Flight Operations Officer (Based in Dammam, KSA)

Job Purpose

The Flight Operations Officer (FOO), is a key member of the airline's Operations Control Center (OCC). The FOO is responsible for the joint control and supervision of all flight operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and punctual execution of flights in accordance with Air Arabia's policies and procedures, as well as all relevant Saudi and international aviation regulations.

Key Result Responsibilities

Flight Planning & Release:

• Generate, review, and file safe, legal, and effective operational flight plans for all scheduled and non-scheduled flights.
• Conduct pre-flight briefings with the flight crew, providing essential information on weather, NOTAMs, aircraft performance, navigation, and fuel requirements.
• Calculate and determine optimal fuel loads, taking into account meteorological conditions, air traffic control (ATC) restrictions, and ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) requirements where applicable.

Flight Monitoring & Control:

• Monitor the progress of all flights in real-time using flight monitoring systems.
• Continuously analyze meteorological conditions, aircraft status, and ATC restrictions to identify potential disruptions.
• Initiate, coordinate, and execute contingency plans for abnormal situations such as adverse weather, diversions, mechanical issues, or medical emergencies.
• Maintain constant communication with flight crews, ground handling, ATC, and other operational stakeholders to ensure a smooth flow of operations.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety:

• Ensure all flight operations adhere to the regulations of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia, ICAO, and other relevant regulatory bodies.
• Maintain a high level of situational awareness to identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Accurately document and report all operational incidents, disruptions, and decisions made during the shift.
• Contribute to the airline's safety management system (SMS) by reporting hazards and participating in safety initiatives.

Coordination & Communication:

• Act as a central point of contact for resolving operational issues during the assigned shift.
• Liaise with other departments, including Engineering, Commercial, and Crewing, to address operational challenges and ensure a cohesive approach.
• Ensure a comprehensive handover to the next shift, providing a clear and concise summary of ongoing operations and potential issues.

Qualifications (Academic, training, languages)

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Science, or a related field is preferred. A high school diploma with extensive relevant experience and/or a valid Flight Dispatcher license may be considered.

Licensing:

• Valid Flight Dispatcher/Flight Operations Officer license from an ICAO contracting state.
• GACA Flight Dispatcher license or the ability to obtain one upon joining.

Work Experience

• Proven experience as a Flight Operations Officer or Flight Dispatcher in an airline Operations Control Center.
• Experience with low-cost carrier (LCC) operations is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with flight planning software (e.g., LIDO, Jeppesen) and other operational systems.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of GACA and ICAO regulations, aviation meteorology, navigation, and aircraft performance.
• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making skills, especially under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of Arabic is a plus.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and in a rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Note : Preference will be given to Saudi National candidates.