Wayfinding for Airport Employment & In the Aviation Industry
Airports are vital not only for their principal function of air transportation but also to the region that they are located in and the communities that surround them. As centers of economic activity, airports have a significant economic impact within a region by supporting and enabling the movement of people and goods, stimulating local businesses through tourism, attracting investment and businesses to an area, and generating employment directly within the airport itself and indirectly through jobs created by businesses that service the airport and its travelers.
In the recently published New York State Department of Transportation (2024) Economic Impacts of New York State Airports and Aviation Executive Summary: The New York Airport System is an economic engine supporting the New York State economy. Its system of 131 public-use airports provides a critical component of access to communities and regions across the State. New York’s significant investment in our airports has also allowed them to outpace other industries.
The State’s commitment to airport development and strategic investments has positioned New York on an upward trajectory in aviation and overall economic impact. The aviation sector of New York’s economy grew by $30 billion over the last 10 years. New York (State) airports support more than 454,000 aviation-related jobs, which are high-paying and outperform many jobs in other sectors of the economy.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates the largest airport system in the United States and is the largest network of airports in the world. They include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia Airport, Teterboro Airport, and New York Stewart International Airport.
The following statistics, reported in the Port Authority’s 2023 Airport Traffic Report, speak to the Port Authority’s commitment to provide the NY metropolitan region with incomparable global access, restoring the region to the pre-eminent status of America’s gateway to the world.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has been recognized for decades as the premier U.S. gateway for passengers and cargo. JFK is the busiest airport in the New York City metropolitan area and among the busiest in North America and the world. In 2023, the airport served 62.5 million passengers and handled 1.6 million tons of cargo. About 40,500 people are employed at the airport. The airport contributes about $45.4 billion in economic activity to the New York-New Jersey metropolitan region, supporting nearly 238,000 total jobs and more than $19.1 billion in annual wages.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is among the busiest North American and international airports. In 2023, Newark served a record 49.1 million passengers and handled 690,000 tons of air cargo. About 23,000 people are employed at Newark Airport. The airport contributes more than $29.2 billion in annual economic activity to the New York-New Jersey metropolitan region, supporting more than 137,000 total jobs and nearly $12.5 billion in annual wages.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is one of the nation’s leading domestic gateways for business and leisure travel and is the primary business/short-haul airport for New York City. LaGuardia Airport, which, relative to its size, has held the distinction of being the most efficient airport in the world by handling more passengers per acre per year than any other airport, and served a record 32.4 million passengers in 2023. LaGuardia Airport employs about 15,800 people and plays a critical role in addressing the region’s transportation needs and fueling the economy. The airport contributes more than $13.6 billion in economic activity to the New York-New Jersey metropolitan region, supporting nearly 62,000 total jobs and more than $6 billion in annual wages.
Stewart International Airport (SWF) employs about 1,200 people. Airport activity contributed $134 million in economic activity to its region, supporting more than 800 additional jobs and $59 million in annual wages. Half the capital projects initiated by the Port Authority have been awarded to local firms and contractors. A $100 million project that rehabilitated and modernized both runways was completed in mid-2015, representing the largest investment ever made in a single project in Stewart Airport’s history. Since the Port Authority took over the airport in November 2007, it has invested about $220 million to make improvements.
Teterboro Airport (TEB), designated as a reliever airport for general aviation in the New York-New Jersey region, is a 24-hour public-use facility that offers visual, non-precision, and all-weather precision landing capabilities. The airport does not permit scheduled commercial operations and prohibits aircraft operating with weights in excess of 100,000 pounds. Teterboro Airport supports more than 5,000 jobs, paying $362 million in annual wages, and generates nearly $1.2 billion in annual sales activity.
There is a wide range of employment opportunities within the Port Authority, including airport operations, aeronautical services, policy analysis, transportation services, contract management and program management, and more.
A listing of the Port Authority’s current career opportunities in aviation and across all of its sectors can be found at www.jointheportauthority.com
As a whole, both large commercial, municipal, and general aviation airports create a diverse array of almost unlimited employment opportunities, both on-site at the airport and off-site in the surrounding locale, that includes airport management, air traffic control, positions in the airline industry, airport and aircraft dispatch, customer service representatives, maintenance, janitorial and manual labor, technical positions, U.S. Customs, TSA and security roles, freight forwarders, caterers, retail, food service and concessions, ground and transportation attendants, and charter operations.
When considering employment at an airport or a career path in aviation, there are many ways to enter the industry. With the unlimited job opportunities offered, the choice of what path to take or where to begin the process may be overwhelming at first. Still, many airport workforce development and career resources are available here in the New York metropolitan area to assist jobseekers and employers looking to hire qualified and responsible staff.
Airport Worker is an online resource (www.airportworker.com) provided by Metropolitan Airport News that helps job seekers find airport and aviation-related job openings that match their skills and location while assisting hiring managers and recruiters in locating suitable job candidates. Jobseekers can register for a free account on Airport Worker that allows them to post their resumes, allowing aviation and airport company HR professionals to search for job candidates with specific skills. Employers and HR professionals can register for a free account that enables them to post unlimited job listings and the choice to upgrade to Premium for unlimited access to job seeker resumes.
The Council for Airport Opportunity (CAO) was established in 1972 when there were very few workforce development programs and none that were sector-focused like the CAO. The mission of the CAO is to connect local job seekers to employment opportunities at the Port Authority’s airports. At the same time, the CAO is responsible for ensuring that airport employers receive the most qualified candidates in a timely and efficient manner.
Andrew Campbell is the Executive Director of the CAO NY & NJ and spoke of some of the most critical hiring needs today at the New York metropolitan region’s airports and in the aviation industry. “Every job at the airport is critical. The airport doesn’t function well unless all of the staff are performing at a high level. We do have a more difficult time sourcing CDL driver positions. There is a nationwide CDL driver shortage, and we feel that here at our airports. At CAO, we work with different training schools and our community-based organizations to source qualified candidates for these roles.”
Two new initiatives that have significantly benefited the community are CAO’s satellite offices and the Office of Second Chance Employment (OSCE) program. Mr. Campbell discussed how the satellite offices have played a vital role in bringing airport job opportunities close to local residents. As part of the LaGuardia Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport’s redevelopment programs, CAO opened smaller offices in Corona and Far Rockaway.
These convenient locations make it easier for residents who live adjacent to LaGuardia and JFK Airports to learn about and pursue career opportunities available at the airports.
“The Office of Second Chance Employment (OSCE) program has made a profound impact on individuals affected by the criminal justice system. This initiative provides pathways for these candidates to access meaningful employment opportunities at our airports. Together, these programs have been instrumental in helping CAO achieve its mission of connecting the community with valuable job opportunities,” said Campbell.
In order to initiate their job search, Campbell said, “I encourage all prospective job seekers to visit our website at www.caonynj.com. On the Job Seeker Services page, you can register with CAO. Once registered, a CAO representative will contact you to schedule an appointment at one of our offices. We ask that you bring a resume and identifications, if possible, and dress professionally for your appointment.”
During the meeting with the CAO representative, Campbell explained that job seekers will have the opportunity to discuss their career goals and explore potential employment opportunities with the representative, “If you qualify for one of our open positions, we will connect you with one of our airport employer partners. Should you need additional support, we are committed to providing the resources and guidance necessary to help you become a successful candidate,” added Campbell.
CUNY Aviation Institute at York College
Located between the two busiest airports in New York (JFK and LaGuardia), York College is an educational institution that is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. The CUNY Aviation Institute at York College serves as the interface between the School of Business and Information Systems at York College and the aviation industry and offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree program in Aviation Management. The programs are designed to prepare graduates who will assume leadership roles in the global aviation industry and related fields, as the College collaborates with the public and private sectors to work on research projects and helps its students find internships and permanent jobs in the aviation industry.
At York, students have opportunities for involvement in many aspects of aviation life, including participation in major aviation conferences across the country, volunteering for airline special occasions, collaborating in research with the faculty, and attending luncheons and galas to network with industry leaders.
Separate from a bachelor’s program in Aviation Management, York College offers a non-degree FAA Dispatcher Certificate program, for which only a high school diploma is required. The dispatcher certificate program is something like continuing education that can be taken from outside. Those interested in the certificate program do not have to be enrolled as a York student.
The FAA Dispatcher Certificate program is a two-year, four-semester, 4-course (16 credit hour) series of instructions that allows students to sit for the Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Dispatch certificate exam. The program requires the completion of four classes, which are outlined online. York students may take the four courses as an elective for credit and declare it as a minor, but should they want to qualify for the FAA dispatcher exam, they must meet FAA requirements that are above and beyond the course requirement for receiving credit at York.
Specifically, if taking the course in order to be FAA certified, you must pass each course in sequence with a higher average than required to pass the course for credit. A minimum of 85% overall and 85% and up on the final is required to move on to the next class in the sequence. If taking the class as an elective for credit toward graduation, standard grading applies.
When sitting for the written and practical exams, you must be a minimum of 21 years old.
Once the written exam is completed, the test score is valid for two years from the date of the examination. The age requirement for certification is 23, but the FAA will allow you to work under (Weight and Balance section or Crew Scheduling) supervision until the age of 23 is reached.
Licensed dispatchers are employed by airlines to manage the ground-based tasks vital to a successful airline flight, including pre-flight planning and preparation, weather variations, traffic delays, and other information necessary to the crew and other staff. Aircraft dispatchers share with pilots the ultimate responsibility for a flight’s commencement and completion. The dispatcher certification is very valuable in that dispatchers earn above-average wages and are in high demand, with some salaries starting in the six figures.
The dispatcher plays a vital role in helping airplanes safely travel from one location to another “It is pretty serious work,” said Shehla Iftekhar, Academic & Career Advisor, Aviation Management at York. Ms. Iftekhar noted that November 1st is World Dispatcher’s Day and that York is the only New York State school that offers the dispatcher certification course, adding, “It’s our pride and glory, that we have this program.”
Working as a team with Denecia Marshall, Academy Internship Specialist at York College, Shehla Iftekhar and Ms. Marshall offer students access to tailored advisement and career support and a dedicated team of aviation industry specialists to mentor them during their college days in the Aviation Management program and beyond. For more information about the program call (718) 262-2502 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
