FlySafair Hiring Now | First Officer Jobs South Africa | SACAA Commercial Pilot Licence | Boeing First Officer Vacancy 2026 | 5 Positions Available
FlySafair (Safair Operations), South Africa’s most acclaimed and most punctual low-cost airline, is recruiting 5 First Officers across their bases in Johannesburg (OR Tambo), Cape Town, Durban, and Lanseria (HLA). This permanent, multi-base opportunity is one of the most sought-after First Officer positions in South African commercial aviation — joining a Boeing-operating airline renowned for operational excellence, crew professionalism, and a genuine commitment to safety-first flight deck culture.
✈️ 5 Positions | Permanent | JHB · CPT · DBN · HLA | SACAA Commercial Licence Essential — Apply Now.
First Officer Job Overview – FlySafair
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | First Officer |
| Company | FlySafair / Safair Operations |
| Department | Flight Deck Crew |
| Reports To | Fleet Captain |
| Industry | Aviation |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Positions Available | 5 |
| Salary | Market Related |
| Bases | Johannesburg (OR Tambo), Cape Town, Durban, Lanseria |
| Reference | FirstOfficer_03 |
| Minimum Hours | 1,500 hours — incl. 500 hours Multi-Turbine |
| Licence | SACAA Commercial — essential; ATPL — preferred |
| Medical | Class 1 SACAA Medical — essential |
| Posted | 09 March 2026 |
| Application Status | ✅ Open – Apply Now |
About FlySafair
FlySafair is South Africa’s most decorated domestic airline — consistently recognised as the country’s most on-time carrier and most trusted low-cost airline by South African travellers. Operating a fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft across major South African routes from four bases — OR Tambo, Cape Town International, King Shaka International, and Lanseria — FlySafair offers First Officers a professional, safety-focused, and high-performance flight deck environment with genuine career development pathways toward Command.
FlySafair is committed to Employment Equity. Preference will be given to members of under-represented designated groups in line with FlySafair’s transformation policy.
Purpose of the Role
The First Officer operates as the Second-in-Command on FlySafair commercial flights — responsible for monitoring the flight path and aircraft systems, performing pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight checks and procedures, assisting the Captain in all operational and administrative duties, and in the event of Captain incapacitation, assuming Command. The role demands exceptional situational awareness, discipline, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to safety, crew cohesion, and passenger care.
Key Responsibilities – First Officer
Operations & Safety
- Ensure the safety of every flight in a timely and disciplined manner — at all times.
- Monitor the flight path and all aircraft systems continuously throughout every sector.
- Navigate and operate the aircraft in accordance with FlySafair Standard Operating Procedures, FlySafair Operations Manual, and the applicable Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM).
- Ensure compliance with SACAA regulations, ICAO standards, and all company policies and procedures.
- In the event of the incapacitation of the Captain, assume Command and take all actions necessary to ensure the safe outcome of the flight.
- Volunteer advice, information, and assistance to the Captain that contributes to the safe and efficient conduct of every flight.
- Maintain a continuous, independent check on the aircraft’s geographical position and terrain clearance throughout all phases of flight.
- Confirm all deviations from the planned flight path, abnormal instrument indications, warning lights, or hazardous situations are immediately communicated to the Captain.
Pre-Flight Duties
- Be fully aware of the planned flight route, briefing sheet contents, and forecast conditions — including weather, runway states, and NOTAM information at destination and alternate aerodromes.
- Perform all pre-flight checks outlined in the Operations Manual and complete all required documentation accordingly.
- Work collaboratively with the Captain to review all relevant documents and information — making informed decisions on fuel selection, alternate selection, and any restrictions applicable to the flight.
In-Flight Duties
- Perform or monitor the execution of all normal, abnormal, and emergency checklists as specified in the Operations Manual — ensuring all checklists are properly completed.
- Monitor all flight instrument indications — particularly altitude/height, speed, and heading — crosschecking throughout the flight and advising the Captain immediately of any deviation or abnormal indication.
- Conduct R/T (radio/telephony) communications as and when required in accordance with SACAA and FlySafair standards.
Post-Flight Duties
- Ensure all post-flight procedures are completed in accordance with the Operations Manual and FCOM.
- Submit all required documentation and reports — including IQSMS (Integrated Quality & Safety Management System) reports — accurately and completely.
Crew Standards & Administration
- Submit accurate and complete legal administrative documentation for every flight.
- Communicate professionally with internal departments, external service providers, and passengers as required.
- Maintain a high personal standard of discipline, professional conduct, and personal appearance as a representative of FlySafair at all times.
- Support the Captain in developing and maintaining high standards of professional expertise and crew morale.
- Assist the Captain in upholding crew discipline, behaviour standards, and personal appearance requirements.
- Uphold FlySafair’s core competitive edge — excellent customer service — in every crew and passenger interaction.
- Stay updated with applicable SACAA and international aviation laws, and with the company’s Operations Manual and associated publications.
Minimum Requirements – First Officer
Licences & Medical
- SACAA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) — essential
- SACAA Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) — preferred
- Valid Class 1 SACAA Medical Certificate — essential; no existing medical conditions
Type Rating & Hours
- Non-Type Rated or Boeing Type Rated — with a minimum of 1,500 total hours, including 500 hours Multi-Turbine time — essential
- Multi-Crew experience — essential
- Boeing Type Rating — advantageous
- Experience on commercial jets over 20 tonnes — advantageous
Regulatory Knowledge
- Detailed knowledge of SACAA and ICAO national aviation regulations
- Knowledge of ICAO Doc 8186 — essential
- Knowledge of Commercial and Airline Transport Pilot Licensing content
Personal & Legal Requirements
- South African citizen with valid proof of identity
- Valid RSA passport
- Valid RSA Driver’s Licence and own reliable transport
- Clean criminal record — essential; willing to undergo drug and alcohol testing
- Willing to sign applicable training bond/s as required by FlySafair
- Willing and able to work irregular hours on a roster
Personal Attributes Required
- Immaculate timekeeping — precision punctuality is a professional requirement in commercial aviation
- Excellent situational awareness — the most critical safety competency for any First Officer
- High integrity and disciplined professional conduct at all times
- Good leadership skills — particularly in command scenarios and CRM (Crew Resource Management)
- Well-groomed and professional in appearance as a representative of FlySafair
- Positive attitude and strong team-player mentality — supporting crew morale and cohesion
- Ability to handle high levels of responsibility and pressure with composure
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills across crew, cabin, ground, and passenger interactions
Why Join FlySafair as a First Officer?
- 5 Positions Across 4 Bases — Flexibility to be based in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or Lanseria — one of the most geographically diverse first officer opportunities in South African aviation
- South Africa’s Premier Low-Cost Carrier — Build your command-track career at the airline most recognised for punctuality, professionalism, and operational excellence by South African aviation professionals
- Boeing Fleet — Fly the Boeing 737 — one of the world’s most widely operated commercial aircraft, with globally transferable type rating value
- Safety-First Flight Deck Culture — FlySafair’s reputation for operational discipline and crew professionalism creates an environment where First Officers develop into exceptional commercial aviators
- Clear Command Pathway — High-performing, experienced First Officers at FlySafair progress through the upgrade process to Captain — building the experience and command hours required for ATPL and Command
- Transformation Commitment — Preference is given to members of under-represented designated groups in line with FlySafair’s equity commitments
Career Growth Path – Commercial Aviation
- First Officer → Senior First Officer
- Senior First Officer → Captain Upgrade
- Captain → Senior Captain / Training Captain
- Training Captain → Fleet Captain / Head of Flight Operations
South African commercial pilots with Boeing type ratings, multi-crew experience, and an airline flight deck record at a SACAA-regulated Part 121 operator are among the most globally mobile and career-secure aviation professionals in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions – First Officer Jobs South Africa
What is the minimum hours requirement to apply? Applicants must hold a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours, of which at least 500 hours must be Multi-Turbine time. Both Non-Type Rated and Boeing Type Rated pilots who meet this threshold are eligible to apply. Multi-Crew experience is essential.
What is ICAO Doc 8186? ICAO Doc 8186 is the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Operations Manual for Air Traffic Services — a comprehensive regulatory publication governing air traffic and operational standards. Knowledge of this document is listed as an essential requirement, reflecting the First Officer’s responsibility to understand and comply with international aviation operational standards.
What is a training bond and what does signing one mean? A training bond is a contractual commitment by the First Officer to remain employed with FlySafair for a specified period after completing type rating or other company-sponsored training — or to repay a portion of the training costs if they resign within the bond period. Training bonds are standard practice across South African commercial airlines and reflect the airline’s significant investment in type rating and line training.
What is IQSMS and when would I use it? IQSMS (Integrated Quality & Safety Management System) is a safety and quality reporting platform used by South African aviation operators. First Officers are required to submit IQSMS reports after any flight events, safety occurrences, or operational observations that require formal documentation — contributing directly to FlySafair’s Safety Management System.
Can I apply without a Boeing type rating? Yes. Both Non-Type Rated and Boeing Type Rated pilots are eligible to apply — provided the minimum hours requirements (1,500 total, 500 Multi-Turbine) and Multi-Crew experience requirements are met. A Boeing type rating is listed as advantageous but is not a prerequisite for application.
Which base should I indicate preference for? Vacancies are available across Johannesburg (OR Tambo), Cape Town, Durban, and Lanseria. Indicate your base preference in your application. Final base allocation will be determined by FlySafair’s operational requirements.
⚠️ Important: Application Information
- Email applications will NOT be accepted — apply via the official link only
- 5 positions available across four bases
- No feedback within 2 weeks of closing = unsuccessful application
- Willing to sign training bond — essential
- FlySafair reserves the right not to proceed with this vacancy
👉 Apply for FlySafair First Officer – JHB / CPT / DBN / HLA
Documents Required:
- Updated CV with total flight hours, Multi-Turbine hours, and Multi-Crew experience clearly detailed
- Certified copy of Grade 12 Certificate
- Copy of valid SACAA CPL or ATPL licence
- Copy of valid Class 1 SACAA Medical Certificate
- Copy of Boeing type rating certificate (if held)
- Valid RSA Passport copy
- Copy of RSA Driver’s Licence
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Certified copy of South African ID
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