What is a marshaller's primary duty?

The primary duty of a marshaller is to guide aircraft during taxiing and parking. This role is critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft movements on the ground. Marshaling involves using hand signals and visual aids to direct pilots, helping them navigate safely to their parking position or runway while avoiding obstacles and other aircraft.

This function is vital because the area around an aircraft can be crowded and complex, especially at busy airports. A marshaller plays an essential role in preventing accidents and ensuring that aircraft can be maneuvered smoothly in tight spaces. Their visibility and clear communication are crucial in these situations, where pilots rely on marshallers to provide accurate instructions for safe ground operations.

The other roles mentioned, such as assisting passengers with boarding, operating ground support equipment, and handling baggage claims, while important in the overall airport environment, do not capture the specific and focused responsibility of guiding aircraft, which is the essence of a marshaller's job.