South African Airways (SAA) is seeking dedicated and skilled individuals to join their team as First Officers. This prestigious role offers a unique opportunity to be part of one of Africa’s leading airlines, ensuring the safety and smooth operation of flights both on the ground and in the air. If you have a passion for aviation and meet the necessary qualifications and experience, this could be the perfect career move for you.
First Officer Job Overview
- Job Title: First Officer
- Division: Operations
- Business Unit: Flight Operations
- Job Type: Permanent
- Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
- Reference Number: SAA231220-1
As a First Officer at SAA, you will be responsible for the safety of the flight, performing duties either as a Second-In-Command Pilot (P2) or Cruise Relief Pilot (P3). You will be a vital part of the flight crew, ensuring all safety protocols are adhered to and assisting the Captain in all flight operations.
Principal Accountabilities
To apply for this exciting opportunity, you will need to provide the following documentation:
- Matric results transcript
- Aviation training records
- Summary of all aircraft types flown and hours flown in each type
- Certified copies of:
- Matric Certificate
- South African Identity Document / Passport
- Academic transcripts
- Last 3 pages of Pilot logbook
- Pilot Logbook Summary
- Pilot License
- Class 1 Medical Certificate
- CV
Preference will be given to female applicants in line with SAA’s Pilot Employment Equity Plan. Candidates will undergo pre-employment assessments, including criminal, credit, reference checks, and simulator/written/psychometric tests.
Qualifications & Experience
To be eligible for the First Officer position, candidates must have:
- Matric Certificate / Grade 12 results / N3 or relevant tertiary qualifications (SAQA accredited)
- Compulsory subjects: Mathematics or Statistics 101 and English (D symbol on higher grade or C symbol on standard grade) along with either Physical Science or Computer Science (D symbol on higher grade or C symbol on standard grade)
- Valid South African Airline Transport Pilot’s License, or a Commercial Pilot License having completed all the ground subjects for the ATPL (previously known as a Frozen ATPL). A valid ATPL License must be obtained within 4 years from the date of employment with SAA with a multi-engine instrument rating
- Valid Class 1 medical
- A minimum of 1,500 flying hours, including 200 hours on multi-engine aircraft
- South African citizenship with a valid Passport
Knowledge and Skills
Applicants must have:
- Expertise in applying safety standards and safe operating practices
- Detailed knowledge of national and international aviation regulations (CAA, ICAO, IATA, FAA, EASA)
- Firm understanding of international travel, customs, and practices
- Knowledge of legal regulations for the piloting/aviation profession in South Africa and internationally
- Strong business communication skills (verbal and written)
Personal Attributes
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Emotional intelligence
- Ability to inspire commitment
- Capacity to handle complex operational issues in a fast-paced environment
- Organizational resilience and focus on change management
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Proactive collaboration and maintaining working relationships across professional boundaries
- Results-driven attitude
- Ability to develop self and others
- Sound judgment and decision-making ability
Additional Information
SAA employs an internal employee referral program for all permanent vacancies advertised externally on the E-recruitment site. The standard advertisement and application process will still apply alongside the program. Applicants must complete an individual registration profile capturing essential personal and career selection criteria. This profile must be kept up-to-date as it is used for screening and shortlisting purposes.
For system support, applicants can contact Cebile Nkosi at CebileNkosi@flysaa.com.
How to Apply
To apply for this exciting First Officer position at SAA, ensure your online profile is complete and accurate. Incomplete profiles may result in disqualification from the application process.
- Click on this link to apply: Apply Here
Becoming a First Officer at SAA is a prestigious and rewarding career path. If you have the qualifications, experience, and passion for aviation, don’t miss this opportunity to join one of Africa’s leading airlines. Apply today and take the next step in your aviation career with SAA.
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