A Comprehensive Guide to Aircraft Cleaning Careers

Have you ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes teams that prepare an airplane for its next flight? An aircraft cleaning career is a vital role in the aviation industry, ensuring passenger safety and comfort. This guide provides a detailed look into the responsibilities, necessary skills, and steps to start your journey in this essential field.

What Does an Aircraft Cleaning Crew Do?

The role of an aircraft cleaner, often called a cabin service agent or aircraft appearance technician, goes far beyond a simple tidying up. These professionals are responsible for making the aircraft cabin pristine, safe, and ready for passengers, often under tight time constraints. Their work is critical to the airline’s reputation and the overall travel experience.

The duties can be broken down into a few key areas, depending on the type of cleaning required.

Turnaround Cleaning

This is the most common type of cleaning, performed between flights when an aircraft lands and prepares for its next departure. Speed and efficiency are crucial. A typical turnaround cleaning checklist includes:

• Trash and Debris Removal: Collecting trash from seat pockets, floors, and galleys.
• Surface Sanitization: Wiping down tray tables, armrests, window shades, and overhead bin latches with approved cleaning solutions.
• Lavatory Servicing: Thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the toilets, sinks, and surfaces, as well as restocking soap, paper towels, and toilet paper.
• Floor Care: Vacuuming carpets in the aisles and spot-cleaning any spills on seats or floors.
• Restocking: Replacing magazines, safety cards, and any other passenger materials in the seatback pockets.
• Seat and Cabin Tidying: Straightening seatbelts, fluffing pillows, and folding blankets to create a welcoming appearance for the next group of passengers.

Deep Cleaning

Also known as an overnight or RON (Remain Over Night) clean, this is a much more intensive process. It is typically performed on aircraft that are parked for several hours or overnight. In addition to all the tasks of a turnaround clean, a deep clean involves:

• Thorough Upholstery Cleaning: Shampooing carpets and seats to remove stains and embedded dirt.
• Detailed Galley Cleaning: Scrubbing ovens, coffee makers, and all surfaces in the aircraft’s kitchen area.
• Cockpit Detailing: Carefully cleaning the flight deck without disturbing sensitive instruments, following strict protocols.
• Washing Interior Walls: Cleaning the walls and ceilings of the cabin to remove smudges and dirt.

Exterior Aircraft Washing

While often a separate role, some cleaning crews are also involved in washing the exterior of the aircraft. This is a specialized task that involves using long-handled brushes, pressure washers, and specific cleaning agents to clean the fuselage, wings, and tail. This not only improves the plane’s appearance but can also enhance fuel efficiency.

Essential Skills for a Successful Career

To excel as an aircraft cleaner, you need a combination of practical skills and personal attributes. Airlines and their service partners look for candidates who are reliable and detail-oriented.

Key Skills and Qualities

• Attention to Detail: This is arguably the most important skill. You must be able to spot small details, from a stray crumb on a seat to a safety card placed in the wrong pocket. This ensures a high standard of cleanliness and safety.
• Time Management: Turnaround times can be as short as 30 minutes. You must work quickly and efficiently as part of a team to get the job done without cutting corners.
• Physical Stamina: The job is physically demanding. It involves being on your feet for long periods, bending, lifting, and working in confined spaces.
• Teamwork: Aircraft cleaning is a team effort. You will be working closely with several other crew members to clean an entire plane in a short amount of time. Good communication and cooperation are essential.
• Reliability and Punctuality: Airlines operate on a strict schedule. Being on time for your shift is non-negotiable, as delays can have a ripple effect across the entire airport.
• Ability to Follow Procedures: For safety and consistency, cleaners must follow specific checklists and use approved chemicals and equipment. There is no room for improvisation when it comes to sanitization and safety protocols.

How to Start Your Career in Aircraft Cleaning

Getting a job as an aircraft cleaner is an accessible entry point into the aviation industry. While requirements vary by employer, the general path is straightforward.

1. Meet the Basic Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be able to pass a comprehensive federal background check to receive an airport security badge.
• Pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Hold a valid driver’s license.

2. Find and Apply for Open Positions: You can find job openings in several places. Many airlines hire their cleaning crews directly, while others contract the work out to specialized ground-handling companies.

• Airline Career Websites: Check the official career pages for major and regional airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines.
• Ground-Handling Companies: Look for openings at companies that provide airport services. Some of the largest in North America include GAT Airline Ground Support, ABM Aviation, Prospect Airport Services, and Unifi Aviation.
• Airport Authority Job Boards: Most major airports have a section on their website listing jobs available with various employers operating on their premises.

3. Highlight Relevant Experience on Your Resume: Even if you haven’t worked as an aircraft cleaner before, you can highlight transferable skills. Previous experience in janitorial services, housekeeping, commercial cleaning, or any role that required attention to detail and physical work is highly valuable. Emphasize your reliability, ability to work in a team, and experience following safety protocols.

The Rewards of Working as an Aircraft Cleaner

This career offers more than just a paycheck; it provides a unique experience and a foothold in the exciting world of aviation. The work is satisfying because you can see the direct result of your efforts as a clean, safe plane departs for its destination.

Many positions offer benefits that can include health insurance, retirement plans, and sometimes even flight perks, allowing you and your family to travel at a reduced cost. Furthermore, this role can be a stepping stone to other careers within an airline or airport, such as becoming a team lead, supervisor, or moving into other ground operations roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical salary for an aircraft cleaner? Salaries can vary based on the airport’s location, the employer, and your experience. According to data from job sites like ZipRecruiter and Indeed, the national average hourly wage typically falls between \(15 and \)22 per hour.

Are the working hours flexible? Airports operate ²⁴⁄₇, so work schedules often include nights, weekends, and holidays. While this requires flexibility, it can also provide opportunities for those who prefer unconventional hours. Both full-time and part-time positions are commonly available.

Do I need any special certification to be an aircraft cleaner? No, you do not need any specific certification to get started. All necessary training, including safety procedures, proper use of cleaning agents, and on-the-job protocols, is provided by the employer.