Aviation Manager

Travel Trade Recruitment Limited; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel company based in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Aviation Manager to lead the daily operations of the Aviation department. This role requires strong GDS expertise, preferably with Amadeus and Galileo, and proven experience in managing a team. The starting salary is up to £40k per annum with benefits. Candidates may work hybrid or fully remote, depending on experience. Join a dynamic team focused on driving aviation projects forward and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience managing an aviation team for a Tour Operator.
• Experience ticketing for multiple airlines is essential.
• Familiarity with GDS systems, specifically Amadeus and/or Galileo.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the Aviation department.
• Build relationships with GDS providers.
• Monitor competitor activity and pricing weekly.
• Oversee the ticket department's daily functions.
• Conduct airline training for the reservations team.

Skills

GDS expertise (Amadeus, Galileo)

Experience in project management

Team management

Ticketing and reissuing

Job description

We have a fabulous opportunity for an experienced Aviation Manager from a Tour Operator background to join an established, successful Birmingham‑based Travel Company. You will be responsible for the daily operations of the Aviation (Fares & Ticketing) department, ensuring the team completes all processes and tasks within the required deadlines. You will be a GDS (ideally Amadeus & Galileo) expert with experience of managing a small team. The starting salary is up to £40k per annum, depending on experience. Hours are Monday‑Friday 9am‑6pm (some out‑of‑hours cover). The role can be based in our client’s Birmingham office on a hybrid basis or fully remote if you have the perfect experience.

Job Description

• The Aviation Operations Manager will be responsible for all Aviation Projects, building relationships with GDS providers, securing new deals, meeting targets and driving our aviation business forward.
• The role will involve liaising with existing e‑sales customers, reservations and airlines.
• The main aspect of the role will be project management and overseeing the ticket department on a daily basis.
• Ensure that the reservations team is updated with new fares, special fares and routing changes by communicating effectively with daily fare updates and maintaining daily communications.
• Assist with GDS relationships at the operational level.
• Monitor competitor activity and pricing against our own across airlines on a weekly basis.
• Specialist fare management, including cruise fares, NDC, I.T. fares, e‑global, corporate fares and one‑ways, ensuring they are loaded into all GDS systems (Amadeus, Galileo).
• Manage the ADM & ACM process from start to finish.
• In conjunction with the training department, conduct and help to co‑ordinate airline training for the reservations team.
• Manage relationships with our e‑sales customers to keep them updated with relevant new fares.
• Analyse fares, airline information, and proactively promote good deals to marketing, management and reservations.
• Advise the reservations and after‑sales team of any disruptions to airline services that will affect passengers and ensure contingency plans are followed.
• Cover the out‑of‑hours emergency line as part of a rota.

Experience Required

• Solid experience of hands‑on managing an aviation team for a Tour Operator.
• Experience of ticketing and reissuing for multiple airlines.
• Solid experience of native GDS Amadeus and/or Galileo.
• Current/Recent experience in a similar role.
• Full rights to work in the UK.

Package

This role is primarily office‑based near Birmingham, with flexibility for remote work if suitable. The starting salary is up to £40k per annum plus benefits to be discussed at interview.

How to Apply

Please attach your CV and follow the instructions to apply. If you are not interested in this role, we have a variety of other opportunities available – submit your CV to us! Contact Claire Muge for more information or to discuss potential roles.