earn competitive salaries both locally and abroad, and build a career respected across the world. Japan’s SSW pathway has added an extra layer of opportunity, opening doors to one of the safest and most developed aviation sectors globally.
How Aviation.com.bd Is Leading This National Skills Movement?
Aviation.com.bd Academy is the only dedicated aviation ground operation training center in Bangladesh open for public enrollment, focused exclusively on industry-relevant skills. Its curriculum is aligned with ICAO and IATA global standards, ensuring that students learn the same practices followed by airports and airlines worldwide.
More than 60 students have already been trained and are ready to join the industry. All programs are designed by Harunur Rashid (AvMP), an IATA-certified Aviation Management Professional. With years of experience—including serving as Airport Manager for Air Arabia—and professional certifications such as Train-the-Trainer from IATA Singapore and a Diploma in Ground Operation Management, he brings 15 years of industry experience directly into the classroom. The academy’s mission is to prepare Bangladeshi youth for jobs not only in local airports but also in international hubs across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Japan.
