Job ID
48396
Job Title
Airline Network Development Director
To work for
UCK Airports
Country
Syria
City
Damascus
Field of Work
Operations - Administrative
Job Type
Full time
Military service
Not Specified
Minimum Education Level
Bachelor/ License Degree
Responsibilities
1. Strategy & Network Development
• Define and lead the airport's airline network development strategy to drive sustainable traffic growth and enhance connectivity.
• Identify and prioritize new route opportunities, airline partnerships, and market expansion initiatives based on detailed market intelligence.
• Develop long-term route development plans targeting underserved and high-potential markets, aligned with the airport's commercial objectives.
• Evaluate economic, geopolitical, and industry factors influencing route performance and airline decision-making.
• Set annual network development targets and KPIs in coordination with the Chief Commercial Officer.
2. Market Intelligence & Analytics
• Conduct market research, traffic forecasting, and feasibility studies to support route development initiatives.
• Analyze passenger traffic data including Market Information Data (MIDT), O&D data, and booking trends to identify opportunities and risks.
• Deliver data-driven insights and strategic recommendations to attract new airlines and optimize existing networks.
• Establish and enhance forecasting models to support strategic planning and capacity development.
• Monitor competitor airport strategies and track aviation industry trends to maintain competitive awareness.
3. Airline Engagement & Business Development
• Build and maintain strong, senior-level relationships with airline partners, alliances, and key industry stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations and engagement strategies to secure new routes, increase frequencies, and expand airline presence at the airport.
• Represent the airport at international aviation forums, route development events (e.g., World Routes, ACI conferences), and bilateral meetings.
• Develop tailored airline incentive proposals and route support packages in coordination with Finance and the CCO.
• Champion the airport's commercial proposition and competitive positioning in all airline engagement activities.
4. Performance Management & Optimization
• Monitor and evaluate airline and route performance, ensuring alignment with traffic, revenue, and profitability targets.
• Benchmark performance against peer and competitor airports, identifying gaps and recommending corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Finance and Commercial teams to assess route profitability, passenger mix, and revenue contribution.
• Recommend schedule optimization and capacity adjustments to maximize route performance and passenger experience.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Commercial, Marketing, Operations, and Finance teams to align network development initiatives with broader business objectives.
• Support revenue growth by targeting high-value markets and passenger segments in coordination with retail and commercial strategies.
• Ensure alignment between airline development initiatives and airport infrastructure, capacity planning, and service delivery.
• Coordinate with government aviation authorities and regulatory bodies on bilateral agreements and route approvals.
6. Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Airline Network Development team, fostering a high-performance and data-driven culture.
• Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and support professional development through coaching and training.
• Promote collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing across teams and departments.
• Oversee the work of the Airline Network Development Lead and ensure quality of output.
7. Governance, Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure compliance with all relevant company policies, regulatory requirements, and data protection standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of aviation industry trends, regulatory developments, and competitive dynamics.
• Provide regular reports, strategic updates, and executive-level presentations to the CCO and senior management.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management within the scope and seniority of the role.
• Define and lead the airport's airline network development strategy to drive sustainable traffic growth and enhance connectivity.
• Identify and prioritize new route opportunities, airline partnerships, and market expansion initiatives based on detailed market intelligence.
• Develop long-term route development plans targeting underserved and high-potential markets, aligned with the airport's commercial objectives.
• Evaluate economic, geopolitical, and industry factors influencing route performance and airline decision-making.
• Set annual network development targets and KPIs in coordination with the Chief Commercial Officer.
2. Market Intelligence & Analytics
• Conduct market research, traffic forecasting, and feasibility studies to support route development initiatives.
• Analyze passenger traffic data including Market Information Data (MIDT), O&D data, and booking trends to identify opportunities and risks.
• Deliver data-driven insights and strategic recommendations to attract new airlines and optimize existing networks.
• Establish and enhance forecasting models to support strategic planning and capacity development.
• Monitor competitor airport strategies and track aviation industry trends to maintain competitive awareness.
3. Airline Engagement & Business Development
• Build and maintain strong, senior-level relationships with airline partners, alliances, and key industry stakeholders.
• Lead negotiations and engagement strategies to secure new routes, increase frequencies, and expand airline presence at the airport.
• Represent the airport at international aviation forums, route development events (e.g., World Routes, ACI conferences), and bilateral meetings.
• Develop tailored airline incentive proposals and route support packages in coordination with Finance and the CCO.
• Champion the airport's commercial proposition and competitive positioning in all airline engagement activities.
4. Performance Management & Optimization
• Monitor and evaluate airline and route performance, ensuring alignment with traffic, revenue, and profitability targets.
• Benchmark performance against peer and competitor airports, identifying gaps and recommending corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Finance and Commercial teams to assess route profitability, passenger mix, and revenue contribution.
• Recommend schedule optimization and capacity adjustments to maximize route performance and passenger experience.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Commercial, Marketing, Operations, and Finance teams to align network development initiatives with broader business objectives.
• Support revenue growth by targeting high-value markets and passenger segments in coordination with retail and commercial strategies.
• Ensure alignment between airline development initiatives and airport infrastructure, capacity planning, and service delivery.
• Coordinate with government aviation authorities and regulatory bodies on bilateral agreements and route approvals.
6. Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop the Airline Network Development team, fostering a high-performance and data-driven culture.
• Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and support professional development through coaching and training.
• Promote collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing across teams and departments.
• Oversee the work of the Airline Network Development Lead and ensure quality of output.
7. Governance, Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure compliance with all relevant company policies, regulatory requirements, and data protection standards.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of aviation industry trends, regulatory developments, and competitive dynamics.
• Provide regular reports, strategic updates, and executive-level presentations to the CCO and senior management.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management within the scope and seniority of the role.
Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, Business Administration, Economics, Marketing or a related discipline. Master's degree is an advantage.
* Minimum 12–15 years of experience in the aviation field, route development, network planning, and airport air service development. Experience in the Middle East, Europe, and regional aviation markets is an advantage.
* Deep understanding of airline economics, passenger demand analysis, and traffic flow dynamics.
* Strong forecasting, analytical, and quantitative capabilities with experience in MIDT and O&D data tools.
* Familiarity with aviation data tools (OAG, Cirium, Sabre) and IATA regulations.
* Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills at senior and executive level.
* High level of commercial acumen with ability to develop airline business cases and incentive proposals.
* Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple airline relationships and initiatives simultaneously.
* Minimum 12–15 years of experience in the aviation field, route development, network planning, and airport air service development. Experience in the Middle East, Europe, and regional aviation markets is an advantage.
* Deep understanding of airline economics, passenger demand analysis, and traffic flow dynamics.
* Strong forecasting, analytical, and quantitative capabilities with experience in MIDT and O&D data tools.
* Familiarity with aviation data tools (OAG, Cirium, Sabre) and IATA regulations.
* Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills at senior and executive level.
* High level of commercial acumen with ability to develop airline business cases and incentive proposals.
* Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple airline relationships and initiatives simultaneously.
Salary and Benefits
as per salary scale.
About us
UCK Airports is an international consortium established by UCC Holding, ASSETS Investments, CENGIZ Holding and KALYON Holding. The consortium has signed a concession agreement to invest, develop, expand, construct, and operate Damascus International Airport. Valued at USD 4 billion, the project represents one of the largest investments in Syria's history and underscores strong international confidence in the future of the country's aviation sector.
Required employees number
1
Posted On
May 13, 2026
Expiry Date
Jun 12, 2026
