AVIATION

AVIATION

The Aviation sector includes both air transport and transport via space. Air transport includes activities such as flying of passengers, freight and charter flights. Transport via space includes activities such as launching of satellites and spacecrafts into outer-space.

Source: New Economy Manchester's Policy & Research Team

Key Statistics 

Distribution of Employees in Aviation

working within Greater Manchester, 2007

Employment Concentrations 

based on numbers working in Aviation in Greater Manchester, 2007

Large or significant Aviation employers in Greater Manchester include:

BAE Systems - Aircraft manufacturers and supplies

Continental Airlines Inc - Airline services

Davies Turner & Co. Ltd - Export, shipping, storage and forwarding agents

DSV Transport UK - Shipping and forwarding agents

Groundstar Ltd - Airline ground services

Manchester Airport - Airport

Ringway Handling Services - Airline services

Servisair Plc - Aviation ground services

Thomas Cook Airlines - Airline

Worldspan Services - Airline services

Source: Business Support Solutions, 2008

Employment Concentrations 

based on numbers working in Aviation in Greater Manchester, 2007

Forecast employment changes in Aviation

in Greater Manchester, 2008-2013

Occupations include:

Air traffic controllers

Air transport operatives

Air travel assistants

Aircraft pilots and flight engineers

Case Studies

I have always had a desire to travel and see the world, as well as a yearning to do a job that offers more than the usual nine to five routine. Working as an air cabin crew member means I get just that. I’ve been in the role for about nine months now and have loved every minute of it. I get the chance to travel all over the world – Canada, Australia, Japan – and get paid for it!

A great thing about this job is that it is so varied and no two days are the same. I’ve already had to deal with medical emergencies as well as the more typical tasks like meeting and greeting passengers and dealing with their queries, using my language skills and checking equipment.

Long-haul flights pay really well because on top of the basic salary you get extra allowances. There are promotion opportunities too – in a few years I’d like to be in charge of my own cabin and hopefully one day be promoted to cabin service director which would mean being in charge of all cabin crew on the aircraft.

I’d definitely recommend this job because you have the opportunity to travel round the world and meet some really interesting people along the way. What more could you want?

Becoming a pilot has always been a dream of mine. I learned to fly while at university where I joined the University Air Squadron. From there, I was sent for selection to join the RAF as a helicopter pilot.

Being asked to join the RAF and fulfilling my ambition was a great feeling. I love the flying and working as a crew member. You need to be adaptable and have a lot of common sense to do this job as you never know what situations you are going to face. Though it’s really hard work it’s also extremely rewarding, especially when you get to rescue people in difficulty.

For anyone interested in becoming a pilot, my first piece of advice would be to join your nearest Air Training Corps and do some flying to see if you like it. I’d also suggest contacting the Armed Forces Careers Office to find out about sponsorship for students and to let them know you’re interested in a career with the RAF.

Above all, make sure flying is what you want to do before applying as the training is hard. However, it’s also fantastic fun and I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing!