Job Description

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. * Identify operational risks and develop mitigation plans for complex or sensitive missions.

** Required Qualifications**

• 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.
• Must possess an active Secret (or TS/SCI) security clearance or be eligible to obtain one.

** Preferred Qualifications**

• 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.
• This position does not offer relocation assistance; local candidates are preferred.

** Core Competencies**

• 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