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. A total of 20 positions are available on a fixed-term contract basis in Kempton Park, Gauteng.

This opportunity is suitable for candidates who have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification and have at least six months of experience in the Appearance section of the general aviation industry. Successful applicants will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, hygiene and safety of aircraft, hangars and surrounding premises.

The Aircraft Cleaner will perform various cleaning duties on South African Airways aircraft and customer aircraft, including interior and exterior cleaning, deep cleaning of aircraft components, hangar maintenance and general premises cleaning. The role requires individuals who can operate cleaning equipment, use approved cleaning chemicals and follow the required safety procedures when working in an aviation environment.

Candidates interested in working in the aviation industry are encouraged to review the requirements and responsibilities carefully before submitting an application.

SAA Aircraft Cleaner Vacancies 2026: Job Overview

The following information provides an overview of the available position.

• Job Title: Aircraft Cleaner (Technical Peak Season – Pool)
• Reference Number: SAA261026-12
• Division: Operations
• Business Unit: Operations Support
• Job Grade: SS1-1
• Job Type: Fixed-Term Contract
• Number of Positions: 20
• Reporting To: Manager – Projects
• Minimum Qualification: Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4
• Minimum Experience: Six months in the Appearance section of a general aviation industry
• Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
• Closing Date: 4 November 2026

Applicants should ensure that they meet the stated minimum education and experience requirements before applying.

About the Aircraft Cleaner Position

The Aircraft Cleaner will be responsible for cleaning the exterior and interior of aircraft operated by South African Airways and its contracted customers. The position also involves maintaining clean and hygienic hangars, workshops and other technical premises.

Aircraft cleaning is an important part of aviation operations because aircraft and their associated facilities must be maintained in a clean, orderly and safe condition. The successful candidates will assist with cleaning activities that support aircraft presentation, hygiene and the general maintenance of operational areas.

The position involves a variety of duties, including cleaning aircraft seats, carpets, toilets, galleys, cockpits and other interior components. Exterior cleaning duties include washing aircraft surfaces, glazing and polishing. Employees may also be required to use specialised equipment to access elevated aircraft surfaces.

In addition to aircraft cleaning, the successful candidates will assist with hangar floor cleaning, waste removal, spill management and general premises maintenance. Other duties include cleaning aircraft components using approved chemicals, washing landing gear and cleaning cargo areas.

Candidates should be prepared to perform practical cleaning duties in a technical environment and follow all applicable safety instructions when handling equipment, chemicals and waste materials.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main duties of the Aircraft Cleaner will include the following:

Interior Cleaning of Aircraft

Successful applicants will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the interiors of South African Airways aircraft and customer aircraft.

Duties will include:

• Deep cleaning aircraft toilets to maintain hygiene standards.
• Cleaning aircraft screens and headphones.
• Deep cleaning aircraft carpets.
• Cleaning cockpit areas according to the required procedures.
• Deep cleaning aircraft seats and chairs.
• Cleaning aircraft galleys and related facilities.
• Cleaning trash compactors.
• Removing waste and maintaining clean aircraft interiors.
• Cleaning removable aircraft items, including chairs.
• Cleaning spills inside aircraft.
• Cleaning cargo areas affected by spills.
• Ensuring that aircraft interior components are cleaned using the appropriate methods and approved products.

These responsibilities require attention to detail and the ability to maintain cleanliness in different aircraft compartments.

Exterior Cleaning of Aircraft

The Aircraft Cleaner will also perform exterior cleaning duties on the SAA fleet and customer aircraft.

Responsibilities will include:

• Cleaning the exterior surfaces of aircraft.
• Performing aircraft glazing and polishing duties.
• Using approved equipment to reach elevated aircraft surfaces.
• Operating equipment such as stackers, scissor lifts, cherry pickers and skyjacks, where authorised and appropriately trained.
• Ensuring that exterior cleaning is performed according to the required procedures.
• Maintaining cleanliness around aircraft during cleaning operations.

Applicants should understand that some exterior cleaning tasks may involve working at heights or operating specialised machinery. Such activities must be performed in accordance with applicable safety procedures and training requirements.

Hangar Floor Cleaning and Maintenance

The successful candidates will help maintain clean and orderly hangar facilities used for technical aviation operations.

Duties will include:

• Sweeping hangar floors.
• Washing hangar floors and basins.
• Operating floor-scrubbing machines.
• Cleaning mechanics’ stores.
• Emptying drip trays containing oil, fuel or Skydrol, in accordance with approved handling procedures.
• Cleaning hazardous spills using the required safety measures.
• Emptying domestic and hazardous waste containers.
• Positioning aircraft stands as instructed.
• Keeping hangar working areas clean and organised.
• Removing waste and debris that could interfere with operations.

Hazardous substances and spills must be handled in accordance with the applicable workplace safety procedures. Employees should follow instructions concerning protective equipment, chemical handling and waste disposal.

General Premises Cleaning

Aircraft Cleaners will also assist with maintaining the cleanliness of the technical premises and surrounding areas.

Responsibilities will include:

• Picking up loose papers in technical areas.
• Removing foreign objects from the premises.
• Collecting discarded boxes, nails and pallets.
• Sweeping streets and parking areas.
• Emptying recycling containers for office paper.
• Sorting cardboard boxes for recycling.
• Operating trash compactors when authorised.
• Removing waste from designated areas.
• Maintaining clean and orderly outdoor spaces.

Keeping the premises free of foreign objects is particularly important in an aviation environment, where loose items can create safety hazards and interfere with operational activities.

Cleaning Aircraft Components

The position also involves cleaning aircraft components and removable items using approved chemicals and specialised cleaning equipment.

Duties will include:

• Cleaning aircraft components using approved cleaning chemicals.
• Performing deep cleaning of aircraft components.
• Washing landing gear.
• Operating the designated WAP machine when cleaning landing gear, subject to the required training and procedures.
• Deep cleaning aircraft toilet components using the appropriate equipment and chemicals.
• Cleaning cargo rails.
• Cleaning removable aircraft items, including chairs.
• Removing spills from aircraft components and cargo areas.
• Following the prescribed cleaning methods for different aircraft parts.
• Ensuring that the correct products and equipment are used for each cleaning task.

Applicants must be willing to learn and follow the relevant procedures for cleaning technical aircraft components.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for the Aircraft Cleaner position.

Educational Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4.

Applicants should ensure that the qualification presented meets the requirements specified in the vacancy advertisement.

Work Experience

• At least six months of experience in the Appearance section of a general aviation industry.

The experience requirement is an important consideration for applicants. Candidates should ensure that their CV accurately reflects their relevant aviation cleaning experience.

Although the position involves a range of general cleaning duties, the advertised experience requirement specifically refers to the Appearance section within a general aviation industry. Applicants should not assume that unrelated cleaning experience automatically meets this requirement.

Knowledge and Skills Required

Candidates should possess the knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform cleaning duties in an aviation environment.

The required knowledge and skills include:

• Operation of Equipment: The ability to operate cleaning equipment safely and effectively, subject to the necessary training and authorisation.
• Knowledge of Cleaning Products: An understanding of cleaning products and their appropriate use when cleaning different surfaces, aircraft components and facilities.

Applicants should be willing to follow instructions when using specialised machinery and approved chemicals.

Personal Attributes and Competencies

South African Airways is looking for candidates who demonstrate the personal attributes required to perform their duties effectively and professionally.

The relevant attributes include:

• Conceptual Thinking: The ability to understand tasks, assess situations and apply appropriate solutions.
• Information Seeking: The willingness to obtain the information and instructions needed to complete duties correctly.
• Achievement Orientation: A commitment to completing assigned tasks and maintaining the required standards.
• Initiative: The ability to identify cleaning needs and take appropriate action within the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Organisational Awareness: An understanding of workplace procedures and the importance of maintaining operational standards.
• Teamwork and Cooperation: The ability to work effectively with colleagues and support team objectives.
• Customer Service Orientation: A commitment to maintaining standards that contribute to a positive experience for customers and aircraft operators.
• Integrity: The ability to act honestly, responsibly and professionally.

These attributes are important for employees working in a technical environment where safety, teamwork and attention to detail are essential.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Before applying for the Aircraft Cleaner position, candidates should carefully review the vacancy requirements.

The position is offered on a fixed-term contract basis, and the advertisement identifies the opportunity as a technical peak-season pool. Applicants should therefore understand that the position is not advertised as a permanent appointment.

Candidates must have Grade 12 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification and at least six months of relevant experience in the Appearance section of a general aviation industry.

The duties are practical and varied. Employees may be required to clean aircraft interiors and exteriors, maintain hangars, remove waste, clean technical components and operate specialised cleaning equipment.

Some responsibilities involve potentially hazardous materials, elevated work areas and technical equipment. Candidates must be prepared to follow workplace safety procedures and use equipment only when appropriately trained and authorised.

Applicants should also ensure that their CV clearly outlines their qualifications, relevant work experience, practical cleaning skills and any applicable equipment-operation experience.

How to Apply for SAA Aircraft Cleaner Vacancies

Interested candidates should apply through the official South African Airways careers platform using the advertised reference number SAA261026-12.

Before submitting an application, applicants should:

1. Review the full vacancy advertisement and confirm that they meet the minimum requirements.
2. Prepare an updated CV containing accurate educational and employment information.
3. Clearly indicate relevant experience in the Appearance section of the general aviation industry.
4. Include relevant cleaning, equipment-operation and technical experience where applicable.
5. Follow the application instructions provided on the official recruitment platform.
6. Submit the application before the closing date.

Candidates should use the reference number when identifying the vacancy to ensure that the correct position is selected.

Applicants should rely on the official recruitment platform for the application link and any additional submission instructions. No application fee should be assumed to be required unless an official recruitment process explicitly states otherwise; candidates should remain cautious of requests for payment from unofficial sources.

Closing Date

The closing date for the South African Airways Aircraft Cleaner (Technical Peak Season – Pool) vacancy is 4 November 2026.

A total of 20 fixed-term contract positions are advertised in Kempton Park, Gauteng.

Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements should submit their applications before the closing date and ensure that all information provided is accurate.