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Useful experience for aircraft loaders includes:

• work at an airport
• work with heavy machinery and vehicles
• labouring
• warehouse work
• work in a team
• any work involving heavy lifting.

Aircraft loaders may do some or all of the following:

• drive baggage and freight between planes and airport terminals or cargo buildings
• load and unload aircraft
• operate equipment such as cargo and belt loaders, lift trucks, ramp tractors and loading systems
• help position loading ramps, passenger ramps and other equipment
• help guide planes into their berth and secure the aircraft
• drive aircraft tugs, which push or pull planes into position on the runway or tarmac.

Regular vacancies despite declining number of aircraft loaders

Vacancies for aircraft loaders arise reasonably often as many leave the job after a short time to move into other roles, or more senior positions. However, the number of aircraft loaders working in New Zealand is declining as some are not being replaced when they leave the job.

Opportunities for aircraft loaders are best at Auckland International Airport and Christchurch International Airport, as these are two of New Zealand's busiest airports.

According to the Census, 1314 aircraft loaders worked in New Zealand in 2018. 

Part-time work can lead to full-time aircraft loader job

People often get into aircraft loading by doing casual or part-time baggage handling. Casual or part-time positions are available throughout the year, though summer can be a good time to apply as airlines are usually busier then.

Most aircraft loaders work for one of two companies

Aircraft loaders either work directly for Air New Zealand, or for companies that supply contractors to airlines.

The largest of these companies is Menzies Aviation, which supplies aircraft loaders to many airlines.

ServiceIQ

0800 863 693 - info@serviceiq.org.nz - www.serviceiq.org.nz

Aircraft loaders may progress to work as team leaders or managers.

Aircraft loaders need to be:

• quick-thinking and able to make good judgements
• able to work well under pressure
• accurate, methodical and patient in their work
• able to work well independently and in a team
• safety-conscious
• good communicators.