Position: Director of Flight Operations (DFO) - European
Company Description: Leading International Airlines / Aviation Company
Work Location: South East Asia
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer, and works closely with the Ground Operations, Engineering, Safety, and Security departments.
Role Description:
This is a full-time, on-site role located in a country in Southeast Asia. The Director of Flight Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, safety, and regulatory compliance of the airline’s flight operations. The role ensures safe, efficient, and cost-effective flight operations while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence and compliance with aviation authorities.
The Director of Flight Operations oversees Training, Pilots, Cabin Crew, and Operations Control Center (OCC) sub-departments, ensuring alignment with company strategy, operational goals, and regulatory requirements. The DFO works closely with other departments (including Engineering, Safety, Ground Operations, and Security) to ensure seamless and safe operations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Flight Operations Management
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all flight operations activities.
• Oversee Training, Pilots, Cabin Crew, and OCC sub-departments.
• Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the airline’s fleet.
• Establish and enforce operational policies, procedures, and standards.
2. Safety & Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations, AOC requirements, and international aviation standards.
• Maintain the highest safety standards across all flight operations.
• Work closely with the Safety department to monitor operational risks and implement mitigation measures.
3. Pilot & Crew Management
• Oversee recruitment, training, development, and performance management of pilots and cabin crew.
• Ensure adequate staffing and operational readiness for all flight and crew requirements.
• Foster a strong safety culture and professional standards across all flight personnel.
4. Training & Competency
• Ensure robust pilot and cabin crew training programs in compliance with regulatory and company requirements.
• Supervise recurrent training, line checks, and competency evaluations.
• Coordinate with internal and external training organizations.
5. Operations Control (OCC) Oversight
• Ensure smooth flight operations through the Operations Control Center (OCC).
• Monitor flight schedules, operational disruptions, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with other departments to resolve operational issues quickly.
6. Cross-Departmental Collaboration
• Work closely with Engineering, Safety, Ground Operations, and Security to ensure seamless operations.
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting.
• Represent the airline in industry forums when required.
7. Operational Efficiency
• Optimize operational performance while controlling costs and maintaining safety standards.
• Implement process improvements across sub-departments to enhance efficiency and reliability.
Qualifications
•Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) or equivalent aviation qualification preferred.
• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in airline flight operations, including leadership roles.
• Extensive experience operating and managing A320-family aircraft operations is mandatory.
• Experience managing operations and flying in Asia regions.
• Experience managing pilots, cabin crew, training, and OCC teams.
• Strong knowledge of AOC regulations, flight safety management systems, and operational standards.
• Proven leadership and strategic management capabilities.
Skills & Competencies
• Strong leadership and people management
• Deep understanding of airline operations and safety culture
• Excellent cross-departmental collaboration skills
• Crisis and operational decision-making ability
• Strong communication and teamwork skills