Network Planning and Scheduling Manager

Role Overview

Network Planning and Scheduling Manager at Etihad Airways. This role is based at Etihad's hub in Abu Dhabi and sits within Etihad Cargo, the cargo division of Etihad Aviation Group.

Company Overview

Etihad Airways is the UAE's national airline, operating as a transforming business that provides fast and reliable cargo and air freighter solutions around the world. Etihad Cargo is the air cargo partner of choice within the Etihad Aviation Group. The organization is executing a "Journey 2030" ambition to double its fleet, expand its network, and grow its people.

Role Purpose

To optimize Etihad Airways' cargo network by developing operationally deliverable schedules that maximize profit, align with Etihad Aviation Group strategy, and balance short-term operational requirements with long-term fleet and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Schedule Development and Delivery

• Manage the freighters schedule delivery and development process for both short-term and long-term horizons.
• Deliver short-term schedules for the current IATA season that support close-in re-fleeting, ongoing capacity optimization, operational integrity, and on-time performance targets.
• Develop long-term schedules spanning 6 to 12 months that support network and commercial requests to maximize profitability while ensuring operational compliance.
• Develop annual budget schedules.
• Develop 5- and 10-year schedules that incorporate long-term fleet strategy.

Network and Fleet Optimization

• Design and implement a freighter network that ensures effective and profitable utilization of Etihad's fleet and balances cargo capacity.
• Manage the impact of capacity changes on the network.
• Propose and implement corrective measures to achieve optimal utilization of freighter and belly capacities.
• Analyze route profitability to support timely decision-making on short-term tactical and long-term structural frequency and fleet adjustments.
• Work with freighter operations, maintenance, and commercial teams to ensure short-term and long-term optimization of fleet.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate and communicate ongoing with key stakeholders including Network Planning, Revenue Management, Alliances & Partnerships, Operations, Government Affairs, Finance, and Corporate Communications.
• Work with passenger network planning to understand cargo needs and requirements prior to implementation of network capacity introductions or adjustments.

Strategic Planning and Capacity Management

• Recommend initiatives and changes to senior management as part of continual capacity optimization.
• Protect and ensure continual enhancement of Etihad's slot portfolio.
• Manage ad-hoc charter requests that add value and do not compromise Etihad operations.

Communications and Publication

• Ensure timely and accurate publication of Etihad's flight schedules.

Qualifications & Experience

• At least 5 years of airline experience in network planning and scheduling.
• Exposure to airline cargo operations is advantageous.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, or post-graduate studies preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic planning and deep analytical skills.
• Negotiation and advocacy skills.