Air Department Manager

Lead Air Operations for a Global Travel Company
Mayflower Cruises & Tours , a premier escorted tour operator and division of Scenic Group , is seeking an experienced Air Department Manager to oversee our Air Department from our Lisle, Illinois office.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations, you will lead a team of Air Coordinators while managing all aspects of domestic and international air operations. This role is ideal for a travel professional with strong airline ticketing expertise, GDS proficiency, and a passion for delivering exceptional service to travelers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and support the Air Department team to ensure efficient daily operations and exceptional customer service.
• Manage group air contracts.
• Oversee the booking, ticketing, reissuance, exchanges, refunds, and cancellations for domestic and international travel.

• Serve as the primary liaison with Sabre and Amadeus regarding GDS functionality, troubleshooting, and system enhancements.
• Prepare and submit weekly ARC reports while ensuring compliance with ARC regulations and airline policies.
• Coordinate airline seat assignments, upgrades, and special service requests.
• Partner closely with Sales, Operations, and Customer Service teams to communicate flight schedules, itinerary updates, and traveler requests.
• Monitor air pricing, schedule changes, and airline policies to optimize travel arrangements and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company procedures, and quality standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, increase productivity, and enhance the customer experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in airline reservations, ticketing, or travel operations, with prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Sabre GDS is required.
• Experience with Amadeus GDS is preferred; training can be provided.
• Strong knowledge of domestic and international airfare construction, ticketing, exchanges, refunds, reissues, and airline fare rules.
• Experience managing group air bookings and contracts is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of ARC reporting and travel industry regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative travel environment while managing multiple priorities.