Duty Manager

Tony Marshall works as a baggage handler at Leeds Bradford International Airport. As duty manager he also has responsibility for the other baggage handlers working on his shift.

How would you outline your role?

It is my job to unload and load an aircraft of its domestic and international baggage. This has to be completed within a specified timescale to ensure the aircraft is ready for its next departure slot.

What are your main responsibilities?

We work in teams of two to unload and load large and small types of aircraft. Each shift usually involves loading and unloading approximately eight to ten aircrafts per team. We use machinery which allows us to reach the aircraft hold and load the baggage onto a raised platform. This is then lowered and the machinery is driven to the arrivals conveyer belt and onto the waiting passengers.

What hours do you work?

We work a rotating shift pattern of two early shifts then two late shifts followed by two days off. An early shift starts at 5.00am and finishes at 1.30pm. A late shift starts at 1.30pm and finishes at 10.00pm. Due to this working pattern I have one weekend off in every six.

What is your working environment like?

It is a very noisy and busy environment and health and safety is extremely important. Each person has to wear their personal protective equipment at all times. This includes a high visibility jacket, ear defenders to protect against aircraft noise, steel toe-capped boots and gloves. I work outside at all times and it can be very cold and windy.

Who do you work with?

I work within a team of sixteen to eighteen baggage handlers on each shift and we work in teams of two on each aircraft. Within the airport I come into contact with various dispatch and aircraft staff.

What skills or qualities do you need?

This is a manual job and it can be tiring so it is important that you are able to be active and physically fit. You need to hold a driving licence because a large part of the job involves driving machinery. All employees are given thorough security checks before they can work in this role. Security and safety awareness is an important part of the job and you need to be alert to any potential breaches in security.

Why did you choose this type of work?

I am a plasterer by trade but have always had an interest in aircraft. When the plastering work slowed, I took a temporary job at the airport. This job became permanent and I have now been a baggage handler for a long time.

What training have you done?

I have been on numerous courses covering security, manual handling, airside operation and health and safety. Each new member of staff has to complete a four-day induction course before they are allowed to work airside.

Do you use any special tools or equipment?

I use a piece of equipment called a 'Mallaghan.' This is a tractor unit which has a long flat platform with a conveyor belt attached. The machine is driven up to the aircraft and the platform is raised level with the aircraft hold. This allows one baggage handler to climb into the hold and transfer the bags and suitcases to their partner who loads the baggage onto the conveyor belt on the Mallaghan tractor unit. The platform is then lowered and the tractor unit is driven to the arrivals conveyer belt.

What do you like/dislike about your job?

I like that the job is varied and I enjoy meeting new people. I dislike the shift work, especially the early mornings, but this is something that comes with the job.

What are the main challenges?

The main challenge in this job is time. Each aircraft has a 'turn around' time of about 35 to 40 minutes which means that within this time all luggage must be unloaded and loaded ready for departure. If any delays occur the aircraft might miss its departure time slot and this then affects other aircraft. The handling company I work for would also receive a penalty fee if a delay was caused by the handling agent.

How do you see your future?

I imagine that I will work within the logistics industry for the remainder of my career. I have progressed into a management and supervisory role and hope to have the chance to progress further.

Tony's route

• Completed a plastering Apprenticeship.
• Became a self employed plasterer.
• Changed career and started a temporary job within the airport.
• Progressed into baggage handing.

Tony's tips

• Be aware that you have to be at least 18 years old to start work as a baggage handler, for insurance purposes.
• If you think you are interested in the role, try and arrange a visit to your local airport so you have some knowledge of how an airport works and the different job roles available.