Director Network Planning FlyArystan

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Commercial Planning:

o Develop and execute comprehensive commercial strategies to maximize revenue, profitability, and market share

o Analyze market trends, competitive landscape, and passenger demand to identify opportunities for growth and improvement

2. Network Planning and Optimization:

o Lead the design and optimization of the airline's route network to enhance connectivity and operational efficiency

o Evaluate new route opportunities, conduct feasibility studies, and make data-driven recommendations for network expansions, modifications, or discontinuations

• Maximize aircraft utilization
• Develop and implement strategies for optimizing FlyArystan network by taking into account all operational and costs drivers such as crew utilization, airport costs etc.
• Manage the preparation of the Operating Plan documents for distribution to senior management

• Negotiate incentives and deals with airports/governments/tourism authorities
• Monitor competition
• Maximize network connectivity
• Oversee the constant review of route performance against targets and report on deviations requiring management intervention

3. Market Analysis and Forecasting:

o Conduct thorough market analysis to understand passenger behavior, market conditions, and competitive dynamics

o Develop traffic and revenue forecasts to support strategic planning, budgeting, and decision-making processes

4. Stakeholder Collaboration:

o Collaborate with key internal stakeholders, including Revenue Management, Operations, Sales, Marketing, and Finance, to ensure alignment and integration of commercial and network plans

o Establish and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, such as airport authorities, regulatory bodies, and industry partners

5. Budgeting and Financial Management:

o Prepare and manage the budget for commercial and network planning activities, ensuring alignment with the airline's financial objectives

o Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions to address variances and enhance profitability

6. Scheduling:

o Build and maintain seasonal and rolling flight schedules in line with the approved network and fleet plan

o Maximize aircraft utilization, productivity, and schedule efficiency while respecting operational and regulatory constraints

o Manage aircraft rotations, block times, turnaround times, maintenance requirements, curfews, and airport operating restrictions

o Ensure compliance with airport slots, historicity requirements, bilateral restrictions, and schedule coordination deadlines

o Lead schedule optimization following fleet changes, aircraft groundings, operational disruptions, or changes in market requirements.

o Evaluate the operational impact of new routes, frequency changes, re-timings, and seasonal adjustments

o Maintain schedule data accuracy across internal systems, PSS, slot systems, and operational platforms

o Identify opportunities to improve fleet utilization and reduce schedule inefficiencies, excessive ground time, and unnecessary complexity

o Coordinate schedule publication and ensure changes are implemented within agreed commercial timelines

o Monitor schedule performance and recommend corrective actions where actual block times, turnaround times, or operational constraints differ from planning assumptions

7. General:

• Manage ad hoc project work and presentations
• Coach and mentor team members to retain and promote the best talents within the network planning/scheduling organization

Qualifications:

∙ Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Aviation Management, Economics, or a related field; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.

∙ Minimum of 12 years of experience in commercial planning, network planning, or a related field within the aviation industry, with at least 6 years in a leadership role.

∙ Strong understanding of airline economics, network planning, and revenue management principles.

∙ Proven track record of developing and executing successful commercial and network strategies.

∙ Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.

∙ Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

∙ Proficiency in commercial planning, network planning, and revenue management software and tools.

∙ Exceptional communication and presentation skills.

∙ Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Competencies:

∙ Strategic Vision: Ability to develop and articulate a clear vision for the airline's commercial and network strategy.

∙ Analytical Acumen: Proficiency in analyzing complex data and making informed decisions.

∙ Leadership: Strong leadership skills to inspire and manage a high-performing team.

∙ Communication: Effective communicator with the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.

∙ Innovation: Capacity to drive innovation and embrace new technologies and methodologies.

∙ Financial Acumen: Solid understanding of financial principles and budgeting processes.

∙ Customer Focus: Commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs and expectations.

Position Overview:

Lead the development and optimization of the airline’s network, fleet deployment, and schedule strategy to maximize profitability, aircraft utilization, market opportunities, and sustainable growth, while supporting the company’s long-term strategic objectives