Flight Operations Manager – Air Arabia Maroc
Air Arabia Maroc seeks a highly experienced and skilled Flight Operations Manager to oversee the safe and efficient operation of its fleet. This critical role requires a dedicated professional with a proven track record in managing flight operations, maintaining regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of safety and professionalism amongst flight crews.
Job Purpose:
The Flight Operations Manager will implement and maintain operating procedures and manuals ensuring the safe and smooth operation of the Air Arabia Maroc fleet. This includes monitoring flight performance, pilot performance, and system performance, all in strict accordance with operational manuals, Air Arabia Maroc policies, and DGAC/CAA regulations. A key responsibility is to cultivate professionalism among pilots while optimizing manpower and operating costs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and mentor the flight operations team, providing continuous support, coaching, and guidance to enhance individual and team performance.
- Manage manpower planning and utilization to meet operational needs while adhering to regulatory requirements and company cost-reduction objectives. Oversee pilot base allocation and assignments across all hubs.
- Collaborate with Operations and Human Resources stakeholders to ensure objective performance evaluations of all pilots.
- Utilize data and reports to make informed decisions regarding promotions, dismissals, mandatory and competency-based training, career development, grievance handling, and overall team performance.
- Partner with the Cabin Services Manager to design, develop, and implement policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensuring consistency and compatibility between flight and cabin crew operations.
- Monitor and review revisions to Operations Manuals (Parts A, B, C, and MEL), promptly notifying flight crews of any amendments, changes, instructions, or safety-critical operational information.
- Collaborate with Safety, Security, and Quality Assurance departments to review, update, and monitor the implementation of manuals related to flight crew safety and security procedures. Monitor safety trends to identify and implement corrective measures.
- Analyze and evaluate reports (discretion, occurrence, voyage, and flight crew reports), recommend and implement appropriate actions and solutions, and communicate necessary information. Ensure timely collection and submission of Captain Discretion Reports.
- Liaise with external parties (DGAC/CAA, regulatory bodies, aircraft manufacturers, and OEMs) to ensure the Aircraft Fleet Management (AFM) system is up-to-date and provides optimal performance data for fleet standardization and safety. Provide recommendations as needed.
- Support the Head of Flight Operations by providing recommendations on route planning, scheduling, and new destination selection.
- Establish operational requirements for all aerodromes and routes, highlighting any aircraft performance limitations.
- Analyze current practices to identify cost-reduction opportunities, particularly in fuel consumption and manpower utilization.
- Ensure effective management of Quality Assurance and internal/external audit requirements. Represent Flight Operations during statutory audits (CAA, IOSA, etc.).
- Conduct field trips to evaluate the performance of destinations and support hubs.
- Operate a minimum of 40 block hours per month.
Qualifications:
- An Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is mandatory.
- A Bachelor's degree in Aeronautics/Aviation/Management or equivalent is preferred.
- Training in safety and emergency response is essential; a formal qualification is advantageous.
- Basic training in airport security procedures and regulations is mandatory.
- Training in IATA security principles and standards is highly desirable.
- Cost control, compliance, budgeting, and quality assurance certifications and training are highly valued.
- Proficiency in aircraft systems, Microsoft Office, internet, and web search is required.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing and presentations, are essential.
- Fluency in English, Arabic, and French is advantageous.
Experience:
- 10+ years of extensive experience in airline operations, including a minimum of 5 years in a supervisory or managerial role overseeing international commercial operations with similar aircraft.
- Alternatively, a minimum of 3 years (within the last 6 years) as a Pilot in Command of Airbus 320/321 aircraft; low-cost airline experience is advantageous.
- Demonstrated knowledge of aircraft systems and operating procedures.
- Familiarity with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules and regulations, preferably DGAC and IOSA, pertaining to Flight Operations manuals, working procedures, and pilot licensing.
- Experience with Quality Assurance/Safety/Security/Audit procedures and practices affecting Flight Operations.
- Proven ability to implement, monitor, and manage policies, procedures, and manuals according to business requirements, approved quality standards, and regulatory compliance.
- Experience working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with heavy workloads and ad-hoc scenarios.
- High accuracy and attention to detail.
- Developed skills in cost-estimation analysis and budget management.
- Experience in measuring team performance against regulations, manuals, and established standards.