Air Operations Lead — Global Travel & Group Contracts

Mayflower Cruises & Tours; Lisle (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Mayflower Cruises & Tours seeks an experienced Air Department Manager to lead our Lisle, Illinois air operations. You will oversee domestic and international air reservations, ticketing, and related processes, guiding a team of Air Coordinators to deliver exceptional service.

The role requires Sabre GDS expertise and strong Amadeus experience, with ARC reporting familiarity. Lead contracts, pricing, and traveler requests while ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of airline reservations, ticketing, or travel operations.
• Sabre GDS proficiency required.
• Experience with Amadeus GDS preferred; training can be provided.
• Strong knowledge of domestic and international airfare construction, ticketing, exchanges, refunds, reissues, and airline fare rules.
• Experience managing group air bookings and contracts is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and support the Air Department team to ensure efficient daily operations and exceptional customer service.
• Manage group air contracts.
• Oversee the booking, ticketing, reissuance, exchanges, refunds, and cancellations for domestic and international travel.
• Coordinate airline seat assignments, upgrades, and special service requests.
• Partner closely with Sales, Operations, and Customer Service teams to communicate flight schedules, itinerary updates, and traveler requests.
• Monitor air pricing, schedule changes, and airline policies to optimize travel arrangements and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company procedures, and quality standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, increase productivity, and enhance the customer experience.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

Sabre GDS

Amadeus GDS

ARC reporting

Job description

Mayflower Cruises & Tours seeks an experienced Air Department Manager to lead our Lisle, Illinois air operations. You will oversee domestic and international air reservations, ticketing, and related processes, guiding a team of Air Coordinators to deliver exceptional service.

The role requires Sabre GDS expertise and strong Amadeus experience, with ARC reporting familiarity. Lead contracts, pricing, and traveler requests while ensuring compliance and efficiency.