Understanding Airline and Airport Operations

Learning Outcome 1: Indicative Content 

Examples of airport jobs

• Airport fire service/police/customs and immigration
• Air traffic control
• Airport engineering and maintenance
• Aircraft refuelling
• Handling agents e.g. baggage handling, dispatchers, push back tams)
• Check-in / baggage drop / queue management
• Security
• Restaurants/bars/hotels
• Retail
• Information desks
• Car hire currency and exchange/bus and train operator

Examples of personal qualities and qualifications needed

• Communication skills/ Interpersonal skills
• Organisational skills
• Personal presentation
• A ‘can do’ attitude/problem solving
• Enthusiasm / creativity
• Job specific skills e.g. engineering
• Job specific qualifications e.g. ATC, HGV licence

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1
  Describe the main jobs within a large airport.
• 1.2
  Describe the main personal qualities and qualifications needed for selected contrasting jobs.

Learning Outcome 2: Indicative Content 

Stages of standard check-in procedure

• Check flight information screens to know which desk to go to
• Queue with other passengers
• At check in desk show passport and tickets
• Put luggage on baggage belt to be weighed
• Answer questions from check in staff
• Collect boarding card
• Proceed to security

Exceptions may be due to:

• use of on-line check it at home to get boarding pass
• using on line terminals at airport
• no hold baggage
• diplomatic status

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1
  Describe the main stages in the standard check-in procedure with reference to the staff involved at each stage.
• 2.2
  Explain why particular groups of passengers may be exempt from all or part of this procedure.

Learning Outcome 3: Indicative Content 

Function of Customs and Excise is to collect customs duties and prevent smuggling and illegal trade by:

• searching luggage
• checking customs documents
• questioning people with illegal items
• arresting and charging people
• preparing reports and witness statements

Function of Immigration service is to make decisions whether people have the right to visit or stay in the UK by:

• interviewing passengers for more information
• arranging for them to go back to their point of departure
• organising a place in a holding area (for people who are claiming asylum)

Importance due to:

• national security
• compliance with legislation
• preventing import of illegal substances

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1
  Describe the key functions of the Customs and Excise Service at an airport.
• 3.2
  Describe the key functions of the Immigration Service at an airport.
• 3.3
  Explain why these services are important.

Learning Outcome 4: Indicative Content 

Security is maintained by:

• X ray equipment
• security officers
• body scanners
• boarding card readers
• Archway Metal detectors (AMDs)
• black trays

Consequences of inadequate security arrangements could include:

• terrorist activities
• queues at airports e.g. due to insufficient staff
• passengers losing confidence in personal safety

Assessment Criteria

• 4.1
  Explain the main ways in which security is maintained at a large airport.
• 4.2
  Explain, with examples, the consequences of inadequate security arrangements.