Position: Turnaround Coordinator

Reporting To: Operations Supervisor

Location: Lusaka

Job Purpose

The Turnaround Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordinating, supervising, and monitoring all aircraft turnaround activities to ensure safe, secure, efficient, and on-time departures. The role serves as the central point of coordination between airline representatives, ground handling teams, airport authorities, and other service providers to ensure all operational activities are carried out in compliance with airline requirements, company procedures, aviation regulations, and safety standards. The Turnaround Coordinator plays a key role in maintaining operational excellence, safety, and service quality throughout the aircraft turnaround process.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise all aircraft turnaround activities from aircraft arrival to departure.
• Ensure aircraft turnaround is completed safely, efficiently, and within the airline’s scheduled turnaround time.
• Act as the focal point of communication between airline representatives, flight crew, airport authorities, and all ground handling departments during aircraft turnaround.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate the allocation of manpower, equipment, and ground support services required for each flight.
• Monitor loading and unloading of baggage, cargo, mail, catering, fuel, water, lavatory servicing, passenger boarding/disembarkation, and other ground handling activities.
• Ensure all turnaround activities comply with company procedures, customer airline requirements, airport regulations, and applicable aviation legislation.
• Conduct aircraft turnaround briefings where necessary and ensure all stakeholders understand operational requirements.
• Complete all operational documentation, turnaround checklists, load-related documentation, flight paperwork, and aircraft dispatch documentation accurately and on time.
• Monitor aircraft movements and ensure aircraft parking stands, aerobridges, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) are serviceable before aircraft arrival.
• Coordinate aircraft dispatch activities and ensure all departure requirements have been met prior to aircraft pushback.
• Act as the Safety Coordinator during aircraft turnaround by identifying hazards, reporting safety concerns, and ensuring compliance with Safety Management System (SMS) requirements.
• Coordinate emergency response procedures and liaise with airport authorities, emergency services, and relevant stakeholders during aircraft incidents or emergencies.
• Investigate and report operational irregularities, delays, incidents, and safety occurrences in accordance with company reporting procedures.
• Ensure high standards of customer service are maintained while meeting airline Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Perform any other operational duties assigned by the Operations Supervisor.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Grade 12 School Certificate with a minimum of five (5) credits, including English and Mathematics.
• Diploma or Certificate in Aviation Management, Airport Operations, Transport and Logistics, or a related field will be an added advantage.
• Valid Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) certification.
• Safety Management System (SMS) training.
• Aviation Security Awareness certification.
• Cargo Handling qualification.
• Knowledge of IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM) procedures will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of airline turnaround processes and ground handling operations.
• At least two (2) years’ experience in airport operations, ramp operations, aircraft turnaround coordination, or ground handling services.
• Good understanding of aviation safety regulations and operational procedures.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict operational deadlines.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, public holidays, and extended hours when operationally required.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Competencies

• Teamwork
• Excellent communication skills
• Decision-making ability
• High level of integrity and professionalism
• Attention to detail
• Customer service orientation
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Strong safety awareness
• Time management and organizational skills

• An application letter
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications