How to Land the Job and Thrive in Aviation Support

The aviation industry isn’t just about pilots and flight attendants—essential roles like Airlink Aircraft Cleaner ensure each flight is safe, hygienic, and ready for passengers. These positions are perfect for individuals seeking stable, entry-level roles without needing an aviation degree. This guide covers everything you need to know: job responsibilities, qualifications, application tips, and day-to-day realities.

1. What Does an Airlink Aircraft Cleaner Do?

An Airlink Aircraft Cleaner is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of aircraft cabins, lavatories, and ground facilities. Working across hubs like OR Tambo and Kempton Park, duties typically include:

• Cleaning seats, floors, windows, tray tables, and lavatories
• Vacuuming, dusting, and sanitising high-contact surfaces
• Restocking essentials like toilet paper, soap, and paper towels
• Disposing of waste correctly and removing debris
• Reporting any damages or maintenance issues
• Following aviation-standard maintenance and cleaning procedures
• Operating cleaning tools safely and maintaining hygiene equipment

These tasks ensure passenger comfort, health, and brand perception, making you a key contributor to the airline’s operational readiness.

2. Why the Role Matters

Aircraft safety goes beyond engines and avionics. Cabins must be spotless and germ-free. Cleaners are the frontline against contamination and unhygienic conditions.

• A clean aircraft reflects brand quality and professionalism
• Reduces risk of illness and cross-contamination among passengers and crew
• Supports Airlink’s reputation for punctuality, service, and safety

From the ground-level, Reddit users describe it as a “vital backstage role”—not glamorous, but essential for safe and seamless operations .

3. Qualifications and Requirements

Airlink’s Cleaner role typically requires:

• Grade 12 (Matric) or an equivalent N4 technical qualification
• Previous cleaning experience, ideally in aviation settings
• Completion of safety hazard training to handle cleaning chemicals and equipment safely
• Physical fitness for lifting, standing, and working throughout the shift
• Ability to work shift schedules, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and public holidays
• Strong attention to detail and time-management skills
• Basic communication in English and ability to work unsupervised or within a team

Meeting these requirements positions you as a capable candidate for Airlink’s cleaning team.

4. Compensation and Benefits

Airlink offers competitive market-related salaries and various employee perks:

• Salary ranges from R5kpm to R8kpm for cleaners; ground staff roles may earn R7kpm–12kpm
• Shift work attracts night and weekend allowances
• Potential benefits include healthcare plans, retirement contributions, and flight discounts
• Role offers stable employment in a regulated environment—rare in aviation support

These perks create a foundation for both short-term stability and long-term growth.

5. The Application Process

To apply:

1. Check Airlink’s official Careers site or trusted platforms like Employment Echo or JobServiceHub.
2. Prepare a clear CV listing Matric/N4, prior cleaning experience, availability, and contactable references.
3. Gather documents: certified ID, proof of residence, qualification copies, and hazard training certificates.
5. If shortlisted, prepare for interviews and assessments. Highlight attention to detail, reliability, and safety awareness.
6. Onboard with induction that covers Airlink’s cleaning procedures and safety systems (IQSMS).

Consistency and prompt follow-up can give your application a boost.

6. Life on the Job: Insights from Reddit

Working as an aircraft cleaner is fast-paced and features unique demands:

“It’s a job… cleaning the lavatories can be really gross… work really fast.”
“Cleaners are timed: from the moment you step on the plane to when you get off… cleaning supervisor will put pressure to clean faster and faster.”

Key realities:

• Shift work is common, with early-morning and late-night schedules
• Time efficiency is crucial—flights require quick turnaround cleaning
• Teamwork matters: cleaners work in squads to meet deadlines
• Physical work, though heavy lifting is rare; main strain comes from fast-paced movement and thorough cleaning

Yet Redditors mention perks:

“You get a cool view of the airfield… feels more rewarding than cleaning a random office building.”

The role can serve as a stepping stone into broader airport careers.

7. Progression and Career Pathways

Starting as a cleaner at Airlink opens multiple paths:

• Senior Cleaner or Team Supervisor roles
• Transition to ground support, ramp operations, or customer service roles
• With additional training, move into safety compliance, quality control, or facility management
• Gain exposure to flight operations, forging opportunities in aviation logistics

Airlink supports internal development—learnerships and training modules can boost your career trajectory.

8. Tips to Truly Excel

a. Time Management

Learn to clean efficiently within tight windows.

b. Detail Orientation

Focus on sanitisation, especially high-touch areas like tray tables and lavatories.

c. Safety Compliance

Understand chemical handling and hazard protocols thoroughly.

d. Team Collaboration

Help teammates and maintain positive communication.

e. Consistency & Reliability

Show up on time, ready to work—even under pressure.

f. Proactivity

Report equipment or cabin issues immediately.

g. Personal Wellbeing

Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, practice good self-care.

These attributes will set you apart and prepare you for future roles.

9. Overcoming Job Challenges

Common challenges include:

• Grime and unpleasant tasks: Lavatories and trash can be tough
• Time pressure: Flight schedules demand rapid work
• Physical fatigue: Long hours on your feet
• Shift rotations: Adapting to night or weekend shifts

You can manage these by prioritising good rest, proper body mechanics, and teamwork.

10. Long-Term Outlook in Aviation Cleaning

The aviation cleaning sector is evolving. Cleaning staff may increasingly:

• Perform deep disinfection protocols proven during global health events
• Use new sanitisation technologies (electrostatic sprayers, UV lamps)
• Support green initiatives like biodegradable cleaners

These expanding responsibilities enhance job value and career resilience.

11. Real-World Worker Experiences

Reddit users who’ve worked in aircraft cleaning share:

“Better than regular cleaner… can lead to future opportunities in customer service.”

Their candid insight highlights perks like airfield views, varied shifts, and pivotal role in aviation support.

12. How to Stand Out in the Application

• Highlight previous experience in aviation or facility settings
• Emphasise hazard training or safety courses
• Show your shift flexibility and reliability
• Mention any health compliance courses or cleaning certifications
• Provide references who can vouch for attention to detail and teamwork

A thoughtfully prepared application dramatically boosts your chances.

13. Preparing for the Interview

Focus on:

• Role understanding and key duties
• Safety compliance and hazard awareness
• How you respond to pressure and tight deadlines
• Your teamwork experience and reliability
• Physical readiness (standing, lifting, shift adaption)

Answer confidently, with examples showing your attention to detail and professionalism.

14. Salary Expectations and Perks

• Cleaners: R5kpm–8kpm depending on shift work and overtime
• Ground staff: R7kpm–kpm
• Overtime and shift differentials enhance earnings
• Benefits: health coverage, flight perks, UIF contributions, internal training programs