Cristina Assuncao, Operations Support Officer- AOCC at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
What is your Job?
Think of us as the nerve centre of the airport. As an Operations Support Officer- AOCC, I support the Airport Service Managers and Ops Controllers by helping plan and schedule aircraft bay allocations, allocating gates for passenger boarding and maintaining situational awareness of all airside and landside movements, including the Cargo facility. I also assist with coordinating aircraft movements within Cargo.
What does a normal day look like for you?
Everyday is different, there’s never a dull day in the Operations Centre, but a typical day is supporting coordination of aircraft arrivals, departures, gate allocations and towing operations with airlines, ground handlers and Air Traffic Control, I support with monitoring and operating a variety of Airport systems to help ensure smooth operations within the airport precinct and assist the AOCC team during emergency and irregular operations, including initial response coordination, information gathering, and communication support.
Crazy story from work?
Operationally nothing to crazy, but our team has car broken down on the way for food and I was stuck in a area of the Terminal for more then 10 minutes
What is your favourite part of the job?
I love spending time with my team and learning from everyone, they each bring so much valuable aviation experience, and I gain something new from them every day. It’s also making memories with everyone in my team and the broader operations Team.
How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always loved systems and technology. I studied Information and Digital Technology in school and knew I wanted to continue working with tech after graduating, I just wasn’t sure which direction to take. When the Airport Operations Control Centre traineeship was advertised, the role immediately stood out because of the wide range of systems it involved. I applied, completed the traineeship, and have since been offered a permanent position as an Operations Support Officer – AOCC.
What qualifications do you need to apply for your job?
For the Traineeship some qualifications are the completion of Year 12 and completion of HSC, driver’s license, basic communication and the interest in Aviation. My current role is having basic computer literacy and confidence using operational systems, strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
What character qualities do you think suit this position?
Someone who stays calm when things get busy, keeps an eye on everything happening around them, and communicates well with different teams. They’re detail‑minded, adaptable when plans change, and good at spotting problems before they grow. They’re comfortable using a range of systems and always carry themselves with professionalism.
What is involved in the training for your job or for the qualification you gained to get your job?
During my traineeship I obtained a few qualifications/training courses including:
- Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate
- First Aid and CPR Certificate
- Apron Management Control Certificate
- Certificate IV in Business (General)
- Chief Fire Warden Training
- Airport Operating System Training
- Fixed Resource Management System Training
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Explore different careers, stay curious and follow my own dreams and not others. Just because everyone knows or has an idea about what they’re doing doesn’t mean you do.
What advice would you give younger girls wanting to start a career in Aviation?
Aviation is full of opportunities in many different areas, everything is a learning curve so don’t be afraid to ask questions even if it may sound silly, there is also someone wanting to know as well. Because the more you discover and stay curious the more you will learn.
Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Any feedback you receive, whether it’s positive or negative – is always a learning opportunity. All feedback is valuable that you can take to help improve your skills, strengthen your confidence or approach things differently next time, but it also helps you grow and recognise areas where you can keep developing.
