Chief Flight Operations Officer

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 2,400,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement provisions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Chief Flight Operations Officer (CFOO) for an airline with a strong presence in East London, Eastern Cape. The role drives the strategic direction of all flight operations, safety, and regulatory compliance, leading a team of operations professionals on-site.

You will manage budgets, engage with aviation authorities, and implement innovations to improve efficiency and safety while guiding day-to-day operations and long-term planning.

Qualifications

• Senior flight operations leadership in an airline or equivalent.
• ATPL license current or former with substantial flying hours preferred.
• Proven track record in managing complex flight operations and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of flight operations including planning, dispatch, crewing, and crew training.
• Ensure adherence to aviation regulations and company policies.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage the flight operations department budget and financial targets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Serve as primary liaison with aviation authorities on operational matters.
• Manage relationships with flight crews and promote a safety-focused culture.
• Guide deployment of new technologies and procedures to boost performance.
• Lead the response to disruptions and emergencies.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Regulatory compliance

Budget management

ATPL (preferred)

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Aviation Management or MBA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a respected airline with a significant presence in East London, Eastern Cape , is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Chief Flight Operations Officer (CFOO). This executive position is responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of all flight operations, ensuring the highest levels of safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. You will lead a team of flight operations professionals, manage operational budgets, and serve as a key liaison with aviation authorities and other stakeholders. This is an on-site role essential for overseeing day-to-day flight operations and strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct all aspects of the airline's flight operations, including flight planning, dispatch, crewing, and crew training.
• Ensure strict adherence to all applicable aviation regulations and company policies.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage the flight operations department budget, ensuring financial targets are met.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of flight operations personnel.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with aviation regulatory bodies regarding operational matters.
• Manage the airline's relationship with flight crews, fostering a positive and safety-conscious culture.
• Oversee the implementation of new technologies and procedures to improve operational performance.
• Lead the response to operational disruptions and emergencies.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in senior flight operations management within the airline industry.
• Current or former Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) with substantial flying hours is highly preferred.
• Proven track record in managing complex flight operations and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• In-depth knowledge of aviation regulations, air traffic control, meteorology, and aircraft performance.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent financial management and budgeting skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage complex challenges.
• Relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, or a related field is desirable.

Benefits

This senior executive role offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive executive benefits package, including top-tier medical aid, life insurance, and retirement provisions. Opportunities for professional growth and engagement with industry leaders are significant. You will play a pivotal role in the success and safety of the airline's operations in East London and beyond. Our client cultivates a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.