Consultant - Aviation Planning

Role Overview

Consultant - Aviation Planning at WSP Middle East, based in the Middle East region. This role contributes to concept-level airport planning, functional spatial design and design-focused project support across major aviation projects.

Company Overview

WSP is a global professional services firm. The Aviation Planning team operates across the Middle East, delivering high-quality planning and operational solutions for major airport projects.

Role Purpose

Support the development of future airport designs by contributing to the delivery of high-quality planning and operational solutions that improve efficiency, passenger experience and sustainability. Work as a valued member of the Middle East Aviation team, assisting in project delivery activities and contributing to the preparation of innovative and efficient planning and design outputs.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Operations Analysis

• Support the delivery of various project workstreams, with an initial focus on contributing to the development of the Concept of Operations for DWC Phase 2.
• Assist in conducting analytical assessments of airport operations, including traffic profiles, flight schedules, dwell times and operational KPIs.
• Ensure data inputs, modelling assumptions and analysis workflows are documented, validated and traceable.

Capacity Assessment & Modelling

• Contribute to the preparation and interpretation of capacity and Level of Service (LoS) assessments for terminal, airside, apron, landside and support facilities.
• Support the development of multi-scenario demand forecasts for passengers, aircraft, cargo and general aviation operations.
• Assist in building and running simulation models (CAST, AirTOP, AviPlan or equivalent) to assess flow performance, system efficiency and operational resilience.
• Translate modelling outputs into clear insights and planning inputs under the guidance of senior team members.

Masterplanning & Strategic Studies

• Contribute analytical inputs to airport masterplanning activities and long-term strategic studies.
• Support the definition of functional and spatial requirements for terminals, airside, landside and support facilities in line with demand, Concept of Operations principles and regulatory standards.
• Assist in evaluating planning options, phasing strategies, expansion triggers and performance trade-offs.

Proposal & Practice Development

• Support proposal preparation by contributing planning methodologies, scopes, level-of-effort estimates, case studies and modelling insights that strengthen aviation bids.
• Contribute to enhancing WSP's internal planning practice by refining templates, improving analytical workflows and sharing practical lessons learned from projects.

Qualifications & Experience

• A degree in Aviation Planning, Transport/Civil/Industrial Engineering, Architecture, Aviation Management or a related discipline.
• 3–5 years of experience in airport planning, capacity assessment, forecasting, simulation modelling or airport masterplanning.
• Experience working with airport operators, airlines, regulators and cross-disciplinary design teams, demonstrating balanced professional judgment.

Skills & Competencies

Analytical & Technical

• Proficiency in analytical modelling, scenario development and data interpretation, supported by strong Excel skills.
• Hands-on experience with airport simulation and analytical tools (e.g., CAST, AirTOP, AviPlan) and the ability to convert model outputs into clear planning insights.
• Familiarity with digital tools including AutoCAD, BIM, Revit, GIS, AviPLAN, CAST and other airport design tools.
• Ability to assist in conducting and interpreting capacity and Level of Service (LoS) assessments across terminal, airside, apron, landside and support facilities.

Aviation & Regulatory Knowledge

• Working knowledge of ICAO, FAA, IATA and aviation regulatory requirements.
• Experience with terminal planning concepts and passenger flow optimization.
• Familiarity with the Middle East aviation sector and regional regulatory requirements.

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical findings to clients, multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders.