Head Of Air Planning

Costa Crociere is seeking an outstanding, results-driven Head of Air Planning to join the Air & Sea department within the Revenue Management function. With its mission to connect Guests from all over the world with our wonderful ships, the Air & Sea team is committed to offer an unparalleled pre and post cruise travel experience and create a true added value for the Guest. The position will be responsible for the development of the strategic airlines network to drive growth and profitability via new and existing partnerships. In this framework, the position's main activities will include routes selection, capacity allocation, market & competitors assessment and allotments optimization, while always overseeing the constant review of routes financial performances against targets.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• being fully responsible for definining air services planning by ship/program in cooperation with Revenue Management & Sales departments
• assessing and taking decisions on routes and destinations in terms of frequencies, capacity and schedule, and analysing the performance of each route in other to take action for further improvements
• increasing network and building relationships with airlines, airports and other parties (regions, tourism bodies, etc.)
• overseeing the contracts negotiation process for scheduled and chartered flights
• assessing new market opportunities based on strategic fit, financial potential, growth expectations and risks assessment
• performing planning analysis & optimization (daily analysis, allotments optimization and airlines/ground services contracts materialization) and providing financial forecasts for potential new routes
• working with the Revenue Management team to assess and optimize pricing of existing routes
• assessing competition in terms of strategic plans, seasonal developments in capacity and fares, analyzing strengths / weaknesses and recommending actions based on risks and opportunities
• assessing and interpreting market, economic and industry trends and the impact on Air/Cruise industry
• constantly performing Cost & Profitability analysis/control to ensure financial targets are met (Costs/revenue tracking and reporting, empty seats control, monthly cost allocation, FY budget analysis and definition, monthly forecast supervision)

 

Job Requirements

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Master's degree in Economics, Engineering Management or similar
• Strong network planning and management capabilities
• Very good knowledge of airlines negotiation techniques and revenue management skills
• Strategic thinker
• Data driven approach to the decision making and problem solving combined with sense of business and commercial awareness
• Data driven approach to the decision making and problem solving combined with sense of business and commercial awareness
• Ability to influence at all levels
• Excellent team manager, able to lead and engage his/her team
• Optimistic and enthusiastic approach with high resilience to challenges and pressure
• High proficiency in Excel and Power Point
• Expert in the GDS use (Amadeus and Sabre  // Amadeus preferred)
• Expert in air systems automation and interface (including air reservations and fares loading management)
• Expert in air systems automation and interface (including air reservations and fares loading management)  

Location: Genoa