Airlink Careers in South Africa (2025): Jobs, Salaries & Application Guide

Why Choose Airlink?

Airlink, South Africa’s largest private regional airline, stands out as a premier employer for aviation professionals seeking dynamic and rewarding careers in a thriving industry. Here’s why Airlink is a top choice:

Overview of Airlink as a Company

• Brief History: Founded in 1992, Airlink is headquartered in Johannesburg and has evolved into a leading regional carrier, connecting over 45 destinations across Southern Africa with a focus on seamless travel experiences.
• Destinations and Fleet: Operating a modern fleet of 55 aircraft, including Embraer ERJ 135LR and Avro RJ85 models, Airlink serves over 60 routes, conducting approximately 75,000 flights annually and transporting more than 3 million passengers.
• Partnerships: Strategic alliances with global giants like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines enhance connectivity through codeshare and interline agreements, offering employees exposure to international aviation standards.
• Reputation: Renowned for reliability, Airlink maintains an impressive on-time performance above 90%, earning trust as a cornerstone of regional aviation in Southern Africa.
• Quick Stat: Airlink employs over 450 flight deck and cabin crew members (250 female) and around 400 aircraft engineers, reflecting its substantial and diverse workforce.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Airlink champions a diverse workplace, with initiatives to promote gender equality and empower local talent, fostering an inclusive culture that values all employees.

Interested in other aviation or travel-related careers? Explore our guides on Qatar Airways Careers or Cruise Ship Jobs in 2025 for exciting global opportunities.

Source: Airlink Careers Page, Wikipedia

Most In-Demand Job Roles at Airlink in 2025

Airlink offers diverse roles to support its operations, with the following positions in high demand:

Pilots (First Officers and Captains)

• Requirements: Grade 12 certificate, CAA Commercial Pilot License, ATPL or Frozen ATPL, valid instrument rating, South African citizenship, and minimum 1,000 hours total flying time.
• Focus: Ensuring safe aircraft operations, with First Officers supporting Captains and Captains leading flights.

Cabin Crew

• Requirements: Grade 12 certificate, excellent English communication skills, six-week training capability, South African nationality, height between 1.55m–1.73m, and proportional weight.
• Focus: Delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring passenger safety.

Aircraft Technicians & Engineers

• Requirements: AME license, technical qualifications, Grade 12 or N4 equivalent, and aircraft maintenance experience.
• Focus: Maintaining aircraft airworthiness through repairs and compliance checks.

Ground Operations & Baggage Handlers

• Requirements: Physical fitness, attention to detail, valid driver’s license (code 10 with PDP), and three years of relevant experience.
• Focus: Managing baggage, aircraft turnaround, and ground coordination.

Customer Service Agents

• Requirements: Grade 12 certificate, strong English skills, and knowledge of other South African languages (e.g., Zulu, Xhosa) is a plus.
• Focus: Assisting passengers at airports and call centers with bookings and inquiries.

Administrative & Corporate Roles

• Requirements: Relevant degrees or diplomas in HR, marketing, finance, or administration, with varying experience levels.
• Focus: Supporting operations through revenue analysis, HR management, and marketing.

Looking for other customer service opportunities? Check out our guide on Hotel Jobs in South Africa 2025 for roles in hospitality or explore our career blog for more job ideas.

Source: Airlink Careers Page

Job Requirements & Qualifications

Airlink’s roles have specific criteria to meet aviation standards:

Educational Background

• Most roles require a Grade 12 certificate (matric).
• Administrative and corporate roles may need diplomas or degrees; technical roles may require N4 or higher.

Specific Certifications

• Pilots: SACAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL), ATPL, or Frozen ATPL.
• Technicians: AME license.
• Cabin Crew: Flight attendant license post-training.

Medical Fitness and Background Checks

• Mandatory medical exams and security/reference checks for safety-critical roles.

Work Experience Levels

• Entry-level roles (e.g., cabin crew) may not require experience.
• Skilled roles (e.g., pilots, engineers) need significant experience (e.g., 1,000 flying hours for pilots).

Language Skills

• English is essential; additional South African languages are advantageous for customer-facing roles.

For more on meeting job requirements, check out our Ultimate Guide to Landing Your Dream Job in South Africa 2025.

Source: Airlink Careers Page

Salaries at Airlink South Africa

Salaries vary by role and experience, with competitive benefits:

Benefits

• Medical aid coverage.
• Travel perks (discounted/free flights for employees and families).
• Training and career development opportunities.

For more insights on high-paying roles, explore our Top IT Jobs in South Africa 2025 or Mining Careers in South Africa 2025 guides.

Source: PayScale

How to Apply for Jobs at Airlink

Applying is straightforward via Airlink’s official channels:

1. Visit the Careers Page: Go to flyairlink.com/careers for vacancies.
2. Browse Jobs: Select a role and review requirements.
3. Apply Online: Complete the application form and upload your CV and certifications.
4. Optimize Your CV: Use aviation keywords (e.g., “CAA Commercial Pilot License”) and tailor it to the role. Need help? See our Perfect CV Guide for South Africa 2025.

Note: Airlink only advertises on its careers page and JobMail; avoid unverified portals.

Looking for jobs in a specific city? Check out our How to Get a Job in Johannesburg 2025 guide.

Source: Airlink Careers Page

Airlink’s Hiring Process

The hiring process is rigorous to ensure quality hires:

• Application Screening: Initial review of CVs and qualifications.
• Assessments: Aptitude or technical tests for pilots and engineers.
• Interviews: Virtual or panel interviews assessing skills and fit.
• Pre-Employment Checks: Medical exams, security, and reference checks.

Prepare effectively with our Job Interview Preparation Guide for South Africa 2025 or explore more tips on our career blog.

Source: Airlink Careers Page

Career Growth & Training Opportunities

Airlink is deeply committed to employee development, offering robust pathways for career advancement and skill enhancement:

• Promotions: Employees can progress from roles like First Officer to Captain or transition into management positions, with clear career ladders supported by performance evaluations and internal job postings.
• Training: Airlink’s state-of-the-art Johannesburg Flight Training Centre provides comprehensive programs, including advanced simulator training for pilots, safety-focused cabin crew courses, and technical certifications for engineers, ensuring industry-leading expertise.
• Mobility: Cross-departmental opportunities allow employees to explore diverse roles, such as moving from ground operations to customer service, fostering versatility and broad skill development.
• Graduate Programs: While not widely advertised, Airlink offers potential internships and graduate programs for technical and administrative roles, providing young professionals with hands-on experience and mentorship.
• Mentorship and Leadership Development: Airlink encourages growth through mentorship programs pairing junior staff with seasoned professionals and leadership workshops to prepare employees for supervisory roles.

This focus on development ensures employees thrive in a dynamic aviation environment. For broader career strategies, read our Top Learnerships in South Africa 2025 guide for training opportunities.

Source: Airlink Careers Page

What It’s Like to Work at Airlink

Airlink offers a dynamic work environment:

• Culture: Supportive, with a focus on teamwork and growth (Glassdoor: 3.9/5, Indeed: 3.8/5).
• Shifts: Irregular hours, including weekends, common for cabin crew and ground staff.
• Uniforms: Strict grooming standards for front-line roles.
• Perks: Discounted flights and travel benefits for employees and families.
• Comparison: Airlink’s regional focus contrasts with FlySafair’s low-cost model and SAA’s international routes; salaries may be lower than larger competitors.

“Fun environment with growth opportunities, but the workload can be intense.” – Dispatcher, Indeed

Curious about other travel-related careers? Explore our Cruise Ship Jobs in 2025 guide or visit our career blog for more insights.

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

FAQs About Airlink Careers

Common questions answered:

For more career FAQs, visit our career blog.

Source: Glassdoor

Final Tips for Getting Hired

Maximize your chances of landing a role at Airlink with these proven strategies tailored for aviation careers:

• Customized CV: Tailor your CV with aviation-specific keywords (e.g., “SACAA license,” “customer service”) and highlight relevant experience to pass ATS filters and impress recruiters.
• Research Airlink: Understand Airlink’s core values like reliability and punctuality, and study its regional operations to confidently discuss its mission during interviews.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate technical questions (e.g., aircraft systems for pilots) or customer-focused scenarios (e.g., handling passenger complaints) and practice concise, confident responses.
• Professionalism: Maintain punctuality, dress in professional attire (e.g., business suit), and communicate courteously throughout the application and interview process.
• Networking: Connect with Airlink employees or industry professionals on LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially secure referrals, which can boost your application.

Need more application tips? Visit our Perfect CV Guide for South Africa 2025 or our Job Interview Preparation Guide for South Africa 2025.

Source: Glassdoor