Automation and Robotics
- Autonomous systems will streamline repetitive tasks
- Work will evolve to remote monitoring and exception handling
- Greater systems-thinking and problem-solving skills required
For Industry Partners
How Industry Partners Drive Job Redesign In The Aviation Sector
Trade Associations, Chambers and Institutes of Higher Learning play a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation talent. Explore evolving trends, job impact, skills shifts, and the resources available to support transformation.
In Partnership With
How is the sector changing and trends I need to align to?
TrendsWhat are the jobs evolving in the sector, so that I can better align my programmes and offerings?
Impact on JobsWhat are the new jobs that I can excite my members or students with?
Emerging JobsWhat are the new skills that I will need to train my members or students in?
SkillsHow Aviation Sector Is Evolving
The aviation sector is evolving under various macro-forces: the growth of air traffic, infrastructure and capacity expansion, rapid technological advancement and shifting consumer and workforce demographics. Six sectoral megatrends will continue to reshape jobs and skills requirements.
Technology Trends
Digitalisation
- Greater integration of digital technologies with traditional systems
- Digitalised resource deployment and asset tracking systems will demand higher levels of digital literacy and data-handling skills
Data and Artificial Intelligence
- Full potential of artificial intelligence will be harnessed with digitalisation and greater collection of data
- Greater data interpretation and analytical skills required to better predict contingencies and minimise disruptions
Non-Technology Trends
Changing Consumer Preferences
- Heightened demand for seamless, contactless and personalised travel experiences
- Customer roles will evolve to provide real-time digital assistance
- Stronger communication and service-design skills required
Changing Workforce Preferences
- Rising demand for flexible work arrangements, work-life balance and career development
- Stronger leadership and change management skills required as work models evolve to offer supportive work environment
Sustainability
- Rising demand for fuel-efficient, alternative fuel aircrafts, electric vehicles and carbon offsets
- New sustainability skills required for adoption in the workforce
Keep up with the latest trends and support here
How Will Existing Jobs In The Aviation Sector Be Impacted?
The megatrends will impact different job roles in the sector to varying degrees. The Aviation Jobs Transformation Report highlighted that up to 30% of aviation jobs may experience redesign and transformation over the next five years, of which majority are in the Ground Handling sub-sector.
High Degree of Impact
Jobs are expected to change significantly. Job holders may require substantial reskilling or upskilling support. Accompanying work processes may be fundamentally transformed by sectoral megatrends.
Passenger Services
Cargo Handling (i.e. Airfreight Warehouse Operations)
Ramp and Technical Ramp Services
Baggage Services
High to Medium Degree of Impact
Jobs will see notable shifts in tasks and tools used, requiring targeted reskilling and upskilling. Work processes will adapt meaningfully as sectoral megatrends reshape operations.
Catering Services (Catering Preparation)
Catering Services (Culinary)
Medium Degree of Impact
Jobs may undergo some changes, with employees shifting to higher-value tasks and thus requiring moderate reskilling or upskilling. Accompanying work processes may undergo moderate changes due to sectoral megatrends.
Catering Services (Cabin Services)
Technical Services
See the grants that I can direct my members or students to support their transition here
How Will Skills Evolve As Existing Jobs Are Impacted?
Emerging skills derived from the Aviation Jobs Transformation Report for highly impacted jobs across career levels:
Officers, Assistants and Supervisors
Jobs with manual routine tasks will be automated, shifting roles to technology-focused and higher-value work, necessitating in skills such as:
- Operations and Maintenance of Equipment and Systems
- Digital Documentation and Reporting
- Contingency Response
- Remote System Monitoring
- Incident Prevention Management
Managers and Executives
Jobs will increasingly utilise data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance decision making and performance, necessitating in skills such as:
- Operational Analytics
- Digital Data Management
- Technology Strategy Design
- Remote Systems Monitoring and Management
- Digital Training Management
See other trainings that I can send my members or students to here
Emerging Jobs To Inform Curriculum
While the examples below focus on key emerging jobs identified in the Aviation Jobs Transformation Report, other areas in the sector are also seeing new roles in predictive maintenance and digital passenger operations.
Snapshot of Emerging Jobs Outlined in the Aviation Jobs Transformation Report:
Baggage Services Coordinator
Key Enablers
AI driven resource systems
Digital scheduling tools
New Work Responsibilities
- Manage AI-driven task allocation system for baggage flow and scheduling
- Operate digital dashboards for resource allocation
Core Skills
Automation System Operation
Digital Workflow Management
AI Dashboard Literacy
Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Fleet Supervisor
Key Enablers
Autonomous towing systems
Fleet monitoring dashboards
New Work Responsibilities
- Oversee autonomous towing operations
- Monitor remote fleet safety and system performance
Core Skills
Remote System Supervision
AV System Troubleshooting
Automation Safety Management
Electric Vehicle Technician
Key Enablers
Smart maintenance platforms
Charging and energy systems
New Work Responsibilities
- Conduct predictive diagnostics using smart-maintenance tools
- Manage charging and battery system performance
Core Skills
Electrical and Electronic Diagnostics
Operating Advanced Diagnostic Systems
Energy and Charging-System Management
Security Operations Specialist (Aviation)
Key Enablers
AI-enabled surveillance
Robotic rovers
Behavioural analytics
New Work Responsibilities
- Operate AI-enabled robotic and surveillance systems
- Manage security data analytics and incident reports
Core Skills
Digital Surveillance Operations
Robotics and Sensor Troubleshooting
Threat Detection Analytics
See also how existing roles and tasks are evolving here
Resource Library
Government grants and training programmes that fund and build capability for your Job Redesign journey.
