South African Airways Technical (SAAT) invites suitably qualified applicants to apply for its Technical Peak Season Vacancies 2026 (66 posts). The available positions include Aircraft Cleaner (20 posts), Operator Paint (40 posts) and Operator Trimming (6 posts). These are fixed-term contract opportunities based in Kempton Park, Gauteng. Applicants must have Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification, as well as the relevant practical experience required for their chosen position. If you have experience in aircraft cleaning, painting preparation or trimming operations, this recruitment opportunity could be worth exploring.

SAA Technical Vacancies 2026: What You Need to Know

South African Airways Technical plays an important role in supporting aircraft maintenance and related technical operations. Its work includes activities that help keep aircraft, components and maintenance areas clean, organised and ready for use.

For the 2026 peak season, SAAT is recruiting candidates for three different positions. These jobs involve practical duties, following workplace safety rules, handling equipment and working with other employees to complete tasks correctly.

Although Grade 12 is the minimum educational requirement listed for all three positions, applicants should remember that each job also requires at least six months of relevant experience in the specified section.

Here are the main details of the recruitment opportunity:

• Employer: South African Airways Technical (SAAT)
• Recruitment programme: Technical Peak Season Vacancies 2026
• Employment type: Fixed-term contract
• Minimum qualification: Grade 12 / Matric or equivalent at NQF Level 4
• Location: Kempton Park, Gauteng
• Total vacancies: 66 posts
• Contract duration: Not specified in the supplied advertisements
• Salary: Not specified in the supplied advertisements

Available Positions and Reference Numbers

Candidates should choose the position that best matches their experience and skills. Before applying, read the relevant job requirements carefully to make sure you meet the conditions.

1. Aircraft Cleaner – 20 Vacancies

The Aircraft Cleaner position is part of the Operations Support business unit. Successful candidates will help maintain clean and hygienic aircraft, hangars, workshops and other work areas.

Keeping an aircraft clean requires more than wiping seats and removing rubbish. Workers may need to clean different parts of an aircraft using approved products, equipment and safety procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

Successful applicants may be expected to perform the following tasks:

• Clean the interiors and exteriors of South African Airways aircraft and aircraft belonging to its customers.
• Deep-clean aircraft toilets, carpets, passenger seats, galleys and other cabin areas.
• Clean cockpit areas, screens and headphones according to the required procedures.
• Clean aircraft components, cargo areas and landing gear.
• Use approved cleaning chemicals and equipment.
• Keep hangars, workshops, stores and surrounding premises clean and organised.
• Remove waste and clean floors.
• Handle hazardous spillages according to workplace safety procedures.
• Operate specialised equipment when required, including floor scrubbers, stackers and scissor lifts.

These duties require attention to detail because aircraft cleaning must be carried out carefully and according to the correct procedures.

Requirements for Aircraft Cleaner

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

• Grade 12 / Matric or an equivalent qualification.
• At least six months of experience in an Appearance section within the general aviation industry.
• Knowledge of cleaning products and how to operate cleaning equipment.

Candidates should also demonstrate teamwork, integrity, initiative and good organisational skills. A strong commitment to workplace safety is important because the job may involve specialised equipment, chemicals and aircraft components.

Reference number: SAA261026-12

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE AIRCRAFT CLEANER POSITION

2. Operator Paint – 40 Vacancies

The Operator Paint position falls under the Backshop business unit and has the highest number of vacancies in this recruitment drive, with 40 posts available.

This position focuses on preparing aircraft and aircraft components for painting or paint removal. Workers assist technicians with preparation tasks to ensure that parts are ready for the next stage of the process.

Applicants with experience in paint preparation and workshop activities may find this opportunity suitable.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidates may be responsible for:

• Sanding aircraft parts and other components before painting.
• Masking specific areas to protect them during painting work.
• Washing and cleaning components.
• Assisting with sealant removal and application activities.
• Removing masking tape after the required work has been completed.
• Moving equipment and materials around the workshop.
• Keeping work areas clean and organised.
• Monitoring work in progress and reporting relevant information.
• Completing the required labour documentation.
• Handling chemicals, thinners and solvents according to safety rules.
• Working at different heights when required.

Because this role involves chemicals and technical preparation work, employees must follow instructions and use the correct safety measures.

Requirements for Operator Paint

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Grade 12 / Matric or an equivalent qualification.
• Computer literacy.
• At least six months of experience in a paint section.
• Knowledge of hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Suitable candidates should be self-motivated, responsible and safety-conscious. They must also be able to work with other employees and follow the required technical procedures.

If you have the required experience and enjoy practical workshop work, this position may be worth considering.

Reference number: SAA261026-3

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE OPERATOR PAINT POSITION

3. Operator Trimming – 6 Vacancies

SAAT is also recruiting six Operator Trimming employees for its Projects business unit.

This role supports trimming technicians who work on aircraft interiors, maintenance projects and refurbishment activities. The work involves handling carpets, cabin materials, chair covers and other items used inside aircraft.

Applicants should be comfortable performing practical tasks, handling materials carefully and keeping track of items that need cleaning, repair or replacement.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidates may perform the following duties:

• Spot-clean carpets inside aircraft cabins.
• Remove and install aircraft carpets and rail covers.
• Clean decorative cabin panels before refurbishment.
• Assist with handling aircraft escape slides.
• Collect materials and equipment from stores.
• Return completed orders and dispatch scrap materials according to company procedures.
• Prepare chair covers and other materials for dry-cleaning.
• Sort, package and organise cleaned materials.
• Wash stained safety belts and prepare them for storage.
• Label and store materials correctly.
• Follow the company’s technical policies and workplace procedures.

Attention to detail is important in this position. Employees must handle aircraft interior materials properly and make sure that items are organised and accounted for.

Requirements for Operator Trimming

Candidates applying for this position must have:

• Grade 12 / Matric or an equivalent qualification.
• Computer literacy.
• At least six months of experience in a trimming section.
• Knowledge of equipment operation and cleaning products.
• Knowledge of relevant technical policies.

Applicants should also have good organisational skills, integrity and the ability to cooperate with colleagues. Being careful and following instructions will help employees carry out their duties effectively.

Reference number: SAA261026-9

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR THE OPERATOR TRIMMING POSITION

Important Things to Know Before Applying

Before submitting an application for any of the SAA Technical Peak Season vacancies, there are a few important points to remember.

1. Matric Alone Is Not Enough

All three positions list Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification as a minimum requirement. However, applicants must also have at least six months of relevant experience in the specific section connected to the job.

For example, Aircraft Cleaner applicants need experience in an Appearance section within the general aviation industry, while Operator Paint applicants need experience in a paint section.

2. Choose the Correct Job

Read the requirements for each position before applying. Do not select a job only because it has more vacancies. Your qualifications and experience should match the position you want.

3. Prepare Your CV Carefully

Your CV should clearly show your educational qualifications, relevant work experience, practical skills and contact details. Make sure the experience listed in your CV matches the requirements of the position.

Include accurate information and ensure that your documents are ready before submitting your application.

4. Understand the Contract Conditions

These vacancies are advertised as fixed-term contracts for the technical peak season. However, the supplied advertisements do not state the exact contract duration or salary.

Applicants should check the official recruitment pages for any additional information before making employment decisions.

5. Meeting the Requirements Does Not Guarantee Employment

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements may be considered for the vacancies, but appointment is not guaranteed. Make sure your application is complete and that the information you provide is correct.

Which SAA Technical Position Should You Apply For?

With 66 opportunities available across three job categories, candidates have different options depending on their work experience.

• Choose Aircraft Cleaner if you have the required aviation appearance-section experience and knowledge of cleaning products and equipment.
• Choose Operator Paint if you have experience in a paint section and understand workshop preparation, chemicals and safety procedures.
• Choose Operator Trimming if you have trimming-section experience and skills related to aircraft interior materials and equipment.

All three positions require Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification and at least six months of relevant experience. Applicants should carefully compare the requirements before choosing where to apply.

How to Apply for SAA Technical Vacancies 2026

Interested candidates can use the official application links below to access the relevant vacancy pages.

Aircraft Cleaner – 20 Posts

Apply here: https://saat.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/View/SAA261026-12

Operator Paint – 40 Posts

Apply here: https://saat.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/View/SAA261026-3

Operator Trimming – 6 Posts

Apply here: https://saat.erecruit.co/candidateapp/Jobs/View/SAA261026-9

Before applying, open the correct link, review the vacancy details and follow the instructions provided on the official recruitment website.

Do Not Miss the Opportunity to Apply

South African Airways Technical has advertised 66 fixed-term contract opportunities for its 2026 technical peak season recruitment. The vacancies cover Aircraft Cleaner, Operator Paint and Operator Trimming positions based in Kempton Park, Gauteng.

Although all three positions require Grade 12 or an equivalent qualification, applicants also need relevant practical experience. The best approach is to read the requirements carefully, prepare an accurate CV and apply for the role that matches your background.

If you have the required qualifications and experience, visit the relevant official application page to learn more and submit your application according to the stated instructions.

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