Nyasa Express is seeking an experienced Senior Pilot to support its charter and tourism operations across Malawi and the surrounding region. Based in Lilongwe, Nyasa Express operates Cessna 210 aircraft and the Cessna 208 Caravan. The role combines line flying with supporting flight crew standards, mentoring pilots and contributing to safe and efficient operations.
Job Summary
- Employer: Nyasa Express
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Aviation
- Closing Date: 2026-10-13
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct safe and efficient flights in accordance with company procedures and applicable regulations.
- Maintain personal licensing, medical, training and currency requirements.
- Complete flight planning, performance calculations and operational documentation accurately.
- Support the Chief Pilot in maintaining flight crew standards and consistent operating practices.
- Coordinate effectively with operations, reservations, ground staff and maintenance personnel.
- Deliver professional passenger service.
- Report hazards, defects and operational concerns through company procedures.
Requirements
- Minimum 1000 hours total flight time.
- Valid CPL or ATPL.
- Valid instrument rating.
- Cessna 208 rating, with a minimum of 100 hours on type.
- Cessna 210 rating.
- Valid Class 1 medical certificate.
- Eligibility to obtain a Malawi licence or foreign licence validation.
- Sound knowledge of flight planning, aircraft performance, operational procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Strong communication skills and sound operational judgement.
How to Apply
Apply by email: Themba@flynysa.net
Phone: +265 998 93 37 14
Phone: +265 998 93 37 14
About the Company
Nyasa Express Limited is a regional air charter company headquartered in Lilongwe, Malawi. It operates scheduled and on-demand passenger and cargo flights across Malawi and to select regional destinations. The company was founded with a vision to enhance connectivity within Malawi and the broader Southern African region. Its operations are grounded in Lilongwe, supporting both domestic travel needs and regional business links.
Leading regional air charter company based in Lilongwe, Malawi
Website: https://www.flynyasa.com/about.html
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are required to become a Senior Pilot at Nyasa Express?
You need a valid Malawi Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) with appropriate type ratings for the aircraft operated. Most employers also require at least 4,000 total flight hours, including significant command experience on multi-engine turbine aircraft. A Class 1 Medical Certificate and current instrument rating are mandatory, with recurrent training completed at approved MCAA facilities.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Senior Pilot in Malawi?
Senior Pilots conduct pre-flight inspections, complete flight planning with meteorological briefings from Malawi Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, and execute passenger or cargo flights across domestic and regional routes. They mentor junior pilots, ensure compliance with MCAA regulations, and participate in safety management system activities. Administrative duties include maintaining logbooks, reporting defects, and attending crew briefings at bases like Lilongwe or Blantyre.
How does the work culture and employer expectations differ for pilots in Malawi compared to other regions?
Malawian aviation employers emphasize punctuality and adaptability due to infrastructure challenges and seasonal weather variations affecting Lake Malawi and highland routes. Hierarchical respect for senior crew is strong, with decision-making typically centralized through the Pilot-in-Command. Employers expect flexibility for unscheduled operations serving tourism and humanitarian sectors, which form significant parts of the local aviation market.
What career progression opportunities exist for Senior Pilots in Malawi's aviation sector?
Experienced pilots may advance to Check Pilot or Training Captain roles with MCAA approval, overseeing simulator and line training at facilities like those in Lilongwe. Some transition to management positions such as Flight Operations Manager or Director of Safety. Regional opportunities with carriers in Zambia, Tanzania, or South Africa become accessible with accumulated turbine command time and strong safety records.
What benefits are typically offered to Senior Pilots by employers in Malawi?
Benefits usually include annual leave entitlements per Malawi Employment Act provisions, medical aid schemes often through local providers like MASM or Liberty Life, and pension contributions to mandatory NAPSA or supplementary occupational schemes. Housing allowances or company accommodation may be provided for expatriate pilots or those based outside major cities. Travel concessions for family members on company routes are common in the sector.
How should I apply for a Senior Pilot position, and what do Malawian employers prioritize in candidates?
Submit applications directly to airline human resources departments or through aviation recruitment platforms serving Southern Africa, ensuring your MCAA licence validation and logbook summaries are current. Employers prioritize candidates with demonstrated safety consciousness, incident-free records, and experience in challenging operational environments similar to Malawi's terrain. Strong references from previous command positions and willingness to commit to multi-year contracts are highly valued due to training investment costs.