Global Air Specialist

Air Operations Specialist

The Air Operations Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day administration and delivery of Crystal's global air program, supporting air travel arrangements for guests, corporate travelers, enrichment presenters, and entertainment personnel. This role manages air reservations, ticketing, schedule changes, and airline disruptions while ensuring accuracy, cost effectiveness, and a seamless travel experience.

Essential Job Duties

Air Reservations & Ticketing Operations

• Process air ticketing, schedule changes, exchanges, cancellations, and special travel requests for guests, entertainment, enrichment, corporate travelers, and other internal stakeholders.
• Manage daily air travel request queues and departmental inboxes, ensuring timely response and resolution of travel-related inquiries and service requests.
• Review and validate air reservations to ensure itinerary accuracy, policy compliance, and alignment with established cost and routing standards.
• Proactively monitor airline schedule changes, disruptions, and cancellations, coordinating appropriate solutions to minimize traveler impact and company costs.

Air Program Support & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Serve as a primary resource and subject matter expert for Sales, Trade, and internal departments regarding Crystal's air program policies, procedures, benefits, and service standards.
• Partner closely with Turnaround Operations and other internal teams to coordinate ancillary travel services, including hotels, transfers, and ground arrangements, ensuring a seamless end-to-end travel experience.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to support travel requirements across guest, corporate, entertainment, and enrichment programs.

Airline Partnerships & Travel Expertise

• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of airline contracts, fare programs, preferred partner agreements, and Global Distribution System (GDS) functionality.
• Analyze and construct complex domestic and international itineraries, leveraging industry expertise to identify optimal routing, schedule, and pricing solutions.
• Stay informed of industry developments, airline policy changes, and travel trends to support operational efficiency and service excellence.

Financial Reconciliation & Compliance

• Assist with air ticket reconciliation activities, ensuring all tickets issued through GDS platforms are accurately accounted for through Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) reporting.
• Partner with Accounting and external vendors to investigate discrepancies and ensure timely processing of air-related invoices and payments.
• Support audit and reporting requirements by maintaining accurate documentation and ensuring compliance with company and industry standards.

Systems, Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Support air system configurations, testing initiatives, and project implementations related to travel technology platforms and air booking functionality.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, enhance operational efficiencies, and strengthen the overall delivery of Crystal's air program.
• Assist in the development, documentation, and maintenance of air travel procedures, best practices, and operational guidelines.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Functions, duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Competency

Education:

Associates degree or equivalent combination of relevant background and/or professional experience in travel industry.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar position
• Proficiency in Amadeus GDS (or similar) is required
• Familiarity with airline policies, procedures, and contract pricing a plus

Skills/Qualifications:

• Familiarity with domestic and international airline ticketing
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Deep knowledge of geography
• Results-driven & strategic thinker
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint programs
• In-depth logistical knowledge and mindset
• Develops effective, long-lasting, working relationships
• Highly detailed-oriented with strong organizational and follow-up skills
• Team player with a positive attitude who works well cross-functionally
• Ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced environment, start-up experience a plus

Work Environment

Works in a typical office environment with quiet-to-moderate noise generated by computer printer, fax machine and light traffic. Evening and weekend hours may be required as well as up to 5% travel annually.

Physical Demands

Requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and reaching. May require lifting or pushing up to 25 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office machines such as computers, fax machines, calculators, the telephone, and other office equipment.

Expected Hours of Work

Nonexempt: The position is full-time working from Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional need for Overtime may be required.

EEO Statement

Abercrombie & Kent is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.