John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) has recently increased its demand for multilingual staff, making job seekers who speak Asian languages—such as Mandarin and Japanese—key targets for recruitment for certain positions. The non-profit organization Potential Development Association (PDA) recently hosted a recruitment event at the Flushing Library, offering a variety of roles including passenger services, wheelchair assistance, transport/shuttle services, delivery, and maintenance. Jack Li, a representative from PDA, noted that English proficiency requirements for some entry-level airport service jobs are not particularly high; in fact, candidates with average English skills who can communicate with travelers in Mandarin or Japanese may actually hold an advantage.
Li explained that several JFK terminals are currently expanding their workforce and have a specific need for multilingual employees—such as passenger service agents, wheelchair assistants, and transport staff—to help Asian travelers. “There is currently a high demand at the airport for people who speak Mandarin and Japanese,” he said. For some Chinese job seekers, language skills are not necessarily a weakness; instead, they can serve as a stepping stone to securing employment at the airport.
Positions offered at the recruitment event included Duty Manager, Passenger Service Supervisor, and Passenger Service Agent. Hourly wages range from approximately $25 to $26 for Passenger Service Supervisors and $21.25 to $21.50 for Passenger Service Agents, while Duty Managers earn an annual salary of roughly $59,240 to $71,343.
Li noted that in previous recruitment events, positions related to in-flight catering—particularly chef roles—also attracted significant interest from Chinese job seekers. These roles have relatively limited requirements regarding formal education and English proficiency, making them well-suited for individuals with prior experience in the food service industry. In addition to airport roles, the event featured opportunities for Manhattan foot couriers, e-bike couriers, diesel mechanics, and various commercial driving positions.
Requirements regarding legal status and work authorization vary by position. Li explained that some airport roles involve access to secure areas and require background checks, resulting in stricter vetting processes, whereas other jobs—such as general delivery—may accept candidates holding valid work permits. He added that individuals with valid work permits might qualify for certain positions, though specific eligibility ultimately depends on the employer’s hiring criteria.