Director of Air Service Development

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Department of Aviation owns and operates Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE). These airports are operated as commercial businesses to the greatest extent feasible given their ownership by the City. In addition to City regulations, the airports are subject to extensive federal regulations, particularly by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Aviation Regulation.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Director of Air Service Development creates and implements strategies to retain and grow existing and new airlines both domestically and internationally and serves as the ongoing source of industry intelligence for executive leadership. The Director will successfully identify and develop new routes, promote and retain existing services, and partner internally to align the needs of air carriers with the airport’s operations, facilities and infrastructure.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about representing Philadelphia, and the region, to business partners. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with data – from doing analysis to creating a story from data, to briefing our agencies on the needs of the organization -- but also is capable of building and deepening relationships with stakeholders and tenaciously pursuing opportunities to expand air service at PHL.

On a day-to-day basis, this person may be:

• Analyzing data and developing a business case to recommend a new route to an airline
• Attending a conference and meeting with airline network planners on opportunities for them at PHL
• Presenting aviation activity forecasts (e.g., passengers, cargo, operations) to internal operational and finance teams
• Briefing the marketing and communications teams on upcoming service announcements and launches

Essential Functions

• Researches, develops, and implements strategies and plans for the retention, expansion, and recruitment of passenger and cargo air service.
• Conducts statistical analysis and market research to identify and develop strategies to increase service quantity and quality on existing non-stop and one-stop domestic and international routes.  Performs similar work focused on the objective of expanding the number of non-stop markets served by existing air carriers in the markets as well as pursuit of air service opportunities with new entrant air carriers.
• Performs/coordinates ongoing and creative market analysis to support the expansion/retention of air service; and to identify strengths, threats, opportunities and weaknesses.
• Identifies target markets for service increases.
• Monitors existing air service (e.g., changes in airline schedules, aircraft type, seats and frequencies) and develops strategies for improving performance in cooperation with the airline.
• Monitors of seats, scheduled flights, changes that could positively or adversely impact performance.
• Maintains and publishes airline-related schedules and statistical information, including monthly reports for senior management.
• Represents airport at all industry conferences; Visit airlines at their headquarters, and host airline guests onsite at PHL.
• Develops and maintains productive and positive relationships with airline network planners (with incumbent airlines and potential future airlines); the Director must understand those nations' cultures and laws and how to respectfully conduct and foster business relati