Explore a permanent Cleaner position at SAA Operations Support in Kempton Park. Elevate your career in aviation while maintaining safety and hygiene standards.
What Is the Cleaner Job Opportunity?
The role involves comprehensive cleaning duties focused on both interior and exterior areas of contracted aircraft—including SAA fleet and third-party planes—as well as hangars and premises related to aircraft operations. Key responsibilities include detailed cleaning of aircraft cabins, toilets, galleys, carpets, cockpit areas, and cargo components. You’ll also work with industrial equipment such as stackers, cherry pickers, and floor scrubbers to ensure hangars and surrounding areas are spotless and safe.
This position is permanent, based in Kempton Park, Gauteng, within the Operations Support division. You will report to Collen Mogapi and join a team dedicated to maintaining sanitary conditions that meet aviation industry standards.
Who Should Apply for This Cleaner Role?
Candidates who meet the following criteria are best suited for this position:
- Minimum education at Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent
- At least six months of experience in the aviation appearance or cleaning sector
- Knowledge of South African technical policies applicable to aircraft cleaning
- Familiarity with cleaning products and equipment operation required for aircraft maintenance
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work safely in teams
- Customer service orientation and integrity, ensuring the highest standard of cleanliness and professionalism
- Physical capability to handle the demands of aircraft cleaning including use of machinery such as scissor lifts and floor scrubbers
If you take pride in thorough, meticulous cleaning and aspire to work in a stable, respected aviation environment, this is an ideal role for you.
Detailed Breakdown of Job Duties and Responsibilities
This position requires a multi-faceted approach to aircraft and premises cleaning, including:
- Interior Aircraft Cleaning:
Deep cleaning of aircraft toilets, screens, headphones, carpets, cockpits, chairs, galleys, cargo rails, and removable seats. Use of approved chemicals and equipment like the warp machine and wet vacuuming (wap) machines to remove stains, spills, and contaminants. - Exterior Aircraft Cleaning:
Polishing and washing aircraft exteriors, including glazing and landing gear washing. Employ stackers, cherry pickers, and skyjacks for safe access to high surfaces. - Hangar & Premises Cleaning:
Sweeping and scrubbing hangar floors, emptying hazardous and domestic waste, and managing spillage cleanup for fluids like oil, fuel, and Skydrol. Maintaining cleanliness of mechanics’ stores and parking lots, while ensuring recycling and trash compactors are operated correctly. - Safety and Maintenance Operations:
Positioning aircraft stands, removing foreign objects (FOD) like nails, pallets, and cut boxes, and managing hazardous spillages in line with safety guidelines and company policies.
This extensive list highlights the importance of versatility and compliance with aviation hygiene standards in your daily work routine.
Why This Job Is Worth Applying For
This Cleaner role with SAA Operations Support stands out due to several key benefits:
- Stable, Permanent Employment: Aviation maintenance jobs offer consistent work with reputable companies. Being permanent means job security and potential for advancement.
- Career Development: Starting with basic cleaning roles can open doors to higher responsibility roles in aircraft maintenance and operations.
- On-the-Job Training: Exposure to aviation technical policies and safety procedures builds valuable industry knowledge.
- Team Environment: Work alongside professionals who prioritize safe, thorough operations and mutual respect.
- Contributing to Customer Safety: Maintaining clean aircraft directly supports passenger safety and satisfaction.
The Company and Work Culture
SAA’s Operations division values integrity, teamwork, and customer service orientation. The company provides a work environment focused on:
- Adherence to safety and technical policies
- Emphasizing employee growth and initiative
- Encouraging conceptual thinking and information seeking
- Promoting cooperation to achieve team success
This culture ensures employees feel respected and motivated to achieve high standards while maintaining a positive workplace environment.
What Qualifications and Skills Will Make You Successful?
To secure and excel in this role, it’s important to have the following:
- Essential Educational Qualification: Grade 12 (Matric) or equivalent
- Relevant Experience: Six months in general aviation cleaning or appearance section
- Technical Knowledge: Understanding of cleaning products, equipment, and South African aviation technical policies
- Operational Skills: Ability to safely operate cleaning machinery like floor scrubbers, scissor lifts, warp machines, and handling hazardous waste materials correctly
- Personal Attributes: Strong achievement orientation, initiative, organizational awareness, and dedication to customer-facing service and teamwork
- Physical Readiness: Cleaning aircraft requires stamina, attention to detail, and ability to manage industrial cleaning equipment safely
How to Apply and Important Dates
Interested applicants should prepare their resumes highlighting relevant cleaning experience and formal schooling. The closing date for applications is November 20, 2025. Being prompt with your application increases your chances of consideration.
The job location is Kempton Park in Gauteng, and the role is classified in job grade SS1-1 within the Operations Support unit under the supervision of Collen Mogapi.
Apply here for cleaner job vacancy
Frequently Asked Questions About This Cleaner Role
Q: Is previous aviation industry experience mandatory?
A: At least six months experience in aviation cleaning or appearance is preferred to meet technical standards required for this role.
Q: Are there any safety certifications required?
A: Knowledge of South African technical policies and safe equipment operation is important. On-the-job safety training is likely provided.
Q: What equipment will I need to operate?
A: You will use floor scrubbers, scissor lifts, cherry pickers, wilderness carts, warp machines, and manage hazardous waste safely.
Q: Is this a full-time or part-time position?
A: This is a permanent full-time position within SAA Operations Support.
Conclusion
The Cleaner position with South African Airways Operations Support in Kempton Park is a compelling opportunity for individuals who want a stable, permanent aviation cleaning job with a renowned company. If you have a Grade 12 certificate, some experience in aviation cleaning, and a dedication to maintaining safe, hygienic environments, this role offers growth, security, and meaningful work.
Apply by November 20, 2025, to join a team that supports South Africa’s aviation infrastructure through high standards of cleanliness and safety. This career move not only offers a rewarding job but also a chance to build your expertise in a technical, regulated industry that values your skills and commitment.
