8233 Air transport operatives: SOC 2020 occupation code

In short

ONS unit group 8233, in minor group 823 (Other drivers and transport operatives) and major group 8 (Process, plant and machine operatives).
Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Not on the list: Table 6.
Going rate as the tables print it:

What the ONS says

Description

Air transport operatives refuel, load and unload aircraft, direct the movement of aircraft at airports, and positions gangways or staircases to allow passengers to board and disembark aircraft.

Typical entry routes

There are no formal academic entry requirements, though employers may require entrants to possess GCSEs/S grades for some posts. Training is provided Off and on-the-job. Vocational qualifications in Aviation Operations on the Ground at level 2 and 3 and apprenticeships are available.

Tasks

refuels aircraft from mobile tankers
directs the ground movement of aircraft at airports
responds to emergencies or incidents on the airfield and completes runway inspections
loads and unloads conveyor belts to transport luggage between terminal buildings and aircraft, monitors conveyor belts and clears any blockages
loads aircraft with luggage, in-flight meals, refreshments and other items
operates retractable gangway or positions mobile staircases to enable passengers and crew to board and disembark aircraft
x-rays cargo and luggage

Related job titles

Aircraft dispatcher
Baggage handler
Cargo handler (airport)
Controller, airfield
Ground staff (airport)
Ramp agent
Refueller (airport)

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the table below, with the table’s own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 6: SOC 2020 occupation codes which are not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility or Scale-up routes

SOC 2020 occupation code

8233 Air transport operatives

Examples of related job titles (non-exhaustive)

Aircraft dispatcher
Baggage handler
Cargo handler (airport)
Controller, airfield
Ground staff (airport)
Ramp agent
Refueller (airport)

Other unit groups in minor group 823

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

All 412 occupation codes

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