Summary
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is hiring a Head of Aviation Development within its Commercial Division, reporting to the CEO. The role develops airline connectivity and aeronautical revenue by identifying route opportunities, negotiating agreements and incentives, and managing airline and airport relationships. It also develops route strategy, evaluates profitability, represents the airport at industry events, and supports safety reporting and audits. Applicants need a degree or postgraduate qualification, relevant airline, airport or other marketing experience, knowledge of route costs and profitability, willingness to travel, and a UAE driver's licence.
The posting
As published on rakairport.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
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, Experience, & Skills
Qualifications
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