Operations & Customer Service Agent – Air Arabia / Operations Safety Specialist
Job Summary
Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC), is recruiting an experienced Flight Operations Safety Specialist (FDM Interpreter) for its main operational hub in Sharjah. In this vital flight safety role, you will interpret Flight Data Monitoring (FDM/FOQA) and operational safety data, assess flight operational risks, support proactive safety management across the Air Arabia Group, and lead crew engagement and debriefing activities to enforce Just Culture principles.
Key Responsibilities
Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) & Operational Safety Analysis
- Serve as the primary Flight Operations interpreter for the Air Arabia Group Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) Program, evaluating exceedances, trends, SOP adherence, and Airbus aircraft handling characteristics.
- Conduct proactive monitoring and analysis of FDM and flight safety data to identify operational trends, recurring exceedances, emerging flight threats, and operational hazards.
- Perform operational Safety Risk Assessments (SRA), evaluate existing risk controls, monitor implemented mitigations, and support Management of Change (MOC) activities.
- Review, assess, and follow up on safety reports submitted by flight crew, determining operational significance and establishing corrective recommendations in line with Just Culture guidelines.
Crew Engagement & Safety Promotion
- Lead crew engagement activities and operational debriefing sessions to gather flight deck insights, reinforce safety culture, and close the feedback loop on safety findings.
- Draft safety publications, plan Safety Walk & Talk sessions, and support group-wide safety promotion activities.
- Maintain confidentiality, high integrity, and professional standards across all flight safety investigations and data reviews.
- Ensure full compliance with GCAA CAR SMS, CAR AIR OPS, and ICAO Annex 19 Safety Management principles.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Commercial airline pilot background with extensive knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Airbus aircraft systems, flight characteristics, and airline operations.
- Minimum 5+ years of commercial airline flight operations experience; familiarity with Air Arabia’s route network and operating environment is highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of ICAO Annex 19, GCAA CAR SMS, CAR AIR OPS, and FDM/FOQA principles.
- Solid understanding of Human Factors, Threat & Error Management (TEM), and Safety Risk Assessment methodologies.
- Previous experience as a Training Captain, TRI/TRE, or within Flight Safety / FDM / FOQA functions is a distinct advantage.
- Exceptional analytical, report writing, crew debriefing, and stakeholder engagement skills in English.
Job Overview
| Employer | Air Arabia Group |
|---|---|
| Role Title | Flight Operations Safety Specialist (FDM Interpreter) |
| Job Location | Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
| Work Model | On-site Flight Operations Headquarters |
| Employment Type | Full-time Permanent Aviation Contract |
| Educational Requirement | Commercial Airline Pilot License / Aviation Safety Certification |
| Experience Required | 5+ years in commercial flight operations (Airbus experience preferred) |
| Core Competencies | FDM/FOQA Data Interpretation, Airbus Systems, GCAA CAR SMS, Just Culture, Risk Assessment, Human Factors |
| Remuneration | Tax-Free Competitive Airline Salary + Concessionary Flight Travel Benefits |
| Benefits Included | UAE Employment Visa, Comprehensive Health Coverage, Annual Flight Allowance, End-of-Service Gratuity |
| Where to Apply | Official Air Arabia Careers Portal |
Career Preparation Guide & Candidate Advice
Who this role suits
This position is ideal for experienced commercial airline pilots, TRI/TRE instructors, or flight safety officers with a deep technical understanding of Airbus aircraft performance and FDM data. If you possess a strong analytical mindset, a passion for proactive safety management, and the ability to conduct constructive crew debriefings under Just Culture principles, Air Arabia offers an outstanding career path in Sharjah.
What to highlight on your CV
- Flight & Safety Qualifications: Feature your commercial pilot background, flight hours, Airbus type ratings, and any formal SMS/FDM certifications at the top.
- FDM/FOQA Expertise: Highlight practical experience in analyzing flight data exceedances, conducting risk assessments (SRA), or drafting safety publications.
- Regulatory Compliance: Emphasize your knowledge of GCAA CAR SMS, CAR AIR OPS, and ICAO Annex 19 standards.
Preparation Tips for the Interview
- FDM Data Interpretation: Be prepared to discuss how you analyze flight data exceedances (e.g., unstable approaches, hard landings) and convert technical data into constructive crew feedback.
- Just Culture Application: Practice explaining your methodology for handling confidential safety reports and conducting non-punitive crew debriefings.
Documents to Prepare
- Attested Pilot Licenses, Type Ratings, and Aviation Training Certificates.
- Updated Professional Resume detailing flight operations and safety management history.
- Flight safety project samples or safety bulletin drafting portfolio (if available).
- Valid Passport copy with current visa status.
Mini Glossary
- FDM / FOQA: Flight Data Monitoring / Flight Operational Quality Assurance, continuous analysis of recorded flight data to improve aviation safety.
- GCAA CAR SMS: General Civil Aviation Authority Civil Aviation Regulations governing Safety Management Systems in the UAE.
- TEM: Threat and Error Management, an operational safety framework designed to manage flight deck hazards and human errors.
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