Beyond Pilots: Unconventional Paths to a Successful Aviation Career

When it comes to the sky, it is usually the pilot and flight attendant roles that get romanticised. Nonetheless, there are still further positions in the industry that could bring successful careers. Gabriele Gile, Human Resources Business Partner at BGS – a leading ground handling service company – shares her insights on career opportunities, the industry's demand for skilled professionals, and common myths about careers in aviation.

In the ground handling sector, G. Gile highlights the growing demand for passenger service agents, as well as cargo and baggage handlers. This trend is fueled by the rapid expansion of the industry, technological advancements, the rising number of passengers and amount of cargo.

"Only a few realize that starting in these roles can lead to significant career advancement. We have many success stories, such as one employee who started as a passenger service agent, later became an auditor, and is now successfully working for an airline in Australia that is part of the Avia Solutions Group. Another started as a ramp agent and, through dedication and hard work, worked his way up to the position of CEO," says the HR specialist.

Personal characteristics matter

According to G. Gile, emotional resilience and interpersonal skills are particularly important for employees who interact with passengers.

"These professionals deal directly with passengers, whose behavior can vary greatly. Employees must ensure smooth service while maintaining composure and professionalism, even in challenging situations. Passenger service agents must provide all necessary information in a calm and professional manner, regardless of the circumstances. Empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills are essential," she says.

The most popular myth

Although some roles in the aviation industry are commonly seen as male-dominated, women have proved successful in those roles also. The popular perception of aviation as a male-dominated field is a myth.

"Our organization has many talented women who prove through their professionalism and competence that aviation is totally open to everyone. We have exceptional female ramp agents who have seamlessly integrated into the team and contributed to the successful aircraft handling process. This shows that the categorization of jobs as 'male' or 'female' is outdated. I am confident that in the future we will see even more women in prominent positions, driving leadership in the sector," says G. Gile.

No previous experience necessary

For those who may feel intimidated by the lack of experience in aviation, Gabrielė reassures them by providing more details about the training.

“Most of our new colleagues begin their roles without prior experience in ground handling services, and we are fully prepared to provide all the necessary information and knowledge to help them succeed in this field. The training department takes care of newcomers from day one, ensuring they are well prepared for all job tasks. Specialized training programmes are designed for passenger service agents, cargo and baggage handlers, ramp agents, aviation fuel tanker drivers and fuel system operators. The training includes not only theoretical knowledge but also practical activities, where participants observe and learn in a real working environment. We strive to develop talent by actively collaborating with educational institutions and participating in exhibitions and other initiatives,” says the HR specialist.