NOMSA SOMPANE
Aviation Specialist
Johannesburg,GP
Summary
I am an Aviation professional with strong background in managing and optimizing flight operations. Experienced with coordinating complex flight schedules and logistics. I utilizes effective communication to ensure operational efficiency and safety with strong understanding of aviation regulations and team collaboration. I am reliable and adaptable, with skills in crisis management and strategic planning.
I worked for South African Airways for 21 years. First 3 years as a customer service agent and became a Cabin Crew Member for 11 years and 7-year as a Senior Cabin Crew Member. I then worked at Menzies Aviations as a customer service agent and then became a flight dispatcher well as (AMC) Airport Management Center. In 2023 I joined Airlink as a Flight Operations Coordinator to date.
I am highly skilled in responding to emergency situations while remaining cool under pressure. I demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Always eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. I bring positive attitude and commitment to continue learning and growing.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Flight Operations Coordinator
Airlink
09.2023 - 11.2024
- Analyze incident reports involving flights under my coordination to identify areas for improvement in operational safety measures.
- Develop strong relationships with air traffic control authorities, fostering effective communication channels for smooth operations.
- Coordinated with various departments to ensure seamless execution of flight plans and adherence to safety regulations.
- Collaborate closely with external vendors for efficient management of catering services, ground handling support, and other essential resources.
- Proactively identify potential risks or delays in flight operations, implementing mitigation strategies to minimize disruptions.
- Maintain thorough documentation of all flight-related data, consistently updating records for accuracy and completeness.
- Manage a high volume of dynamic flight schedules, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail under pressure.
- Enhance flight operations efficiency by streamlining communication between pilots, crew, and ground staff.
Passenger Handling Services
Menzies Aviation
06.2022 - 01.2023
- Provide efficient and high standard of Customers as per the company and Airline specific standards to ensure customer satisfaction at every step of the journey
- Check customer’s travel documentation to ensure compliance with governing bodies
- Check in customer baggage and follow airlines specific policies including airline requirements surrounding excess baggage and individual customer programs
- Follow company procedure for passengers with regards to the Dangerous Goods
- Ensure on time performance at airline briefing and de-briefings, check in counters and boarding gates and on time performance at the aircraft
- Ensure that airline procedures and requirements are adhered to
- Remain up to date with all station notices relating to policies and procedure
- Comply with the company’s open, fair and honest reporting culture.
Operations Control Center
Menzies Aviation
06.2022 - 01.2023
- Real time management of aircraft stands allocation and Gate allocation
- Changes in stands due to delays, unavailability’s, rotation changes, Malfunctions of Centralized Infrastructure or special requests
- Towing requirements
- Changes in gates due to delays, unavailability’s, malfunctions of centralized Infrastructure or special requests
- Opening and closing times of gates
- Liaises with terminal operations coordinator for exchange of information with regards to changes in gates or special requests Real time management of check in counters allocation Changes in check-in counters due to delays, Opening and closing times of check-in counters at the departure level and arrival level Constantly aware of the current traffic situation, passenger loads and handling progress.
Airport Management Centre
Menzies Aviation
06.2022 - 01.2023
- Monitor and react on changes in flight timings, aircraft changes by adjusting the resource allocation real-time
- Coordinate and communicate continuously with Apron Marshalls (especially on last minute allocation changes and in adverse weather or capacity situations) Contribute within own scope and competencies to maintain a safe operation during emergencies Resource allocation planning and preparation: Ensure availability of latest schedules from Flight scheduling and Slot Management Verifying and crosschecking data Coordinate and advice Capacity Planning and Slot Management for approval of extra flights
- Planning of stands, gates, check in counters allocation on a daily basis
- Coordinating with airlines ground handlers Analyzing and optimizing of resource allocation Data Control Management: Processing of SITA messages Ensure accurate, complete and on time operations data entry by updating the daily flight schedule data according to changes in ETA, ETD, registrations, call sign…etc
- Coordinating with Airlines ground handler, Baggage Handling System and other relevant agencies on flight changes in flight movement or details on cancelled, diverted, ad-hoc flights or re-routed flights
- Monitor constantly FIDS for accurate data display across the airport
- Drafting delay reports for the day.
Senior Cabin Crew Member
South African Airways
05.2013 - 06.2021
- Ensuring preflight liaison with the captain to ascertain flight details (time, weather, areas of adverse conditions such as turbulence), special instructions and considerations, and to confirm emergency signals
- Conducting preflight crew briefing to assign crew positions, review flight conditions, confirm revision status of flight attendant manuals, review selected emergency procedures, and to assess the grooming standard amongst the crew members
- Supervising pre-boarding cabin security and emergency equipment checks to ensure all required equipment is onboard and serviceable, that there are no suspicious packages or items present within the cabin, and to verify that there is no evidence that the security of the cabin has been compromised
- Ensuring that sufficient meals, beverages, bar stock and duty free items have been boarded, checked for security and appropriately stowed
- In coordination with the captain, commencing passenger boarding at the appropriate time, ensuring that boarding documentation is verified when required and that carry-on baggage conforms to company standards and limitations
- Making appropriate public address (PA) system announcements during boarding and, as appropriate, during all other phases of flight
- Conducting passenger safety briefings/demonstrations, either live or by pre-recorded video
- Ensuring that the total number of passengers on board matches the passenger manifest
- Advising the captain when boarding is complete and, in coordination with the Captain and Ground Supervisor, ensuring that all cabin doors are closed and secured
- Ensuring that Flight Deck Security is maintained at all times
- Directing the arming (and disarming) of door emergency evacuation slides
- Ensuring that the cabin is secure (passengers seated with seat belts fastened, all cabin baggage stowed and secured, all galleys and lavatories secure) for takeoff, landing and at any other time directed by the captain
- Coordinating and directing the efforts of the cabin crew in the event of an inflight fire or other emergency, a medical incident or an unruly passenger
- In the event of a diversion, or the requirement for an emergency landing or ditching, coordinating with the Captain to obtain the emergency briefing, briefing the cabin crew and supervising the preparation of the cabin and passengers
- Ensuring that the captain is kept aware of any security issue, medical concern, equipment malfunction or any emergency situation in a clear, unambiguous manner
- Completing and submitting all required forms and paperwork for the flight.
Cabin Crew Member
South African Airways
08.2003 - 05.2013
- Participating in a pre-flight briefing by checking emergency and other equipments.
- Monitoring passenger boarding and seating and assist with the stowage of carry-on luggage.
- Assess and verify the suitability of passengers who occupy exit seating.
- Brief passengers on safety equipment and evacuation and emergency landing procedures, and ensure compliance with applicable safety and security regulations.
- Preparing and serving food and drinks; cleaning up and securing the cabin after a meal service.
- Managing in-flight entertainment equipment; answering passenger questions; and communicating as needed with the flight crew.
- Take action during emergencies, including administering first aid, conducting aircraft evacuations, responding to inflight fires, managing medical emergencies, and handling passengers who threaten the safety of other passengers or who might be unruly or disruptive.
- Post-flight: Disarm doors, aid in passenger disembarkation, checking/preparing cabin for turnaround (depending on operational frequency), reporting discrepancies, reporting to operations.
Customer Service Agent
South African Airways
11.2000 - 08.2003
- Provided high level of customer service to each person by engaging customer and using active listening and effective interpersonal skills Maximize satisfaction by anticipating needs and consistently offering expert support
- Investigated and resolved customer concerns related to flights inquiries
- Answered customer questions about policies and procedures with friendly and knowledgeable approach
- Protected customers and company information with strict use of established security procedures
- Recaptured customer loyalty with expertise in de-escalating conflicts and building personalized solutions
- Meet inbound customers needs while maintaining strict performance targets.
Education
Senior Certificate -
Setjhaba Sohle Secondary School
Vereeniging, South Africa 01.1997 - 12.1997
Diploma in Travel And Tourism -
Innovation Business College
Johannesburg, South Africa 01.1999 - 02.2000
Skills
Aviation safety compliance
Accomplishments
- SACAA Part 64 Cabin Crew License
- Attended various training, workshops and was rewarded with a job promotion as a result
- Certificate of Achievement in Care Team Voluntary Training
References
SAA MANAGERS
- Miss Hope Khoza, 0832064957
- Miss Conny Mohlala, Mohlala@flysaa.com, 0119786364
MENZIES AVIATION HR
- Miss Manisha Mushwana,
ManishaMushwana@menziesaviation.com, 011920-7453 / 0782171241
AIRLINK MANAGERS
- Mr Moeketsi Nkwenaite, 0720755493
Timeline
Flight Operations Coordinator
Airlink
09.2023 - 11.2024
Passenger Handling Services
Menzies Aviation
06.2022 - 01.2023
Operations Control Center
Menzies Aviation
06.2022 - 01.2023
Airport Management Centre
Menzies Aviation
06.2022 - 01.2023
Senior Cabin Crew Member
South African Airways
05.2013 - 06.2021
Cabin Crew Member
South African Airways
08.2003 - 05.2013
Customer Service Agent
South African Airways
11.2000 - 08.2003
Diploma in Travel And Tourism -
Innovation Business College
01.1999 - 02.2000
Senior Certificate -
Setjhaba Sohle Secondary School
01.1997 - 12.1997