Manager Network Planning

Role overview

Etihad Cargo is evolving rapidly as part of Etihad Aviation Group, delivering dependable air cargo and freighter solutions across the globe. The business is looking for a committed Manager Network Planning who can help shape an operationally feasible cargo network that improves profitability and supports the wider group strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the planning and delivery of freighter schedules to meet immediate, medium-term, and long-range business needs.
• Support short-term planning for the current IATA season, including close-in aircraft changes, capacity tuning, maintaining operational reliability, and meeting on-time performance goals.
• Contribute to medium-term planning across the next 6 to 12 months by addressing commercial and network needs while ensuring operational compliance with key stakeholders.
• Put forward improvement ideas and schedule changes to senior leadership as part of continuous capacity optimization.
• Develop annual budget schedules and support 5-year and 10-year scheduling plans, including alignment with the long-term fleet strategy.
• Coordinate regularly with internal teams such as Network Planning, Revenue Management, Alliances & Partnerships, Operations, Government Affairs, Finance, and Corporate Communications.
• Protect and continuously improve the slot portfolio.
• Ensure Etihad flight schedules are published accurately and on time.
• Handle ad hoc charter opportunities only when they add value and do not disrupt operations.
• Build and implement a freighter network that uses the fleet efficiently, supports cargo demand, and maximizes profitability.
• Partner with freighter operations, maintenance, and commercial teams to optimize fleet usage over both the short and long term.
• Assess how capacity adjustments affect the wider network and respond accordingly.
• Work with passenger network planning to understand cargo requirements before introducing or modifying network capacity.
• Recommend and implement corrective actions to improve the use of freighter and belly capacity.
• Evaluate route profitability to support fast and informed decisions on tactical and structural frequency or fleet changes.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of airline experience in network planning or scheduling.
• Experience with airline cargo operations will be considered an advantage.
• A bachelor’s degree is required; postgraduate study in a relevant field is preferred.
• Strong strategic planning capability and advanced analytical thinking.
• Good negotiation and advocacy skills.

About the company

Etihad Airways is the national airline of the UAE and is focused on shaping the future of global aviation. From its Abu Dhabi hub, the company connects people across regions and cultures while advancing its Journey 2030 ambition to expand its fleet, grow its network, and invest in its people.

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