Airport Operations – FlySafair Careers

Job Overview
FlySafair is seeking a highly experienced Airport Operations professional to oversee and manage end-to-end airport operations across regional stations. The role ensures safe, compliant, cost-effective, and customer-focused operations while maintaining strong oversight of service providers, performance standards, and passenger experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and authorise purchasing and invoice approvals for Passenger Services, Crew, and Technical operations

• Control and manage costs related to delays, disruptions, and missed connections

• Motivate for and support additional contracts related to operational purchasing

• Manage and maintain effective relationships with external service providers

• Address common operational matters and stakeholder interests

• Monitor and evaluate SLA compliance relating to staffing and equipment

• Oversee ticket sales operations and financial reconciliation at regional airports

• Ensure strict adherence to company policies, procedures, and applicable legislation, including air and ground safety and labour regulations

• Drive punctuality targets and improve overall on-time performance

• Represent FlySafair Operations at Airline Operators Committee forums via third-party service providers

• Represent FlySafair Operations at local airport committees, including baggage and pilferage, security and safety, and bird and wildlife committees

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with charter operators

• Motivate for and manage tender processes for charter operations as required

• Ensure Local Emergency Response Action Plans are implemented and maintained in collaboration with the Safety department

• Plan, organise, and motivate for operational resources when required

• Coordinate delay management and disruption handling to minimise passenger impact

• Coordinate and oversee scheduled audits to maintain the highest service and safety standards

• Ensure a smooth, efficient, and positive passenger experience

• Promote customer service KPIs and Net Promoter Score objectives as directed by management

• Align external service providers’ customer service standards with FlySafair brand expectations

• Engage directly with passengers via telephone or email to address complaints and feedback from the NPS platform

• Uphold and promote the FlySafair brand and corporate image

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in line with country-specific requirements

• Ensure external service provider staff are trained in accordance with regulations and internal manuals

• Provide guidance and operational support to external service providers and internal departments

• Manage unresolved operational issues with financial impact, including inadmissible passenger cases

• Oversee all passenger handling, ramp operations, and baggage activities

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent

• Minimum of 10 years’ aviation experience, including at least 5 years in a management role

Advantageous Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or degree in Travel and Tourism or Aviation

• Experience in passenger handling, baggage handling, cargo handling, and non-scheduled operations

• Experience with commercial ground handling agreements

• Working knowledge of IOSA and ISAGO audit requirements

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work non-office hours, weekends, and extended hours as required by operations

• Strong knowledge of commercial airline operations and airport environments

Personal Attributes

• Professional with high integrity

• Empathetic and patient with a customer-focused mindset

• Self-motivated and able to work independently

• Goal-oriented with a positive attitude

• Able to manage changing priorities and perform effectively under pressure

Additional Information

• Email applications will not be accepted

• Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups

• If no feedback is received within two weeks of the closing date, applications should be considered unsuccessful

• FlySafair reserves the right not to proceed with this vacancy or to appoint candidates in line with operational requirements