Airport Operations Specialist (Airside)

FlySafair

2026/05/26   Western Cape


Job Ref #: OS0001 (Airside)CPT
Industry: Aviation
Job Type: Permanent
Positions Available: 1
Safair Operations, operating as FlySafair has a vacancy for an Airport Operations Specialist (Airside) at our base in Cape Town International Airport. The successful applicant will report to the Airports Base Manager.
Job Description
  • Develop and oversee weekly operational plans, aligning resources (staffing and equipment) to business priorities and passenger demand forecasts;
  • Anticipate operational constraints and recommend proactive solutions to maintain service quality and compliance;
  • Contribute to workforce and capacity planning to ensure operational resilience;
  • Manage relationships with contracted third-party providers and airport authority, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations, service-level agreements, and safety standards;
  • Lead performance reviews with service providers, addressing deficiencies and negotiating improvements;
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders (Flight Operations, Technical and Ground Handling) to align operational activities;
  • Act as the delegated authority for the Base Manager during periods of absence, ensuring operational continuity and compliance with safety, security, and regulatory requirements;
  • Provide guidance and direction to operational staff, escalating and resolving complex issues when required;
  • Represent the Base Manager in audits, regulatory inspections, and cross-functional operational forums where required;
  • Collect, interpret, and model operational data (e.g., turnaround times, incident investigations, delay root cause analysis, passenger handling metrics, and third-party KPls);
  • Design and maintain dashboards and reporting tools to monitor real-time performance and long-term trends;
  • Apply statistical and data-visualisation techniques to generate insights that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery;
  • Partner with theBase Manager and senior stakeholders to make data-driven recommendations on operational strategy and resource allocation. 
Job Requirements
  • Grade 12 or Equivalent (Essential);
  • Diploma/Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Data Analytics, Logistics, or a related discipline (Essential);
  • Minimum 7 years' experience in airport or airline operations, with at least 2 years in a specialist or supervisory capacity (Essential);
  • Demonstrated experience in third-party/vendor performance management (Essential); - Demonstrated experience in data analytics (Essential);
  • Proven track record of applying data insights to improve operational efficiency and service quality (Essential);
  • Knowledge of Baggage and Ramp handling Procedures;
  • Knowledge of IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM);
  • Knowledge of IATA Ground Operations Manual (GOM);
  • Knowledge of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Safety Standards and Maintenance;
  • Sound understanding of SACAA regulations and airport operational standards;
  • Knowledge of relevant Airport Authority Operation Procedures Manual;
  • Knowledge of IATA Dangerous Goods Manual;
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools, reporting systems, and MS Office. 

Personal Attributes: 

  • Professional;
  • Integrity;
  • Reliable and dependable;
  • Able to work independently;
  • Proactive;
  • Advanced analytical skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights;
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and vendor management capability;
  • Decision-making authority under operational pressure. 

Application guideline:

  • Email applications will not be accepted;
  • Preference will be given to members of under-represented designated groups;
  • Should no feedback be provided within two (2) weeks from the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

FlySafair reserves the right:

  • Not to proceed with this vacancy;
  • To appoint the selected candidates based on its operational requirements.

Closing Date: 02 May 2026