Manager, Air Service Development

Port of Seattle•Seattle, WA

About The Position

As the Manager, Air Service Development, you will support Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA) efforts to expand, maintain, and optimize passenger air service. You will build strong relationships with global airlines, as well as oversee marketing and incentive programs. You will support the team’s efforts in increasing passenger traffic, route diversity and airport revenue to ensure SEA’s success as a global gateway. You will identify new route opportunities and gaps in service through market research, data, analysis and industry trends. You will monitor and evaluate route performance, and develop persuasive, data-driven route proposals to support network planning discussions with airline executives. You will develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with global airline partners, route planners, and other industry stakeholders from a wide variety of cultures. You will collaborate with airline marketing and sales teams to oversee global promotional projects and ensure effective use of Port funds and full compliance with Port/State/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. You will have a thorough understanding of the global aviation industry and issues that affect the market, including airline business models, corporate and leisure travel, international and federal regulatory developments, and slots. You will transform complex issues and data into clear presentations and policy recommendations for Port leadership and other stakeholders. You will work with regional economic development organizations and other government agencies to support air service growth. You will represent SEA in industry groups/committees and advocate for the Port of Seattle’s preferred positions. You will supervise, coach, mentor, and oversee performance management and talent development of the Air Service Development Analyst.

Requirements

Five (5) years of experience in air service development, airline network planning, commercial strategy, and/or business development.
Two (2) years of supervisory/lead/mentor experience including leading a project or process.
Committed to Equity – Apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.
Intercultural Expertise - Demonstrate an understanding of global dynamics, cultural norms, and international business practices. Can navigate diverse communication styles and perspectives, adjusting your approach to build trust and foster meaningful collaboration. Interactions promote inclusion, respect, and a sense of belonging for individuals from all cultural backgrounds.
Relationship-Oriented – Can build and maintain productive relationships with airlines, regional government, economic development organizations, travel and tourism industry representatives, and/or aviation stakeholders.
Analytical – Demonstrate strong analytical skills and data fluency, turning raw information into clear insights that support informed decisions.
Organizational Savviness - Operate effectively within a complex organization with competing priorities. Anticipate issues, manage resources, handle multiple projects, and balance immediate needs with long term goals.
Effective Communicator – Possess advanced communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to garner trust and build strong, credible relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Nice To Haves

Experience analyzing aviation market data, passenger demand, airline economics, and route performance to build evidence based business cases for international air service.
A bachelor's degree in aviation, international business, global policy.
An American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Certified Manager (CM) certification.

Responsibilities

Support Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA) efforts to expand, maintain, and optimize passenger air service.
Build strong relationships with global airlines.
Oversee marketing and incentive programs.
Increase passenger traffic, route diversity and airport revenue.
Identify new route opportunities and gaps in service through market research, data, analysis and industry trends.
Monitor and evaluate route performance.
Develop persuasive, data-driven route proposals to support network planning discussions with airline executives.
Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with global airline partners, route planners, and other industry stakeholders from a wide variety of cultures.
Collaborate with airline marketing and sales teams to oversee global promotional projects.
Ensure effective use of Port funds and full compliance with Port/State/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
Understand the global aviation industry and issues that affect the market, including airline business models, corporate and leisure travel, international and federal regulatory developments, and slots.
Transform complex issues and data into clear presentations and policy recommendations for Port leadership and other stakeholders.
Work with regional economic development organizations and other government agencies to support air service growth.
Represent SEA in industry groups/committees and advocate for the Port of Seattle’s preferred positions.
Supervise, coach, mentor, and oversee performance management and talent development of the Air Service Development Analyst.