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For most travellers, the vibrant atmosphere of duty-free shopping after security screening is the first stop on an exciting...
Have you ever wondered who keeps the terminals running day and night? Find your answer in people like Michael Kerr, one of Brisbane Airport Corporation’s Duty Managers.
His role description covers a lot of ground, managing the safe, secure, and efficient operations of all Brisbane Airport’s aeronautical, terminal and landside infrastructure as well as being ready to respond to any incident that might occur.
Attached to the title of Airport Duty Manager is big responsibility, and Michael is no stranger to the challenges and opportunities of being at the frontline of the aviation industry.
Read on for an insight into Michael’s world.
What did your career progression look like at BAC?
I started with BAC in 2016 as a Control Coordinator, responsible for ensuring the safe, secure and efficient facilitation of visitors and passengers through Brisbane Airport.
Having come from Cairns Airport where I had worked for eight years in a similar role, I was self-assured and confident that I could hit the ground running.
What a shock I was in for - not by the job but the sheer-size of Brisbane Airport!
I spent the next four years as a Control Coordinator, learning from some of the best leaders I’ve had the opportunity to work with in my career. From there, I successfully transitioned into the role of Airport Duty Manager, where I’ve been working ever since.
What did the progression look like from Control Coordinator to Airport Duty Manager?
The progression was incredibly smooth – largely because I was working from the same office and dealing with the same key stakeholders.
Throughout the process though, I felt I had the full support from the operations and wider BAC team, which was invaluable as I navigated the new role and new levels of responsibility and accountability.
Tell me about how the role of Airport Duty Manager works?
Like many who work at BAC, no two days in the life of an Airport Duty Manager are ever the same.
We work in 12 hour shifts on a four on, four off, rotating roster that covers the terminal 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The airport never sleeps, and neither does the Duty Manager team with someone always on roster.
Anyone who has ever worked shift work will know the environment can be demanding on both the body and mind, but at the same time is rewarding and has its perks.
What surprises most people about working in an airport?
Brisbane Airport is so much more than “just an airport” – we really are an Airport City.
We have developed to encompass a full variance of facilities and activities, including administration offices, hotels, maintenance, and cargo centres as well as a diverse range of non-aviation related components including a golf driving range, shopping complex and medical facilities – and these are all areas an Airport Duty Manager must have recognition of day and night.
A big role with lots of opportunities must come with challenges too?
One of the biggest challenges with this role is the ever-changing nature of the job.
It’s the Airport Duty Manager’s role to attend the most obscure incidents, which is the very reason the job is so exciting.
As Airport Duty Manager I am learning new things every day, from technical skills required for the position to the development of more general qualities such as communication, patience, problem solving and thinking on my feet.
As part of my role, I deal with people from around the world, during all hours and around the clock. I’m fairly certain I’ve witnessed every possible emotion you could imagine; from excitement to love through to tiredness, frustration and anxiety.
Without a doubt, one of the most rewarding parts of the role is knowing that my interaction with someone has made their day that little bit better.
What ‘behind the scenes’ areas do you get to go to that people might be interested in or not even know about?
Being an Airport Duty Manager, I’ve been lucky enough to have a backstage pass to much of the airport.
I’ve been at the top of air traffic control towers, driving and walking along runways, escorted celebrities, government heads of state and military through the airport, and have toured through Airport Fire, AFP and Border Force vehicles and facilities.
I get to experience plant rooms, baggage systems, control and security rooms, but best of all I have been up close and inside all types of aircraft!
You love aviation, can you tell me why?
Aviation has always been a passion of mine – I can remember being a kid and looking up into a bright blue cloudless sky watching a jet draw out its white contrail as it passed us by at 30,000 ft.
The aviation industry is an incredibly complex logistics puzzle that is fiercely competitive – but that’s what I love about it. It’s a dynamic, fast paced industry that’s constantly changing, evolving and innovating.
As Duty Manager, I find my role extremely rewarding, and I love knowing each day that I played a significant part in moving in excess of 50,000 people through a terminal safely and securely.
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