Airline Marketing & Route Development Manager

Airline Marketing & Route Development Manager

The Opportunity

• We are seeking a strategic, commercially driven and results-oriented Airline Marketing & Route Development Manager to drive the growth of airline traffic and route connectivity at Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA).
• The successful candidate will serve as a key commercial ambassador for the Airport, responsible for attracting new passenger and cargo airlines, developing viable new routes and strengthening AIIA's position as a competitive aviation gateway for Enugu and the wider Southeast region.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, engage and secure new passenger and cargo airline operators for scheduled and charter services into AIIA.

• Conduct market research, traffic analysis and feasibility studies to identify new and underserved route opportunities.

• Develop compelling, data-driven route profitability and business cases for airline network planners and senior executives.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with airlines, regulators, tourism bodies and key business stakeholders.

• Develop airline incentive packages, cooperative marketing initiatives and route-support strategies to attract and sustain new services.

• Monitor aviation trends, competitor airport pricing, passenger and cargo traffic, and other market intelligence to identify growth opportunities.

• Present persuasive commercial proposals to airline C-suite executives and negotiate route development opportunities.

• What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Economics, Business Administration, Marketing or a related discipline. A Master's degree or relevant professional certification is an advantage.

• 5–7 years' professional aviation experience, with demonstrable expertise in airline route development, network planning or airport commercial development.

• Experience within an Airport Route Development team or Airline Network Planning/Commercial function is highly preferred.

• Strong analytical capability and experience using aviation data tools such as OAG, MIDT or Diio Mi, with knowledge of passenger flows, cargo trends and yield management.

• Excellent commercial presentation, negotiation, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Ability to translate complex aviation and catchment-area data into clear, persuasive commercial propositions for airline executives.

Why This Role Matters:

• This is an opportunity to play a direct role in expanding AIIA's airline network, increasing passenger and cargo traffic, opening new markets and contributing to the commercial transformation of one of Nigeria's important regional airports.