The Head of Business Development & Aviation Marketing is responsible for driving the airport’s strategic growth by expanding its airline network, increasing passenger and cargo traffic, and maximizing commercial revenues. This role blends B2B aviation marketing (Route Development) with commercial real estate, retail, and concession strategy to ensure the airport remains competitive, financially sustainable, and a primary economic driver for the region
Job Description
Responsibilities
Airline attraction & retention: Build and maintain strong relationships with domestic and international airlines (network carriers, low-cost carriers, and cargo operators) to pitch new routes and frequencies.
Business case formulation: Use global aviation data to conduct market analysis, passenger demand forecasting, and route profitability modeling to present data-driven business cases to airlines.
Incentive schemes: Design, implement, and manage airport incentive programs (e.g., landing fee discounts, marketing support) to mitigate risks for airlines launching new routes.
Industry representation (in coordination with Airport Director): represent the airport at major international aviation forums and conferences to secure face-to-face negotiations with airline network planners.
Commercial Business Development (Non-Aeronautical Revenue)
•Concessions & Retail Strategy: Oversee the commercial layout and leasing of airport spaces, including Duty-Free, food and beverage (F&B), retail outlets, parking and car rentals.
Property & Real Estate: Identify land development opportunities around the airport perimeter, including hotels, logistics hubs, and corporate parks for potential expansion of airport presence
Advertising & Partnerships: Manage the airport’s indoor/outdoor digital advertising inventory and secure high-value corporate sponsorships.
Strategic Marketing & Passenger Demand Generation
B2C Tourism Marketing: Collaborate with local tourism agents, government entities, and chambers of commerce to market the destination, stimulating inbound passenger demand.
Airport Branding: Oversee the airport’s public relations, digital marketing channels, and community outreach programs to enhance the airport’s corporate reputation.
Education & Experience
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
An MBA is a preferred criteria.
Experience:
5 – 7 years of experience in business development or marketing within the aviation industry (airports, airlines, or civil aviation authorities), with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
Track Record:
Proven success in successfully negotiating and launching new airline routes or managing multi-million dollar commercial lease portfolios.
Skills & Competencies
Strategic thinking
Strong analytical skills
Strong negotiation skills
In depth know-how of airline product management
In depth know-how of airline marketing management
English & French language skills
Additional advantageous skills
Knowledge of the airline pricing and revenue management tools is an advantage
Knowledge of Arabic language skills is an advantage
Reports to
Disciplinary reports to:
Airport Manager
Functional reports to:
Group Structure
Direct reports
No immediate reports
Performance indicators
Growth in total passenger and cargo throughput and aircraft movements.
Number of new airlines attracted and new routes launched per fiscal year.
Percentage increase in non-aeronautical revenue per passenger.
Retention rate of existing airline routes.
Customer satisfaction
Budgeted cost adherence