Aviation Recruitment
Global Aviation Recruitment — Every Phase, Every Role
TS International is a specialist aviation recruitment partner with over 30 years of experience connecting aviation organisations with exceptional talent. Established in the UAE for more than 15 years, with offices across the UK, Germany, Poland, and India, we support the full lifecycle of any airport or airline operation — from the first ground survey through to years of post-opening operations and maintenance. We have long-standing partnerships with some of the world's largest and most respected aviation organisations, and our consultants are trusted by clients across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.
Aviation is one of the world's most complex and regulated employment environments. Our consultants understand EASA, FAA, and GCAA regulatory frameworks, IATA standards, airside security clearance requirements, and the operational rhythms of round-the-clock airport environments. We understand the technical and safety standards that are critical to aviation roles — ensuring we deliver not just the right skills, but the right cultural and regulatory fit. We recruit confidently across construction, MRO, flight operations, ground services, aviation IT, and corporate and C-level functions.
From a pilot to a porter, a project director to a pavement engineer — TSI provides permanent, contract, and managed service recruitment solutions for aviation clients across the globe. Whether your requirement is a single licensed engineer, a leadership appointment, or a full operational team for a new airport opening, we have the candidate networks and sector depth to deliver quickly and to standard.
Sample Placements
Operations & Ground Services
– Ramp Agent / GSE Operator — Aircraft turnaround, ground support equipment operation
– Aircraft Marshaller — Airside guidance and marshalling for arriving and departing aircraft
– Load Controller — Weight and balance calculations and load planning
– Passenger Service Agent — Check-in, boarding, and customer-facing airport operations
– Aircraft Turnaround Supervisor — Coordination of all ground services during aircraft turnaround
– Baggage Handler — Hold loading, unloading, and baggage transfer operations
– Porter & Customer Service — Landside passenger assistance and terminal services
Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO)
– EASA Part-66 Licensed Engineer — Line and base maintenance across all aircraft categories
– Avionics Technician — Aircraft electronic systems, navigation, and communication
– Airframe & Powerplant Engineer — Structural and engine maintenance and inspection
– Quality Assurance Engineer — MRO compliance, auditing, and quality management
– Technical Records Specialist — Airworthiness documentation and maintenance records
– Continuing Airworthiness Manager — CAMO oversight and regulatory compliance management
Aircraft Engineering & Technical Services
– Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) — Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance across fleet types
– NDT Technician — Non-destructive testing and structural inspection
– Hydraulics & Pneumatics Engineer — Aircraft systems maintenance and fault diagnosis
– Engine Overhaul Technician — Engine strip, inspection, and rebuild programmes
– Component Shop Technician — Bench maintenance and overhaul of aircraft components
Pilots & Flight Crew
– Commercial Pilot (ATPL) — Type-rated command and multi-crew operations
– First Officer — Multi-crew commercial flight operations
– Training Captain — Type rating instruction and line training
– Fleet Type Rating Instructor (TRI) — Simulator and aircraft type rating delivery
– Flight Dispatcher — Flight planning, fuel management, and operational control
– Flight Operations Officer — Ground-based flight operations support and dispatch
Aviation IT & Emerging Technologies
– Airport IT Manager — IT infrastructure and systems management across terminal operations
– Biometric Systems Specialist — Passenger identity and biometric processing technology
– CUTE / CUSS Engineer — Common use terminal and self-service system implementation
– FIDS Specialist — Flight information display system design and support
– Airport Cyber Security Lead — IT security and threat management for airport systems
– Passenger Technology Consultant — Digital passenger experience and smart airport solutions
Construction & Infrastructure for Airport Development
– Airfield Design Engineer — Runway, taxiway, and apron design and engineering
– Runway & Pavement Engineer — Airfield pavement design, construction, and inspection
– Terminal Construction Project Manager — End-to-end management of terminal build programmes
– BHS / PBB Engineer — Baggage handling and passenger boarding bridge systems
– ORAT Specialist — Operational readiness and airport transfer programme delivery
– Civil & Structural Engineer — Airport civil works, structures, and foundations
– MEP Engineer (Aviation) — Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing for airport facilities
– Airport Master Planner — Strategic airport layout planning and development
Corporate Recruitment & C-Level
– Airport Chief Executive Officer — Executive leadership of airport authority or operator
– Chief Operating Officer (Aviation) — Operational leadership across airport or airline functions
– Chief Commercial Officer — Revenue, retail, and commercial strategy for aviation clients
– VP of Operations — Senior operational leadership across terminals and airsides
– Airline Commercial Director — Route strategy, alliances, and revenue management leadership
– Non-Executive Director — Governance and board-level appointments for aviation organisations
FAQs
What makes TSI a specialist aviation recruitment agency rather than a general recruiter?
TSI is exclusively focused on technical, operational, and leadership talent — not a generalist staffing agency with an aviation desk. Our consultants understand EASA, FAA, and GCAA regulatory frameworks, IATA standards, airside security clearance requirements, and the safety-critical nature of every aviation appointment. With over 30 years of global aviation recruitment experience and 15+ years based in the UAE, we have the depth to source talent for roles that never appear on public job boards — from EASA Part-66 engineers to airport CEOs.
What types of aviation organisations does TSI work with?
TSI partners with the full spectrum of aviation organisations: international and regional airlines, airport authorities and operators, MRO facilities, ground handling companies, aviation IT and technology providers, airport development and construction contractors, and aviation regulatory bodies. We have long-standing partnerships with some of the world's largest aviation organisations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, and our client base spans new airport openings, fleet expansions, MRO growth programmes, and corporate restructuring.
Does TSI offer permanent, contract, and managed service recruitment for aviation clients?
Yes. TSI provides all three engagement models: permanent direct hire for operational, technical, and leadership roles; contractor and interim staffing for project-based or campaign requirements; and managed service solutions for clients who need ongoing workforce delivery at volume — such as new airport openings or major MRO expansion programmes. We also manage contractors on our own payroll, removing employment administration from our clients for international deployments.
What aviation roles does TSI recruit across?
TSI recruits across every discipline in the aviation sector: ground operations and ramp services, MRO and aircraft engineering, pilots and flight crew, aviation IT and emerging technologies, airport construction and infrastructure, and corporate and C-level appointments. From a ramp agent to an airport CEO, a baggage handler to a biometric systems specialist — our candidate networks cover the full seniority range and every functional area of airport and airline operations.
Does TSI recruit EASA Part-66 licensed engineers and MRO professionals?
Yes. TSI is highly active in EASA Part-66 licensed engineer recruitment and broader MRO staffing. We place Line Maintenance Engineers, Base Maintenance Engineers, Avionics Technicians, Airframe and Powerplant Engineers, Quality Assurance Engineers, Continuing Airworthiness Managers (CAMOs), and Technical Records Specialists. We understand the regulatory nuances of Part-66 licencing across Categories A, B1, B2, and C — ensuring every candidate we present holds the correct endorsements for the role and aircraft type.
Can TSI source NDT technicians and specialist aircraft engineers for MRO programmes?
Yes. TSI recruits NDT Technicians qualified to Level 2 and Level 3 across all NDT methods — UT, ET, PT, MT, and RT — for both line maintenance and heavy maintenance environments. We also place Hydraulics and Pneumatics Engineers, Engine Overhaul Technicians, and Component Shop Technicians for MRO facilities and airline technical divisions. Our engineering candidate networks extend across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia — key talent pools for international MRO programmes.
Does TSI recruit for airport ground operations and ramp services roles?
Yes. TSI recruits across the full ground operations and ramp services spectrum: Ramp Agents and GSE Operators, Aircraft Marshallers, Load Controllers, Passenger Service Agents, Baggage Handlers, Aircraft Turnaround Supervisors, and Porter and Customer Service staff. We support ground handling companies, airlines operating their own ramp services, and airport operators building operational teams — for both new airport openings and ongoing operational staffing requirements.
Can TSI provide large-volume ground handling teams for new airport openings?
Yes. TSI has direct experience mobilising large operational teams for new airport openings and terminal expansions — including full ground operations, passenger services, and turnaround supervision workforces. Our Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) specialist network means we can also provide the programme management expertise required to recruit, train, and mobilise an airport operations workforce against a live opening timeline.
Does TSI recruit for aviation IT and smart airport technology roles?
Yes. TSI has a dedicated aviation IT and emerging technologies practice, recruiting Airport IT Managers, Biometric Systems Specialists, CUTE/CUSS Engineers, FIDS Specialists, Airport Cyber Security Leads, and Passenger Technology Consultants. As airports accelerate investment in biometric processing, self-service infrastructure, and smart terminal technology in 2025 and 2026, demand for these specialist profiles is growing rapidly — and TSI's candidate networks are positioned to meet it.
Does TSI recruit for airport construction and infrastructure development projects?
Yes. TSI's airport construction and infrastructure practice covers Airfield Design Engineers, Runway and Pavement Engineers, Terminal Construction Project Managers, BHS and PBB Engineers, Civil and Structural Engineers, MEP Engineers, and Airport Master Planners. We support airport development programmes from feasibility and design through to construction delivery and ORAT — and our teams have been deployed on some of the largest airport capital programmes in the Middle East and Europe.
Does TSI recruit commercial pilots and flight crew for airlines?
Yes. TSI recruits ATPL-rated Commercial Pilots, First Officers, Training Captains, and Fleet Type Rating Instructors (TRIs) for airlines, charter operators, and aviation training organisations. We also place Flight Dispatchers and Flight Operations Officers for ground-based flight operations functions. Our pilot and flight crew recruitment operates across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, and we work with both established carriers and start-up airline operations.
Does TSI recruit aviation professionals for roles in the UAE and GCC?
Yes. TSI has been based in the UAE for over 15 years and is one of the most established aviation recruitment specialists in the region. We support UAE and GCC-based airlines, airport authorities, MRO facilities, and aviation ground handlers — providing permanent, contract, and managed service solutions across all aviation disciplines. We are highly active in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the wider Gulf — markets where aviation infrastructure investment and fleet growth continue to drive significant talent demand.
Does TSI place aviation professionals across Europe and the UK?
Yes. TSI operates offices in the UK, Germany, and Poland — providing aviation recruitment across Western and Eastern Europe. We support European airlines, MRO facilities, airport authorities, and aviation technology companies with both permanent and contract staffing. Europe is a primary talent supply market for international aviation programmes, and our European offices give us direct access to EASA-qualified engineers, licensed pilots, and airport operations professionals.
How does TSI ensure aviation candidates meet regulatory and safety requirements?
Regulatory compliance is embedded in every stage of TSI's aviation recruitment process. Our consultants are trained to verify EASA, FAA, and GCAA licence validity, type rating and endorsement currency, airside security clearance eligibility, medical certificate status, and role-specific certification requirements before any candidate is presented to a client. For international deployments, we also manage visa and work permit coordination, ensuring candidates are compliant from day one of deployment.
Does TSI manage work permits and international compliance for aviation professionals?
Yes. TSI provides end-to-end international compliance support for aviation professionals deployed on global assignments. This includes work permit and visa coordination, GCAS and airside security vetting guidance, medical and licence verification, and country-specific labour law compliance. For contractors engaged on TSI's payroll, we manage all ongoing employment obligations — significantly reducing the administrative burden on both client and candidate for international aviation assignments.
Does TSI conduct executive search for airport and airline C-suite appointments?
Yes. TSI handles senior C-level and board appointments for airport authorities, airlines, MRO organisations, and aviation technology companies. We recruit Airport CEOs, Chief Operating Officers, Chief Commercial Officers, VP of Operations, Airline Commercial Directors, and Non-Executive Directors. Our executive search process combines confidential market mapping, targeted outreach to passive senior candidates, and a structured assessment approach — appropriate for appointments where public advertising would be inappropriate.
Can TSI recruit non-executive directors and board members for aviation organisations?
Yes. TSI places Non-Executive Directors and independent board members for aviation organisations including airport authorities, airline boards, MRO holding companies, and aviation investment vehicles. We understand the governance requirements of aviation boards — including relevant ICAO, EASA, and national civil aviation authority frameworks — and we source candidates who combine aviation sector credibility with appropriate board-level governance experience.
