AIRCRAFT CLEANER x20(APPLY NOW) AT SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
South African Airways (SAA) is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Aircraft Cleaner (Technical Peak Season – Pool) within its Operations Division. The successful applicants will work in the Operations Support business unit, helping maintain the cleanliness, hygiene and safety of aircraft, hangars and associated technical facilities. A total of 20 positions are available on a fixed-term contract basis. The role is based in Kempton Park, Gauteng, and reports to the Manager – Projects.
The successful candidates will be responsible for cleaning the interiors and exteriors of SAA aircraft and third-party customer aircraft. Additional duties include cleaning hangar floors, maintaining premises, handling waste, removing foreign objects and cleaning aircraft components using approved equipment and chemicals.
This opportunity is suited to individuals who have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification and have at least six months of experience in an Appearance section within the general aviation industry. Applicants should be familiar with cleaning products and equipment and understand the importance of following safety procedures in an aviation environment. Candidates who meet the stated requirements are encouraged to submit their applications before the advertised closing date.
Position Details
- Job Title: Aircraft Cleaner (Technical Peak Season – Pool)
- Reference Number: SAA261026-12
- Division: Operations
- Business Unit: Operations Support
- Job Grade: SS1-1
- Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract
- Reporting To: Manager – Projects
- Location: Gauteng, South Africa
Purpose of the Position
The primary purpose of the Aircraft Cleaner position is to ensure that contracted aircraft, hangars and related premises remain clean, safe and hygienic. The successful candidates will perform detailed cleaning tasks on aircraft interiors and exteriors, including passenger seating, toilets, carpets, galleys, cockpit areas and other components. They will also help maintain hangar floors, technical work areas, storage facilities and surrounding premises.
Aircraft cleaning requires attention to detail because cleaning activities must be completed without damaging aircraft surfaces, equipment or components. Employees must use the correct cleaning products, follow established procedures and operate specialised equipment responsibly.
The position also involves removing waste, cleaning hazardous spills according to applicable procedures and keeping technical areas free from foreign objects. These responsibilities help support a clean working environment and contribute to the maintenance of aviation safety standards.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience
1. Grade 12 or Equivalent Qualification
Candidates must have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4. Applicants should ensure that their educational information is accurate and that supporting documentation is available when required.
2. Relevant Aviation Cleaning Experience
A minimum of six months’ experience in an Appearance section within the general aviation industry is required. Candidates should have practical knowledge of cleaning aircraft or working in an aviation-related cleaning environment. Relevant experience may help applicants demonstrate their understanding of specialized cleaning procedures, aircraft care and the importance of maintaining professional standards in technical facilities.
3. Knowledge of Cleaning Products
Applicants should understand the use of cleaning products and the importance of selecting suitable products for different surfaces and components. Aircraft and aviation equipment must be cleaned according to approved procedures to prevent damage and maintain safety.
4. Equipment Operation Skills
Candidates must have knowledge of cleaning equipment and its operation. The position involves using various machines and equipment for aircraft cleaning, hangar maintenance and the removal of dirt, waste and other unwanted materials. Applicants should be prepared to follow operating instructions and workplace safety requirements when using specialized equipment.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Aircraft Cleaner will perform a wide range of cleaning and maintenance-support duties across aircraft interiors, exteriors, hangars and surrounding premises.
1. Clean Aircraft Interiors
Carry out routine and deep cleaning of the interiors of SAA fleet aircraft and third-party customer aircraft. Tasks include cleaning passenger seating, carpets, galleys, cockpit areas, screens, headphones and other designated interior surfaces. The successful candidate must ensure that these areas are clean and presentable while taking care not to damage aircraft fittings or equipment.
2. Deep-Clean Aircraft Toilets
Perform detailed cleaning of aircraft toilets and related components. This includes cleaning toilet fittings and removable components using the required chemicals and appropriate equipment, including a pressure-washing machine where authorized. Cleaning must be carried out carefully and according to the relevant procedures to maintain hygiene and prevent damage.
3. Clean Aircraft Waste Systems and Galleys
Clean trash compactors and galley areas in accordance with workplace procedures. Remove waste appropriately and ensure that the designated areas are left clean and suitable for use.
4. Clean Aircraft Exteriors
Clean the exterior surfaces of SAA and customer aircraft using approved methods. Duties include aircraft glazing, polishing and cleaning designated external areas. Candidates may be required to use equipment such as stackers, scissor lifts, cherry pickers and skyjacks. Such equipment must be operated in accordance with applicable authorization, training and safety procedures.
5. Maintain Hangar Floors
Sweep and wash hangar floors and basins, operate floor-scrubbing equipment and help maintain clean working areas. The role also includes cleaning mechanics’ stores and ensuring that technical spaces remain orderly. Employees must follow appropriate procedures when dealing with oil, fuel, Skydrol or other hazardous substances.
6. Handle Waste and Spillage
Empty drip trays containing oil, fuel or Skydrol as required by the applicable procedures. Remove domestic and hazardous waste using the designated handling and disposal arrangements. Hazardous spills must be handled only in accordance with the relevant safety procedures and the employee’s training. Any spill or condition beyond the employee’s authorized responsibilities should be reported promptly.
7. Maintain the Surrounding Premises
Keep the technical premises clean by collecting loose paper, removing foreign objects and clearing unwanted materials such as cut boxes, nails and pallets. Additional duties include sweeping streets and parking areas, emptying office-paper recycling containers and sorting cardboard materials for recycling.
8. Clean Aircraft Components
Clean aircraft components using the approved chemicals and methods specified for each task. Responsibilities include deep-cleaning selected components, washing landing gear, cleaning cargo rails and removing dirt or spillage from aircraft cargo areas. The role may also involve operating a designated washing machine when cleaning landing gear. Equipment must be used according to applicable procedures and safety requirements.
9. Clean Removable Aircraft Items
Clean removable aircraft items, including chairs and other designated components. Ensure that these items are handled carefully and cleaned using the appropriate products and methods.
10. Follow Safety and Operational Procedures
Comply with applicable workplace policies and cleaning procedures when working around aircraft, machinery, technical equipment and hazardous substances. Use cleaning products responsibly, operate equipment carefully and report unsafe conditions or damage to the relevant supervisor. Maintaining a clean and organized work environment is essential to supporting safe aviation operations.
Knowledge, Skills and Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following qualities: Conceptual Thinking: The ability to understand cleaning instructions and determine appropriate steps for completing assigned tasks. Information Seeking: A willingness to clarify instructions and obtain relevant information when uncertain about a procedure. Achievement Orientation: A commitment to completing cleaning duties to the required standard and within the expected timeframe.
Initiative: The ability to identify cleaning needs and take appropriate action within the scope of assigned responsibilities. Organizational Awareness: An understanding of workplace procedures, reporting structures and the importance of following company policies. Teamwork and Cooperation: The ability to work effectively with colleagues and support the team’s operational objectives. Customer Service Orientation: A professional approach to maintaining aircraft and facilities used by customers. Integrity: Honesty, accountability and responsible handling of equipment, materials and workplace information.
Employment Equity Policy
South African Airways is committed to Employment Equity in its internal and external recruitment processes. The company promotes internal career development wherever possible. Internal candidates will be considered before external applicants, provided this supports the achievement of the organization’s Employment Equity objectives.
Application Information
Interested candidates should prepare an application that clearly demonstrates their Grade 12 qualification or equivalent and their relevant aircraft appearance or aviation cleaning experience. Ensure that all information supplied is accurate and that supporting documents are available when requested. Applicants should consult the official South African Airways recruitment platform for the application procedure and any additional submission requirements.
Applications should be submitted before the deadline to be considered.
Final Reminder
The Aircraft Cleaner (Technical Peak Season – Pool) vacancy offers an opportunity for qualified candidates with relevant aviation cleaning experience to contribute to aircraft cleanliness and technical facility maintenance at South African Airways. Applicants should carefully review the requirements, highlight their relevant experience and demonstrate their ability to follow cleaning procedures, operate equipment responsibly and maintain high standards of hygiene and safety.