Head Of Aviation Development

Job Details

Position Title

Head of – Aviation Development

Reports to

CEO

Division

Commercial

Department

Commercial

Job Purpose

To develop airport business by growing existing and attracting new aeronautical revenue streams.

Determine, negotiate and secure new route opportunities, develop the connectivity of Ras Al Khaimah Airport. Increase sales from existing and new accounts to achieve growth targets and build relationships with airlines.

Functional Accountabilities

Area of Contribution

Key Activities

Financial

Identify, assess and select route opportunities through effective data analysis of the aviation market and competitive environment

Complete and maintain contractual agreements with various airlines

Assess possibilities on new routes/ markets/ airlines based on potential of traffic growth, strategic fit, support and mechanism and possible entry opportunities

Develop route profitability analysis for discussion with airlines

Prepare route / airline incentive programs as per industry accepted norms and

practices

Process

Identify, analyze and develop new route opportunities and attract new routes and airlines to Ras Al Khaimah Airport

Proactively build and maintain strong working relationship with new and existing airlines and third parties (regions, other airports, tourism bodies, etc.) to gather analytical and route rationale data as well as promote connectivity

Design and implement an effective route development strategy

Differentiation in route development

Source and secure route opportunities through high level negotiations with airports across Europe, Africa and Asia

Manage and develop existing commercial relationships with airports

Customer and Reporting

Represent Ras Al Khaimah Airport at aviation exhibitions and events, with the view of bringing in new opportunities

Communication & Working Relationships

Internal

• CEO
• Operations and Finance Departments
• Legal and Procurement
• Board & Executive Committee
  
  
  

Reasons for Interaction

• For aligning commercial strategies with overall airport vision and receiving executive direction
• To ensure commercial initiatives are operationally feasible and integrated into airport flow.
• For budgeting, financial modelling, and ensuring commercial targets are met.
• To review and manage contracts, lease agreements, and vendor negotiations.
  
  
  

External

• Airline Executives and Route Planners
• Retail and Concession Partners
• Government and Regulatory Bodies
  
  
  

Reasons for Interaction

• For pitching new routes, negotiating agreements, and maintaining route profitability
• For managing existing contracts, resolving operational issues, and exploring new retail opportunities
• For compliance with aviation regulations, approvals, and fostering public-private partnerships
• To leverage industry relationships and attract strategic route connections to and from Europe.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Qualifications, Experience, & Skills

Educational Qualifications

Degree / Post graduate holder from a reputable university.

Professional Qualifications

Willing to travel.

UAE drivers licence holder

Experience

Required Experience

Have experience of working within marketing department and proven record of creating marketing content and marketing strategies.

Have a proven track record in airline industry/ airport marketing, or any B2B or B2C marketing

Possess Good understanding of airline route cost and profitability

Other Requirements - Safety Accountability And Responsibilities

All staff has the following safety responsibilities and is accountable to their supervisor(s) and Head of Department:

• To comply with the relevant safety requirements and procedures outlined in the Aerodrome Operations Manual and Safety Management System and any other instructions or notices issued by Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.
• To comply with the safety requirements detailed within their training.
• To advise their Head of Department and the Airport Duty Officer team of any safety occurrence or system failure and to identify and report any situation of potential risk or concern affecting safety via one of the following means.
• Report directly to the Safety Department or an immediate supervisor.
• Submitting an Accident/ Incident Report.
• Support safety audits as and investigations as they occur.
  
  
  

Competencies

Level of Proficiency

Behavioural Competencies

Strategic Thinking

High

Leadership & People Management

High

Commercial Acumen

High

Negotiation & Influence

High

Innovation & Initiative

High

Technical Competencies

Airport Commercial Strategy

High

Route Development and Air Service Planning

High

Retail Concession Management

High

Financial Acumen (including route P&L)

High

Market Research and Analytics

High

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