Air Specialist

Job Description:

Come and join one of the world's leading luxury travel brands

Abercrombie & Kent is the world's leading luxury travel business and has been a pioneer of experiential luxury travel since 1962. Founded as a luxury safari company in Africa, A&K today employs more than 3000 staff in over 70 offices in more than 83 countries.

The company specialises in private, tailor-made and flexible small group travel to every corner of the globe and has a wholly owned portfolio of cruise boats, luxury lodges, tented camps, hotels, and all-terrain vehicles. As part of its global commitment, Abercrombie & Kent is committed to responsible and ethical tourism and through A&K Philanthropy supports projects in the communities where its guests travel dedicated to positively impacting lives and livelihoods.

Abercrombie & Kent’s Cruise division, Akorn Destination Management, is a specialised division offering first class services in shore excursions, extended land programs and turnaround services to the cruise industry. Our teams are committed to service and dedicated to clients; provide local insight and practical knowledge that is enhanced by global expertise and presence.

The role

The Air Operations Specialist will be responsible for the end-to-end coordination of air reservation services across the DMC departments. The role includes completing all air-related tasks and support functions for these teams.

Main Responsibilities

• Quote and book the most suitable airfares and flights for A&K clients
• Monitor and manage issue of tickets, reissues, cancellations, refunds and additional services
• Monitor GDS queues and keep staff informed of changes to their reservations. Liaise with colleagues to find appropriate alternatives where required.
• Management of the Group flight booking portals/systems to capture allotment in a timely manner
• Management of the Group flight pre-payment and final payment requirements
• Management of air required for staff travel
• Complete upgrade and luggage requests
• Ensure booking files in Travel Studio and OneIS are kept accurate with flight costings
• Ensure booking files in Travel Studio and OneIS are kept accurate with flight information detail
• Assist in the management of any ADMs in conjunction with your manager and the finance department
• Be involved in maintaining supplier relationships with the key airlines used by the DMC
• Participate in the after-hours emergency phone roster on a rotating basis
• Assist with other operational tasks where required or as directed by your manager

Other Responsibilities

• Provide escalation support for emergency phone where team requires air support
• Represent A&K at trade shows, and hosted events, including out-of-hours engagements.
• Provide support to other business areas as required
• Undertake ad-hoc tasks assigned by the Management teams.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum of 1-2 years travel industry experience required
• Fares & Ticketing experience
• Previous experience in a Corporate, Wholesale or Retail Travel environment
• Experience in a fast-paced environment with high volume workload
• Extensive experience using Amadeus Global Distribution System (GDS)
• Experience in using an in-house travel system (Travel Studio experience would be considered an advantage)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point & Outlook)
• Committed to the highest level of customer service
• High degree of attention to detail.
• Excellent communications skills – both written & verbal
• Team player
• Willingness to take on challenges.
• Strong time management skills are essential
• Ability to work autonomously
• Demonstrated understanding of the requirements of high-end clients
• Experience in a fast-paced work environment with high-touch expectations
• Australian work authorisation is required for this position

Why work for A&K?

Our valued team of travel professionals across Australia and New Zealand each share a passion for making travel dreams a reality. These enthusiastic individuals come from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

What you can expect with A&K

• Flexible and inclusive workplace where staff are encouraged to expand their skill set, take on challenges and contribute positively to our collective team.
• Supportive environment that will make you proud to work for A&K
• Investment in our staff with both in-house and external training opportunities
• Opportunity to progress your career, not just in New Zealand but as part of our global business
• 3 extra Wellbeing leave days per year (in addition to your Annual and Personal Leave entitlements
• Paid Parental leave - up to 18 weeks at full pay
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Work in the enviable CBD office location
• Opportunity to work from home as part of our hybrid working from home/office model
• Staff discounts and Travel Benefit program
• An organisation that is mindful of the environment, conscious of waste and seeks to minimise our eco-footprint.

We're also a company that makes a difference. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) has proudly supported local communities around the world for the past 40 years.

For more details and to view the full Job Description visit our website https://www.abercrombiekent.com.au/careers/current-vacancies

If you meet the selection criteria and have appropriate work right, we would love to hear from you. To apply please send your resume and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.

EEO Statement

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