Airline Network Development Director (Relocation to Syria)

Role Purpose

The Airline Network Development Director will be responsible for establishing, building, and leading the airline network development and air service development function from the ground up. The role will drive sustainable route growth by aligning airline network planning strategy with airport commercial objectives, positioning the airport for long‑term connectivity, traffic growth, and revenue optimisation.

This role requires a senior aviation professional who combines airline‑side network planning expertise with airport commercial acumen, capable of operating fluently across both airline and airport decision‑making environments.

Key Responsibilities

Network & Route Development

• Develop and execute the airport’s airline network and route development strategy, aligned with long‑term commercial and traffic growth objectives.
• Lead market analysis, demand forecasting, catchment studies, traffic stimulation modelling, and route profitability assessments.
• Identify priority airlines, markets, and routes across the Middle East and Europe, building a robust pipeline of new services.
• Design and oversee incentive programmes, commercial frameworks, and route support mechanisms to attract and retain airlines.

Airline Engagement & Commercial Leadership

• Act as the primary commercial interface with airline network planning, commercial, and strategy teams.
• Lead high‑level negotiations with full‑service, low‑cost, charter, and cargo airlines.
• Present compelling business cases to airline executives, clearly articulating demand fundamentals, yield potential, and network fit.
• Represent the airport at industry forums, route development conferences, and bilateral meetings.

Function Build‑Up & Governance

• Build the airline network development function from the ground up, including processes, tools, governance, and KPIs.
• Establish best‑practice methodologies for route evaluation, airline targeting, and performance tracking.
• Work cross‑functionally with airport commercial, operations, finance, marketing, and government stakeholders to ensure integrated execution.
• Provide strategic insight and regular reporting to executive leadership and board‑level stakeholders.

Key Requirements

• 12–15 years of senior aviation experience, with strong exposure to:
• Airline network planning, route economics, and scheduling and/or
• Airport air service development / commercial strategy
• Proven ability to operate credibly with airline network planning teams and airport leadership.
• Native / Fluent Arabic and English speaker is mandatory.
• Strong exposure to Middle East and/or European aviation markets is a significant advantage.
• Demonstrated experience building and scaling a function, team, or commercial capability from scratch.
• Strong commercial mindset with excellent analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Executive presence with the ability to influence airline C‑suite, regulators, and government authorities.

Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Economics, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (MBA or equivalent) is an advantage.