Introduction to

Airside
Operations
Airside operations are the critical activities that take place
on the expansive areas of an airport beyond the passenger
terminals and other landside facilities. This dynamic and
fast-paced environment is where aircraft, ground support
equipment, and airport personnel seamlessly coordinate to
ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft,
passengers, and cargo. As an intern or trainee in airside
operations, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on
experience and develop a deep understanding of the
intricate processes that underpin the aviation industry.
A
a by Ahad
Alzaabi
Internship
Objective
1 Comprehensiv 2 Practical 3 Exposure to
e Skills Interdepartme
Understanding Development ntal
The primary Through a
Collaboration
objective of this combination of Airside operations
internship is to classroom require seamless
provide you with a learning and on- coordination
comprehensive the-job training, between various
understanding of you will have the airport
the various opportunity to departments,
functions and develop practical such as air traffic
responsibilities skills that are control,
within airside essential for maintenance, and
operations. You success in the security. As an
will gain exposure aviation industry. intern, you will
to the day-to-day This includes gain valuable
activities, the proficiency in insights into how
specialized airfield these different
equipment, and navigation, teams work
the critical safety aircraft together to ensure
Responsibilities of an Airside
Intern/Trainee
Airfield Aircraft Ground Support
Navigation Marshaling Equipment
You will learn to You will have the
navigate the complex opportunity to assist As part of your
airfield, including with aircraft training, you will learn
taxiways, runways, marshaling, which to operate various
and apron areas, to involves guiding ground support
support various aircraft to their equipment, such as
airside operations. designated parking pushback tugs,
This includes positions using baggage loaders, and
understanding airport standardized hand de-icing vehicles. This
signage, markings, signals and aircraft will give you a
and lighting systems marshallers. This thorough
to ensure safe hands-on experience understanding of the
movement around the will help you develop equipment used to
airfield. the coordination and facilitate the safe and
Hands-on
Experience
Observation
You will begin your internship by
observing experienced airside
personnel as they perform their
duties. This will allow you to
familiarize yourself with the
various processes and
procedures, as well as the
dynamic nature of the airside
environment.
1 2
Independent
Tasks
As you progress through the
internship, you will be given the
opportunity to take on more
independent tasks and
responsibilities, with the support
of your supervisors. This will allow
you to demonstrate your
competence and contribute
meaningfully to the airside
operations.
3

Supervised
Training
Under the guidance of seasoned
airside professionals, you will
gradually take on more hands-on
responsibilities. This supervised
training will enable you to develop
practical skills and apply the
knowledge you have gained in a
safe and controlled setting.
Airside Safety and Security
Protocols
Safety
Regulations
Airside operations are governed
by strict safety regulations and
protocols to ensure the well-being
of personnel, aircraft, and the
overall airport infrastructure. As
an intern, you will receive
comprehensive training on topics
such as personal protective
equipment (PPE), hazard
identification, and emergency
response procedures.
Situational
Awareness
Developing a keen sense of
situational awareness is crucial
for working safely in the airside
environment. You will learn to
constantly monitor your
surroundings, anticipate potential
hazards, and respond quickly to
any changes or emergency
situations that may arise.
Security
Measures
The airside area is a highly
secure environment, with
multiple layers of security
measures in place to prevent
unauthorized access and
maintain the integrity of airport
operations. You will learn about
the various security checkpoints,
access control systems, and
reporting procedures that are
essential for maintaining a safe
and secure airside environment.
Teamwork and
Communication
Effective communication and
teamwork are fundamental to
ensuring the safety and efficiency
of airside operations. As an
intern, you will have the
opportunity to participate in
team-based exercises and
simulations, enhancing your
ability to collaborate with diverse
airport personnel and coordinate
Airfield Maintenance and
Inspections
Runway Taxiway Apron Airfield
Maintenance Upkeep Management Lighting
Taxiways are Proper airfield
Maintaining the the pathways The apron, or lighting is
integrity and that connect the ramp, is where essential for
condition of the runways to the aircraft are safe aircraft
runways is a apron and other parked, loaded, operations,
critical aspect airside areas. and unloaded. particularly
of airside You will gain You will learn during low
operations. You insight into the about the visibility
will learn about maintenance specialized conditions. You
the various procedures and equipment and will gain an
techniques and inspections techniques used understanding
equipment used required to keep to maintain the of the different
to inspect, these critical apron surfaces, lighting
repair, and infrastructure manage aircraft systems, their
preserve the elements in and ground maintenance
runway surfaces optimal support vehicle requirements,
to ensure safe condition. movements, and and the
aircraft ensure the procedures for
operations. overall ensuring their
Airside Incident Reporting and
Response

Observation Reporting Response

As an intern, you will You will be trained In the event of an
learn to recognize on the established incident, you will
and report any protocols and understand the
incidents or procedures for airport's emergency
irregularities that reporting airside response plan and
occur within the incidents, ensuring your role in
airside environment, that the appropriate supporting the
such as equipment personnel and coordinated efforts
malfunctions, authorities are of various teams,
personnel injuries, or notified in a timely such as
security breaches. and efficient manner. maintenance,
security, and
emergency services,
Professional Development
Opportunities
Mentorship Training Networking
Program Workshops Opportunities
During your internship, The internship
you will be paired with program will offer a As an intern, you will
experienced airside range of specialized have the chance to
professionals who will training workshops network with
serve as your mentors. and seminars, covering professionals from
These seasoned topics such as airport various airport
experts will provide operations, aircraft departments, as well
guidance, share their handling, airfield as industry partners
knowledge and safety, and regulatory and stakeholders.
insights, and help you compliance. These These connections
develop the skills and learning opportunities can provide valuable
competencies required will allow you to insights, open up
for a successful career deepen your future job
in the aviation understanding of the opportunities, and help
industry. industry and prepare you build a strong
Conclusion and
Recommendation
The airside operations internship program offers a unique and invaluable
opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the dynamic world of aviation.
By immersing yourself in the various responsibilities and processes that
underpin the safe and efficient movement of aircraft, passengers, and
cargo, you will develop the skills, knowledge, and practical expertise that
are highly sought after in the industry.
This internship will not only provide you with a comprehensive
understanding of airside operations but also equip you with the tools and
resources to pursue a rewarding career in the aviation sector. Whether your
aspiration is to become an airport operations manager, a ground handling
specialist, or a safety and security professional, this experience will serve
as a strong foundation for your future success.
I highly recommend this internship program to anyone with a keen interest
in the aviation industry and a desire to contribute to the seamless and safe
operation of airports. The hands-on training, exposure to industry best
practices, and professional development opportunities will undoubtedly
make this an immensely valuable and transformative experience.