Airport Affairs Director

Company

Alaska Airlines

The Team

Guided by our purpose, core values, and leadership principles, we are creating an airline people love. Our corporate teams set the strategies and operational plans to ensure the success of our company. Whether we use our expertise in accounting, human resources, finance, planning, legal, marketing, or any of our operational divisions, our shared passion for travel and our guests is what motivates us to achieve excellence each day. If you share our passion for creating an airline people love, we want to hear from you. 

Role Summary

The Airport Affairs Director is a subject matter expert and thought leader in airport affairs and airline airport real estate for Alaska Air Group (AAG), both inside and outside the organization. As an individual contributor, this role designs and implements innovative solutions to address complex airport, real estate, and space utilization challenges for Alaska Airlines (AS), Hawaiian Airlines (HA), and Horizon Air (QX) and serves as a key influencer at locations within the role’s scope. The Airport Affairs Director defines long-term airport strategy, influences significant financial and operational decisions, and serves as the primary advisor to enterprise leadership on airport development, capital investment, and growth initiatives. 

Key Duties

• Serve as the subject-matter expert and thought leader in airport affairs and airline airport real estate strategy for assigned region, both inside and outside the organization. 
• Define and execute long-term airport real estate and development strategy with a 12-24 month and beyond planning horizon, aligned with network growth, operational needs, and financial objectives. 
• Design and implement innovative solutions to address highly complex and ambiguous challenges related to airport capacity, capital development, lease structures, rates and charges, and airline growth. 
• Make significant and impactful decisions regarding airport use agreements, lease negotiations, capital participation, and real estate investments that establish precedent for future airport and airline agreements. 
• Represent Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air with airport authorities, executives, governing boards, political leaders, and industry partners, serving as the primary liaison at assigned locations. 
• Lead and drive complex airport use and lease negotiations to completion, including non-traditional arrangements such as public-private partnerships (P3s) and ground leases, coordinating internal and external stakeholders throughout the process. 
• Influence outcomes across the company and the aviation industry through engagement with peer airlines, airline associations, airport leadership, and government agencies. 
• Advise enterprise leaders on long-term goals and strategies related to airport capital improvement programs, airport master planning, and internal growth initiatives. 
• Research, evaluate, and apply airport rates and charges models, regulatory requirements, and financing approaches to inform strategy, negotiations, and investment decisions. 
• Partner cross-functionally with network and capacity planning, airport operations, finance, marketing, legal, and government relations to align airport strategy with enterprise priorities. 
• Develop and present executive level analyses, reports, and strategic recommendations related to airport projects, initiatives, and business opportunities.  

Job-Specific Experience, Education & Skills

Required  

• 10 years of experience in airport or airline operations, aviation or commercial real estate, network planning, capacity planning, or related area. 
• Bachelor’s degree, or an additional two years of relevant training/experience in lieu of this degree. 
• Proven ability to work cross‑functionally and with external industry partners to achieve business objectives on complex, long‑term capital initiatives. 
• Ability to perform financial analyses, review and interpret architectural drawings, and understand complex operational requirements to support business and project decisions. 
• Excellent communication skills (e.g., verbal, written, and listening) to all levels of the organization, including the ability to produce executive level presentations and communication materials. 
• Proven ability to work independently and be self-motivated with a high degree of intellectual curiosity. 
• Valid passport and ability and willingness to travel frequently. 
• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Minimum age of 18. 
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. 

Preferred 

• Real estate experience in support of a large airline or airport hub. 
• Proven experience leading airport and