Aviation is a very dynamic industry and many people dream of having jobs in aviation. Airports and airlines employ a very big number of workers and staff in various fields. You can have an aviation job in the air or on the ground.
Since Nepal is a landlocked country and there are no ocean routes, the country heavily relies on air transportation for international transport. Many people, especially youngsters dream of having a career in aviation at an early age.
In Nepal, the only International Airport that the country has and is functional is the Tribhuvan International Airport. Apart from the International airport, there are many other domestic airports in Nepal. Lukla Airport, also known as the Tenzing- Hillary which is one of the world's most dangerous airports. The airport leads the way to Everest Base Camp.
There are 43 airports as of now in Nepal. Here is a list of the 10 most prominent airports of Nepal in terms of air traffic:
1. Lukla Airport
IATA Code: LUA
ICAO Code: VNLK
World Area Code: 755
2. Tribhuvan International Airport
IATA Code: KTM
ICAO Code: VNKT
World Area Code: 755
3. Pokhara Airport
IATA Code: PKR
ICAO Code: VNPK
World Area Code: 755
4. Simara Airport
IATA Code: SIF
ICAO Code: VNSI
World Area Code: 755
5. Bharatpur Airport
IATA Code: BHR
ICAO Code: VNBP
World Area Code: 755
6. Biratnagar Airport
IATA Code: BIR
ICAO Code: VNVT
World Area Code: 755
7. Gautam Buddha Airport
IATA Code: BWA
ICAO Code: VNBW
World Area Code: 755.
8. Nepalgunj Airport
IATA Code: KEP
ICAO Code: VNNG
World Area Code: 755
9. Bajhang Airport
IATA Code: BJH
ICAO Code: VNBG
World Area Code: 755
10. Bajura Airport
IATA Code: BJU
ICAO Code: VNBR
World Area Code: 755
Three major airlines operate International flights in Nepal; Nepal Airlines, Buddha Air, and Himalaya airlines. Domestic airlines such as Saurya Airlines, Shree Airlines, Tara Air, Yeti Airlines, Sita Air, Simrik Airlines, and Summit Air are also actively operating in Nepal.
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Aviation is a big dynamic industry. Explore the industry and find a field that you want to work in.
Pursue all necessary training and qualifications in your desired field.
Improve your communication skills and master intercultural communication.
Acquire all the necessary skills required in the industry like organization, setting goals, supervision, decision making, problem-solving, etc.
Opt for certification while taking courses.
Develop interpersonal skills and increase your PR in the aviation industry.
1. Pilot/Co-Pilot
As a pilot, your major task is to fly and navigate aeroplanes, helicopters, and other aircraft. Pilots are employed by airline companies and work for them according to the need for air transportation.
The job of a Co-Pilot is to assist the pilot during flights. As a co-pilot, you may handle radio communication, navigation and complete the checklists of flying. While flying an aircraft, the pilot is the captain and the copilot is the first officer.
To become a pilot, here are a few requirements you need to have:
Go to a flight school
Be over the age of 21
Hold a Commercial Pilot License
Pass the medical tests ensuring your fitness and health
You need to pass all the enhanced background checks.
2. Flight Attendant
As a flight attendant, your job requires you to guide and assist the passengers in terms of safety and comfort, greeting and communicating with the customers, helping passengers with their seatings as well as taking orders and serving the passengers.
Flight attendants also make sure that the cabin is secure and constantly monitor the area. During a time of crisis, it is the job of a flight attendant to guide the passengers as well as making the passengers aware of the aircraft rules is done by the flight attendants.
Few requirements for a flight attendant:
Fluency in English and other languages if possible.
Professional look
Cabin crew certification and training.
Ability to work in teams
Interpersonal and communication skills.
3. Air traffic controller
The main job of an air traffic controller or an ATC is to manage air traffic to enhance safe flight operations. ATC's maintain and control the flow of aircraft in and out of the airport and during flights as well. The concentration required for this job is very high and is very stressful.
Here are a few requirements for an air traffic controller:
A very strong base in physics and mathematics.
The age criteria are over 27 years.
Must have a degree in the respective field.
Some professional history in the aviation management industry.
Below are some types of job roles as an Air Traffic Controller:
ATC
Approach and Departure Controller
Tower Controller
En Route Controller
4. Airport Manager
The job of an airport manager is to oversee the departments and employees of the airport, supervise day-to-day operations as well as plan and execute plans. As an airport manager, you will have to deal with multiple jobs and it is a pretty hectic job. However, primarily, they look after airport safety, regulations, and budget planning.
Here are a few requirements for an airport manager:
Bachelor's degree in an aviation-related course.
The course should include subjects like aerodynamics, physics, aviation sciences, economics, finance, and management.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience in airport management
Stress management and ability to multitask
Leadership and team management skills.
5. Aeronautical engineer
Many youngsters who have an interest in airplanes and it's mechanism aspire to be aeronautical engineers. If you are an aeronautical engineer, you can be a Racing Car Designer, Flight Mechanics Engineer, Graduate Engineer Trainee, Assistant aircraft engineer, Aircraft Production engineer, Assistant Technical Officers, and Air safety officer, and as a space scientist in government organizations.
Here are few requirements to be an aeronautical engineer:
Degree, training, and qualification in the respective field.
Minimum of 75% in your high school diploma.
Astronomical interest in mathematics, physics, and mechanics.
Critical Thinking
Creativity and design
6. Airfield operations specialist
In the aviation industry, the main job of an Airfield Operations Specialist is to act as a coordinator between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety protocols, monitoring, and also maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather-related information. Operational specialists optimize the day-to-day activities and manage the workflow.
Here are a few requirements for an Airfield Operation Specialist:
Degree in Air traffic control or a respective field of aviation.
The skill of leadership and project management.
Professional and business writing
Whether charts and data entry
Proficiency in databases and spreadsheets.
Ability to stay focused, multi-task, and pay attention to details.
7. Airline Administrative Support
There are various job profiles that you can work under airline administrative support. These include aviation jobs like secretaries, mail clerks, data entry workers, receptionists, public relations specialists, and those who work in the human resources team of the airline company.
The primary duties may differ according to the role, however, the tasks in the airline administration usually consist of answering telephones, routing telephone calls, transcribing executive correspondence, data entry, filing paperwork, computer file backups, scheduling and organizing or coordinating meetings, ordering supplies, making travel arrangements, etc.
The qualifications and requirements for a job in airline administration differ according to the position. However, you may be required to have a minimum of a high school diploma to work in the department.
8. Aviation Meteorologist
The main job of an aviation meteorologist is to provide weather information to airline flight dispatchers and pilots. An aviation meteorologist determines present and forecasted weather conditions for all altitudes, the direction and speed of the wind, cloud cover, and precipitation. Meteorology being the sub-discipline of Atmospheric Science majorly focuses on weather processes and forecasting.
Here are a few requirements for an aviation meteorologist:
Must have taken science stream in class 12.
Degree in the respective field
Attention to detail and good concentration.
Good technological skills
9. Regional Sales Manager
The main job of a Regional Sales Manager is to be responsible for the sale of business products or services in a specified region/geographical area. In the aviation industry, airline companies hire regional/district sales managers to oversee all of the region's reservations and ticket sales offices, and the sales representatives in that district. Regional sales managers will also participate in social events outside of working hours in an attempt to make business contacts and generate or follow up on sales leads while maintaining customer relationships.
Requirements of a Regional Sales Manager:
Degree in business administration
Strong communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Team management and PR
Leadership
Decision making and problem-solving
10. Transportation Security screener
Transportation security screeners conduct screening of passengers, baggage, or cargo ensuring compliance with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations. They also operate basic security equipment such as x-ray machines and hand wands at screening checkpoints.
To get a job as a transport security screener, one must have an entry-level certification which is a high school diploma or an equivalent course. Not much work experience is required and training is provided according to the job requirements.
You get to build a strong global network.
The aviation industry employs a large range of staff in fields, therefore, you have a lot to choose from.
You will get added benefits like free travel passes, health, and life insurance, etc.
You will get a paid vacation.
There is a wide pay range in aviation.
Flexible work schedule
Multiple days off and leaves of absence.
The aviation industry is a dream come true for those who love travelling and meeting new people.
Since aviation provides the only rapid International transportation network, in a landlocked, country like Nepal, it is extremely crucial. This dynamic industry has thousands of opportunities whether you decide to work on air or from the ground, invest or get a job; the career gates in this industry are open to just anyone.
However, the one thing to keep in mind before jumping into this industry is to do your proper research to ensure that the aviation industry is the right choice to build your career on.