Aircraft Loader/Cleaner

Aircraft Loader/Cleaner

Tasks may include:

• sorting baggage
• driving the baggage and freight to the aircraft
• helping position loading ramps, passenger ramps and other equipment
• placing items on the aircraft according to instructions
• handling livestock
• unloading the aircraft
• finding people’s bags in the baggage hold
• directing aircraft into parking positions.

Skills and knowledge

Aircraft loaders/cleaners need to have:
• knowledge of baggage and freight handling, as well as stacking and lifting techniques
• knowledge of how to handle dangerous goods
• an understanding of airport regulations and procedures, and safety and emergency procedures
• driving skills
• time management skills
• basic maths skills.

Personal qualities

To be an aircraft loader/cleaner you need to be responsible, careful, logical and practical. You also need an eye for detail, and to be able to work quickly and efficiently as part of a team.

Career progression

Aircraft loaders/cleaners are often initially employed as casual staff, then move on to permanent full-time and part-time positions. You may then move on to becoming a foreman, which means you can sign-out aircraft. You can move into related areas such as marshalling aircraft on taxiways and stands, or organising transport for airline crew.