Chief Operations Officer (Aviation)

As the Chief Operations Officer (Aviation), you will be responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of all flight activities, safety protocols, and maintenance scheduling. The role involves ensuring seamless coordination between flight crews, maintenance, and operations teams to optimize aircraft utilization and operational efficiency. You will lead cross-functional teams to deliver premium, safe, and efficient aviation services while maintaining strict compliance with international and local regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

Flight & Aviation Operations Oversight

• Oversee all flight operations, dispatch, scheduling, and ground handling activities.
• Ensure seamless coordination between flight crews, maintenance, and operations teams.
• Optimize aircraft utilization and operational efficiency.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with aviation regulatory bodies such as KCAA, ICAO, and IATA standards.
• Lead safety management systems (SMS) and enforce a strong safety culture.
• Oversee audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting.

Fleet Management & Maintenance

• Supervise aircraft maintenance planning and execution to ensure airworthiness.
• Work closely with engineering and maintenance teams to minimize downtime.
• Support fleet expansion, acquisition, and lifecycle planning.

Operational Strategy & Execution

• Translate company strategy into operational plans for aviation services.
• Drive continuous improvement in service delivery, turnaround times, and cost efficiency.
• Implement scalable systems and processes to support business growth.

Customer Experience Excellence

• Ensure delivery of premium, seamless, and safe client experiences.
• Oversee VIP handling, charter operations, and client service standards.
• Address operational issues impacting customer satisfaction.

Financial & Cost Control

• Manage operational budgets, including fuel, maintenance, crew, and logistics costs.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization without compromising safety or quality.
• Monitor profitability of routes, charters, and operations.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead cross-functional teams including flight operations, maintenance, dispatch, and ground staff.
• Develop leadership bench strength and succession plans.
• Foster a high-performance, accountable, and safety-first culture.

Stakeholder & Partner Management

• Manage relationships with aviation authorities, airport operators, and service providers.
• Liaise with charter clients, corporate partners, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Represent operations in executive and board-level discussions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Engineering, Business, or related field (MBA is an added advantage).
• Minimum 12–15 years of experience in aviation, with at least 5+ years in senior operational leadership.
• Strong knowledge of aviation regulations (KCAA, ICAO, IATA).
• Proven experience in private aviation, charter services, or airline operations.
• Experience managing fleet operations, maintenance, and flight scheduling.

Key Competencies

• Deep aviation operational expertise.
• Strong understanding of safety and compliance frameworks.
• Strategic thinking with execution focus.
• Crisis management and decision-making under pressure.
• Financial and commercial acumen.
• Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online by visiting the Bridge Talent Management recruitment portal at bridgetalentgroup.zohorecruit.com.