Head of Network Planning & Scheduling at Air Peace

JOB SUMMARY


The Head of Network Planning & Scheduling is responsible for developing, optimizing, and executing Air Peace's route network and flight schedules across domestic, regional, and international markets.
The role ensures that all network decisions are strategically aligned with the airline's commercial objectives, fleet growth, operational constraints, and profitability targets.
This position plays a central role in expanding Air Peace into new markets, including long-haul destinations and in building a competitive, sustainable route network that maximizes revenue, market share, aircraft utilization, and customer connectivity.


KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Network Strategy and Route Development


Lead the development of Air Peace's medium- and long-term network strategy across domestic, regional, and international markets.
Conduct route feasibility studies, traffic demand forecasting, yield and revenue analysis, and competitive assessments.
Recommend new market entries, frequency increases, route terminations, and aircraft deployment strategies.
Build country-by-country business cases for bilateral negotiations and traffic rights expansion.
Analyze hub-development strategies for Lagos and Abuja, including connectivity, minimum connecting times (MCT), bank structures, and wave planning.


Scheduling & Fleet Assignment


Design and publish optimized flight schedules that maximize network profitability, fleet utilization, and operational reliability.
Ensure alignment between schedules and crew, aircraft maintenance, airport slot availability, and regulatory constraints.
Lead slot management strategy for constrained airports (Heathrow,Gatwick, Dubai, JNB, etc.).
Oversee seasonal schedule development (S23/W23 etc.) and ensure timely submission to OAG, GDSS, and regulatory authorities.
Coordinate with OCC to ensure schedule robustness and disruption tolerance.


Commercial Performance & Revenue Optimization


Collaborate with Revenue Management to evaluate route profitability and adjust frequencies, timings, and capacity deployment.
Develop and monitor KPIs related to network performance (RASK, CASK, LF, aircraft utilization, connection performance, on-time departure windows).
Work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Distribution to understand market demand and improve connectivity-driven revenues.


Industry Relations & Regulatory Engagement


Liaise with Civil Aviation Authorities, airport operators, slot coordinators, and international aviation bodies (IATA, AFCAC, ICAO) on network matters.
Support government-level BASA negotiations with data, analysis, and market positioning strategies.
Manage all coordination with airport slot committees, scheduling conferences, and regulatory forums.cross-Functional Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop the Network Planning & Scheduling team, ensuring high analytical capability and strong industry knowledge.
Work seamlessly with Operations, Finance, Corporate Planning, Engineering, and Commercial units to ensure network decisions are well-informed andaligned.
Drive data-driven decision-making within the Commercial Department.


EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS


Bachelor's degree in business administration, Marketing, Sales, or related discipline.
Master's degree (MBA or similar) will be an advantage.
Minimum 7—10 years aviation industry experience with at least 5 years in Airline Network Planning, Scheduling, or Fleet Planning.
Demonstrated experience with route forecasting, scheduling tools (Sabre,
Amadeus, Lufthansa Netline, AIMS, CAE), and industry data sources (MIDT, Diio, IATA DDS, SRS Analyzer).
Proven track record in developing new routes and improving network profitability.
Strong analytical and modelling skills (Excel, SQL, power Bl, or similar).
Deep understanding of airline economics, CASK/RASK, demand forecasting, and market development.
Knowledge of airport slot rules (IATA WSG), aircraft performance, and operational limitations.
Strong leadership and people-management skills.
Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder-management ability.
Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and capacity to drive complex cross-functional decisions.
High resilience, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure.


KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS


100% Network profitability improvement (route contribution, RASK uplift).
100% Aircraft utilization enhancement.
100% On-time schedule delivery and regulatory compliance.
50% Growth in connecting traffic and network connectivity metrics.
Accurate and timely forecasting and quarterly market analysis.
Yearly successful launch of new routes and network expansion milestones.
100% slot retention and yearly acquisition in constrained airports.