Airport Coordinator
2 days ago
Arlington
Job Description The Airport Operations Coordinator – Government, VIP & VVIP Missions is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all ground and airport arrangements for high-priority government flights, diplomatic movements, and VVIP operations worldwide. This role ensures the seamless handling of aircraft, passengers, crews, support teams, and mission-critical logistics across global airports—while maintaining the highest standards of security, confidentiality, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented aviation professional with strong international operations knowledge, exceptional communication skills, and experience supporting sensitive or high-profile missions. Key Responsibilities • Global Ground Handling Setup & Coordination, • Arrange full-scope ground handling for government and VVIP aircraft at domestic and international airports., • Coordinate services including aircraft parking, fueling, GSE support, catering, security, VIP transport, and crew services., • Establish relationships with FBOs, handlers, authorities, and service providers to ensure premium-level support., • Confirm service capability, slot availability, airport restrictions, and handling requirements for each mission., • Government, Diplomatic & VVIP Mission Support, • Serve as the primary operational liaison for government agencies, diplomatic teams, VIP clients, and special-mission units., • Coordinate secure, discreet passenger and crew movements, including protocol handling, vehicles, escorts, and restricted-access facilitation., • Ensure all operations align with government, diplomatic, and airport security standards., • Support last-minute mission changes, diversions, and time-critical requests with rapid and accurate response., • Airport Operations Planning & Execution, • Conduct airport capability assessments including runway data, NOTAM review, regulatory requirements, and ground support availability., • Arrange international permits, airport slots, customs/immigration coordination, PPRs, and CIQ services in collaboration with ops teams., • Ensure accurate pre-arrival and post-departure briefings for flight crews and mission personnel., • Track all active missions, ensuring timely communication of operational updates, risks, and changes., • Service Quality Assurance & Vendor Management, • Vet and monitor ground handling providers, FBOs, and airport vendors to maintain elite service standards., • Negotiate services, pricing, and support agreements to optimize reliability and mission readiness., • Conduct post-operation reviews and implement corrective actions when service issues arise., • Maintain global vendor contacts and build a reliable network of premium-level service partners., • Documentation, Compliance & Logistics, • Prepare ground handling requests, service orders, and mission documentation packages., • Ensure compliance with ICAO, FAA, TSA, and local airport/authority requirements., • Maintain detailed records of mission support activities, operational logs, and service confirmations., • Coordinate diplomatic clearances, flight permits, and special approvals as mission needs dictate., • Real-Time Operations & Irregular Event Support, • Provide live operational support for in-progress missions, communicating directly with crews, dispatch, OCC, and airport personnel., • Manage irregular operations (delays, diversions, AOG events) with rapid problem-solving and resource deployment., • Support emergency or short-notice VVIP movements with full operational readiness., • Safety, Security & Confidentiality, • Uphold highest levels of discretion, data protection, and confidentiality for government and VIP passengers., • Ensure all operations meet stringent safety and security protocols., • 3–5+ years of experience in airport operations, VIP/charter aviation, ground handling, or international flight support., • Strong knowledge of global airport operations, ground handling requirements, and international aviation procedures., • Experience supporting government, diplomatic, military, VIP, or VVIP missions strongly preferred., • Ability to communicate professionally with senior officials, dignitaries, agencies, and international partners., • Excellent organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills., • Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and travel as needed., • Experience with BBJ, ACJ, VVIP, or head-of-state aircraft operations., • Knowledge of permits, overflight/landing clearances, CIQ processes, and international regulatory requirements., • Prior work with foreign service, state aviation departments, defense operations, or global mission support., • Multilingual capabilities., • Professionalism, diplomacy, and discretion, • High situational awareness in international operations, • Strong communication and coordination skills, • Rapid problem-solving and adaptability, • Attention to detail and process discipline, • Ability to deliver elite service under pressure