Airport Health & Safety Managers play a critical role in maintaining safe, secure, and healthy conditions across complex aviation operations. Working at the intersection of regulatory compliance, emergency response, occupational health, and risk prevention, they coordinate with airport authorities, airlines, contractors, and government agencies to uphold the highest safety standards. Their work helps protect employees, travelers, and the airport’s overall operational integrity.
A career as an Airport Health & Safety Manager involves developing and enforcing health and safety policies, conducting inspections, assessing operational risks, and ensuring adherence to international, federal, and local aviation safety regulations. Professionals in this role investigate incidents, lead safety training, manage emergency preparedness programs, and oversee environmental and occupational health initiatives. This role demands strong analytical skills, communication abilities, and a deep understanding of aviation operations. Airport Health & Safety Managers typically work within airport authorities or aviation service companies, and career progression can lead to senior leadership roles in safety management, compliance, or airport operations.
If you're interested in becoming an Airport Health & Safety Manager in New Zealand start by stepping into the aviation world through entry-level ground operations roles. Jobs such as baggage handler, ramp agent, customer service agent, or airside operations trainee provide first-hand experience with airport safety procedures, aircraft turnaround processes, and the fast-paced environment where safety is critical. Alongside this on-the-job learning, students can work toward qualifications like the New Zealand Diploma in Workplace Health & Safety Management or aviation operations certificates to build their technical understanding of risk management and safety systems.
If you're a secondary school student check out our gateway micro-credential "Take Off" in aviation ground handling - a great way to explore this pathway!
Leading the way behind the scenes, a CEO of an airport ground operations company ensures every flight runs safely, efficiently, and on time.
We do more than just teach aviation - we immerse you in it!
When you learn with us you are trained by experienced industry experts where the action happens - in fully equipped aviation workshops and Aero Clubs, utilising our ATR-72 training aircraft and industry-replica ground handling equipment, and with behind-the-scenes exposure in your local airport.
Everything we do is designed to give you a true-to-life learning experience.
