Purpose

As Etihad continues to grow its fleet, we have an incredibly exciting opportunity to join our Fleet Planning business unit at a pivotal time in our growth strategy. As Head of Fleet Strategy, you will be accountable for the evaluations of our fleet options, develop business cases and secure board approval for the selection of new aircraft acquisitions, lease extensions or subleases. You will manage the long term fleet plan; altering as required to satisfy capacity and profitability targets (e.g. exercise of options, purchase rights, model substitutions, slide rights, deferrals and subleases).

Accountabilities

• Programme Management - The role takes accountability for planning, structuring, leading cross departmental teams and executing large high risk, complex fleet related projects. It requires strong management and commercial focus to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and in line with Board approvals
• Aircraft acquisitions - Participate in commercial negotiations with aircraft manufacturers and lessors to track aircraft availability and capabilities. Monitor competitor fleet strategies and industry trends.
• Fleet Strategy - Create a fleet strategy per aircraft type with entry into service and exit dates taking into account OEM contracted delivery dates and optionality as well as lease extensions options and aligning this with network planning requirements
• Fleet performance - Continually evaluate the commercial performance of the fleet, identify any opportunities to optimize profitability and motivate change where commercially justifiable.
• OEM notifications - Determine solutions if aircraft deliveries are delayed, exercise of options, purchase rights, model substitution and slide rights
• Business Cases \xe2\x80\x93 Submission of business cases to the board in relation to aircraft acquisition, lease extensions, subleases and reconfiguration programs.
• Relationships \xe2\x80\x93 To build and maintain excellent relationship with other parts of the business including Finance, Treasury, Legal, Technical, Network Planning and Strategic Global Contracts as well as external parties including OEMs and aircraft lessors
• Corporate Governance \xe2\x80\x93 Ensure that projects are managed in line with Standard Operating Policy and Procedures which has been created in line with Etihad\xe2\x80\x99s Corporate Governance, Mandate of Authority and Internal Audit requirements.
• Reporting - Provide clear and concise, verbal and written reports. Set clear agendas and conduct appropriate coordination meetings with Etihad departments to ensure all actions, issues and risks are identified, assigned and resolved in a professional manner.

Experience

• Educated to a minimum of degree level in a finance, commerce, economics or related field.
• Professional post-graduate qualification such as chartered accountant, chartered financial analyst or MBA would be an advantage.
• Post holder must have a minimum of 10 years experience with a reputable airline and at least 5 years fleet planning experience with proven ability in developing, presenting and supporting business cases and managing projects with a high degree of interaction and communication with all levels in the organization.
• A proven ability to manage complex programs with a high degree of human interaction
• Thorough understanding of financial concepts
• Thorough understanding of building, presenting and sponsoring Business Cases
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills
• Strong project management skills

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world\xe2\x80\x99s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad\xe2\x80\x99s codeshare partners, Etihad\xe2\x80\x99s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. Etihad is recognised as one of the world\xe2\x80\x99s leading airlines in response to COVID-19 and was the first airline in the world to fully vaccinate its crew on board.

Etihad sees tackling the climate crisis as the most important issue of our time, and through strategic partnerships with major global aviation brands and OEMs, Etihad is relentless in its pursuit of industry decarbonisation.

To learn more, visit

Etihad Airways