Air Arabia | A320 First Officer

Important Residency Requirement

Mandatory Note: This esteemed position is exclusively reserved for UAE Nationals holding a valid Khulasat Al-Qaid.

The Role: Job Purpose and Overview

The appointed First Officer is entrusted with executing assigned commercial flights in strict adherence to the Air Arabia Operational Manual and all relevant GCAA/CAA regulations. This leadership role demands the highest standards of safety, security, and operational efficiency throughout all phases of flight. The Officer must provide decisive guidance and support to the flight and cabin crew, effectively manage complex emergencies and ad-hoc scenarios, and exercise overall command to ensure successful flight performance and uphold the positive corporate image.

Key Result Responsibilities

The First Officer carries the ultimate responsibility for the aircraft during assigned flights, prioritizing factors in the following order: Safety, Efficiency, and Passenger Comfort.

Flight Command and Operational Excellence

• Flies Air Arabia aircraft according to designated schedules and approved flight plans.
• Ensures assigned flights are conducted in full compliance with the detailed provisions of the Air Arabia Operations Manual and regulatory requirements, maintaining procedures necessary for safe and smooth operations.
• Optimizes fuel management by ensuring the aircraft is flown with maximum efficiency and effectiveness, always operating within the safety constraints detailed in the Operations Manual.
• Ensures all required safety, security, fuel, and transit checks are executed flawlessly by assigned Flight and Cabin Crew members before, during, and post-flight.
• Takes necessary action and directs the crew in response to safety or security irregularities, making timely decisions on escalations when required.

Crew Management and Communication

• Ensures timely attendance, maintains impeccable grooming standards, and verifies the fitness and legality of self and all Flight Crew members prior to departure.
• Conducts comprehensive pre-flight briefings to ensure all members are fully acknowledged and prepared with flight details; enforces that proper briefing protocols are followed prior to executing each action.
• Liaises effectively with co-pilots (First Officer and Second Officer) and the Dispatch Team before each flight to ensure all crew members are fully prepared with crucial information, including technical status, route preferences, weather forecasts, fuel load, and distribution of operational roles.

Regulatory Adherence and Technical Liaison

• Cooperates closely with Maintenance Engineers to confirm the aircraft's technical status and ascertain its suitability for flight. Seeks immediate support from MCC and MROs to address concerns, identify defects, or resolve technical issues, implementing rectification measures where applicable.
• Verifies that all necessary documents and technical logs, including the technical log book, journey book, and boarding sheets, are accurately loaded and maintained in strict accordance with Air Arabia and GCAA/CAA regulations.
• Ensures the Air Arabia Operations Manual is appropriately distributed, accounted for, maintained, kept up-to-date, understood, and meticulously complied with by all Flight Crew.
• Maintains current knowledge of the legal requirements stipulated by regulatory bodies, including Civil Aviation, GCAA/CAA, Airbus Company, and other relevant entities pertaining to flight and flight crew operations.
• Undertakes additional, ground-based responsibilities, such as Safety Officer or Security Officer duties, as directed by the Head of Flight Operations and in alignment with the provisions of Part A of the Air Arabia Operations Manual.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Academic and Training Requirements

• An appropriate Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is mandatory; an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is highly preferred.
• Must successfully pass technical and psychometric assessments for Pilots in accordance with Air Arabia and GCAA/CAA standards.
• Must successfully pass the mandatory Medical Fitness check-up stipulated for Pilots under Air Arabia and GCAA/CAA standards.
• Training in safety and emergency response procedures is essential; a formal qualification is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Aircraft systems and competent use of standard office software (Microsoft Office, Internet/Web Search).
• Demonstrates excellent proficiency in written and verbal communication, including technical report writing and professional presentations.
• Advantageous Qualifications: Basic Airport security procedures and regulations training, Crew Resources Management (CRM) Training, and knowledge of IATA principles and standards relating to security.

Work Experience and Operational Expertise

• Must possess a valid Instrument Rating (IR).
• Must possess a valid Medical Certificate.
• Previous experience flying with commercial airlines is preferred.
• Experience gained within a low-cost carrier (LCC) environment is highly desirable.
• Possesses acceptable industry knowledge regarding advanced aircraft systems and operating procedures.
• Demonstrates the necessary expertise and exposure to competently handle delegated safety or security-related roles, as required by Air Arabia and GCAA/CAA regulations.
• Exhibits comprehensive exposure to Quality Assurance (QA), Safety, Security, and Audit procedures and practices that impact Flight Operations.
• Capable of effectively implementing policies, procedures, and manuals according to approved industry standards and regulatory mandates.