Director of Air Service Development

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.

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 relationships.
• Manages the FAA compliant air service incentive policy, and monitors regulatory issues related to commercial air service including but not limited to Customs & Boarder Protection passenger facilitation.
• Supervises a team that may include consultants and analysts; assigns work and reviews work for accuracy; supports and develops subordinates through performance management, coaching, training and motivational techniques. 
• Develops collaborative relationships with business groups to support air service growth and retention, such as regional tourism and economic development organizations.
• Briefs the marketing and communications team to support the development of marketing plans and materials to promote air travel from PHL and on specific routes.
• Shares information and partners with Airline Affairs, Property Management, Finance and Operations routinely to support operational and financial decision-making and to ensure that air service growth can be operationally supported with airport facilities and infrastructure.
• Travels frequently to meet with existing and potential airlines and partners.
• Performs related work as required.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of domestic and international air passenger and cargo industries.
• Knowledge of principles, best practices and techniques of network planning and market evaluation.
• Knowledge of the impact of change between the airline industry models and air service development at airports.
• Knowledge of Federal air carrier incentive regulations as needed to comply with industry mandates/regulations.
• Supervisory methods and techniques.

Skill in:

• Analyzing complex aviation and demographic data to identify trends, assess market opportunities, and develop strategic recommendations.
• Interpreting and communicating consultant-prepared analyses, including data methodology and insights, to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Preparing clear, concise reports and business correspondence using formal business writing and proper grammar.
• Developing and delivering engaging, data-driven presentations using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Representing the airport and the City of Philadelphia in business negotiations and public forums with professionalism and tact.
• Planning and executing community and business outreach initiatives to support commercial passenger air service development.
• Exercising sound judgment in high-stakes environments and managing complex projects to successful completion within established timelines.
• Guiding and motivating teams to prioritize and balance competing interests, tasks, and organizational demands.

Ability to:

• Use and analyze data from aviation databases (e.g., T-100, schedule, O&D) and demographic data sources.
• Understand and evaluate analysis done by consultants and communicate methodology and takeaways of analysis to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Travel both domestically and internationally.
• Express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing; Prepare clear, concise correspondence and write reports from market research data using formal business terminology and proper grammar and sentence construction.
• Effectively guide team to prioritize competing interests and work demands.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive business and strategic information with discretion.
• Establish and sustain productive working relationships with airline representatives, regional partners, consultants, and internal teams to support commercial passenger business development.
• Translate data and market research into actionable air service strategies that support airport growth and regional connectivity.
• Adapt to the dynamic nature of the aviation industry and respond proactively to emerging opportunities or disruptions.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, marketing, aviation management, supply chain management or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Seven (7) years of related experience, associated with the airline, airport, travel/tourism, hospitality, or economic development industry, preferably with data analysis and sales and marketing experience within these industries, three (3) years of which must have been at the managerial level.
• Aviation experience preferred.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume.

Salary Range: $116,000 - $135,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx