Load Planning at South African Airways (SAA)

Job Purpose    

• The incumbent of this role is to assist the Manager in ensuring optimal and effective utilisation of capacity and Cargo resources, as well as carry out query resolution according to the Airline’s set policies & procedures. The role should ensure effective and efficient customer service delivery in response to bookings and capacity planning.
• Lastly, as part of the Cargo team, the Load Planning role will contribute to the optimisation of the cargo function by participating in improvement projects. 

Principal Accountabilities    

• Demonstrates an understanding of the Cargo strategy and plan relevant to own work outputs 
• Implements department strategy within own area of responsibility
• Provides recommendations to support the implementation of the Cargo strategy and plan
• Contributes to the budget management and containment of costs 
• Applies cost saving initiatives continuously
• Provides recommendations on profitability
• Oversees the correct application of processes and systems in area of responsibility
• Utilises resources in area of responsibility/ own area of work in a time and cost effective manner
• Utilises technology to enhance internal and external customer expectations
• Executes work outputs according to customer requirements
• Participates in continuous optimisation programmes, projects and initiatives
• Adheres to Governance and Risk Management policies, processes and systems 
• Delivers on regular, irregular and timeous reporting of information to key stakeholders 
• Plan available equipment, payloads and booked cargo to ensure optimum utilisation of available capacity as per aircraft type
• Ensure accurate compilation of a load plan in order to effectively and clearly communicate and co-ordinate the resulting load plans to the relevant cargo sections
• Supply manager with statistical data and reports on a daily weekly and monthly basis regarding telephone response, cargo flown as booked etc
• Administer and manage allocated capacity relating to large customers with permanent space allocations and ensuring the ongoing tracking and reporting of customer performance vs. their capacity allocations
• Supply information and advice to Cargo’s client concerning the booking, packaging and other administrative requirements for shipment of their cargo, including schedule, timing routing and capacity options
• Ensure accurate recording of additional capacity requests in order to be flexible on amendments of load plans and source additional cargo through telesales to the existing customer base to fill empty and available capacity on a daily basis
• Develop and maintain a priority list for offloads and re-protection i.e. by product, yield, key account, shelve life etc.
• Provide information and advice agents concerning bookings, rates, packing requirements, capacity options, etc., and other admin requirements, such as customs requirements
• Calculating and constructing rates on Domestic, Regional and International destinations for all types of cargo, including special commodities, i.e. human remains, perishables, live animals and dangerous goods
• Booking of cargo in response to telephone calls for domestic (class/special cargo), regional and international (outbound and inbound) flights, and all commodities, including allocations
• Understand the available unit loading device equipment, Cargo payload, and booked cargo to ensure optimum utilisation of available capacity and communication and coordination with operations. (Flight planning activities, i.e. producing a Load Plan)  
• Understand the available capacity for permanent allocations and application and administration of required route and capacity embargoes
• Supply of information and advice clients regarding the shipment status of their cargo/track and trace, including schedule, timing, routing, and capacity options
• Re-booking of offloaded cargo and the supply of details/information to affected clients within specified times
• Booking of all Interline Cargo and facilitating the movement
• Resolved customer queries/enquiries, follow up, and closed outstanding queries within a set period
• Liaise with regional and international stations and assist with queries on international level/track and trace
• Adherence to all statutory requirements set by IATA, legal bodies, and respective countries and keeping claims down
• Canvassing customers for support on distressed flights and management of no-show cargo
• Manage Cargo loyalty product
• Manage and support flight scheduling and Air Waybill stock cycle

Qualifications & Experience    

• A Diploma or relevant qualification in Airfreight, Aviation Operations, Logistics, Supply Chain or Transport Management at NQF level 6 and at least 4 years’ experience in a Customer Service environment

Knowledge and Skills    

• Knowledge of Air Cargo, IATA Live Animals, IATA Perishables and IATA DGR
• Understanding of systems i-Cargo, Amadeus Altea Weight & Balance system and WorldACD
• Understanding of Reservations system and planning flights
• Knowledge of Aircraft types and equipment (ULD)

Understanding of the following:

• IATA Cargo Reservations & Handling
• IATA Air Cargo Rating and Acceptance
• IATA Cargo Customer Service Essentials
• Analytical skills
• Negotiating skills
• Problem solving skills
• Communication skills
• Business writing skills
• Computer Literacy (MS Office and PowerPoint)
• Leadership skills
• Planning skills
• Strong attention to detail & numeral accuracy
• Ability to work with operational systems, Air waybills, manifest & regulatory documentation
• Ability to work shifts, weekend, public holidays under high pressure operational environment

Attributes    

• Effective communication
• Technical expertise
• Stakeholder relationships
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Drives results
• Organisational awareness
• Ethics and integrity
• Collaboration

Deadline:31st December,2025