Director, Airline Affairs

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Department of Aviation owns and operates Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE). These airports are operated as commercial businesses to the greatest extent feasible given their ownership by the City. In addition to City regulations, the airports are subject to extensive federal regulations, particularly by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Bureau of Aviation Regulation.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Director of Airline Affairs serves as the primary liaison between the Department of Aviation (DOA) and airline business partners at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). This role manages relationships with airline representatives, ensures compliance with the Airport/Airline Use & Lease Agreement (ULA), and supports negotiations for future agreements, including those tied to the Master Plan. The Director integrates commercial considerations into capital development initiatives, assessing impacts on airline leaseholds, cost per enplanement, operations, and real estate development while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

This position requires relationship management, legal expertise, and financial acumen to structure agreements that benefit both PHL and its airline partners. This role also focuses on supporting expanding air service, balancing airline needs with airport strategy, and ensuring contract compliance. The Director of Airline Affairs is a member of PHL’s Commercial team and works closely with Finance, Capital Development Group, Operations and external consultants to support strategic airline operations.

Essential Functions
• Implement PHL’s Strategic Plan airline-related initiatives and track and report applicable Key Performance Indicators.
• Manage the day-to-day relationship between the Airport and the tenant airlines other specified airline related businesses, maintaining good communications, assisting in problem resolution and identifying solutions.
• Act as a liaison between PHL and airline real estate professionals, and other signatory and non-signatory airlines serving the airport including Air Cargo and Air Freight tenants.
• Advise on matters related to the airline business relationship, including potential changes in the Airport Use and Lease Agreement as well as any other leases and agreements for Airport space.
• Represent the airport’s Commercial team in regular airport/airline forums i.e., PHL - PAMC, PhiliTEC etc. Coordinate with Operations and SITA on management of common use gates and ticket counters.
• Partner with stakeholders in the Commercial team, including Properties, Real Estate and Air Service Development to ensure that all stakeholders are sharing information on airline concerns and opportunities.
• Participate in all Airline-attending Master Plan meetings hosted by the Capital Development Group to coordinate airline needs and requests relative to development activities that may impact airline leaseholds or operational areas or could impact Use & Lease Negotiations.
• Work closely with various other departments in matters related to airline activities, including growth and new entrants, to help maintain smooth operations, including any potential impacts due to construction. o Act as point person, leading cross-functional teams including Operations, Finance, IT, Law and Properties, in setting up new entrant airlines at PHL. o Partner with Properties team on airline tenant moves, space requests and construction or improvement projects.
• Research terms/provisions of existing lease/use agreements, reviewing changes in regulations, codes and other programs and reading trade and government publications that focus on airline/Airport affairs and issues and directives.
• Working closely with Property Management, ensure all airline agreements are properly documented in PROPworks. Utilizes PROPworks to monitor airline aging reports. Pursues all monies due to Airport.
• Administer the Majority-In-Interest procedures set forth in the Airport Use & Lease Agreement to ensure that capital projects are vetted and approved by the Airport’s signatory airline partners. This process requires close collaboration with the Airport’s Executive Leadership Team and the Finance, Planning and Development divisions.
• Monitor, with Property Management team, airline and airline related tenants to ensure compliance with lease, permits, rules, and regulations.
•Ensure that airlines are providing data required by the ULA.
• Performs related work as required.
• Please note this job description is descriptive but not restrictive of the scope of work.
• Assigned duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:
• Understanding of airport/airline lease agreements (ULA) and their impact on operations, revenue, and infrastructure development.
• Knowledge of commercial real estate principles, including leasehold management and contract negotiations.
• Familiarity with capital development processes, particularly as they relate to airline operations and infrastructure planning.
• Financial acumen, including cost per enplanement analysis, budgeting, and financial modeling for airport revenue streams.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations affecting airport property, airline agreements, and commercial development.
• Understanding of air service development, including airline business models, route expansion strategies, and market trends.

Skills:
• Negotiation & Relationship Management – Ability to engage with airline representatives, corporate real estate teams, and technical personnel to foster strong partnerships.
• Contract Drafting & Compliance – Skilled in reviewing, interpreting, and enforcing lease agreements and other legal documents.
• Financial & Data Analysis – Ability to analyze costs, revenue models, and financial impacts of lease agreements and capital projects.
• Stakeholder Collaboration – Strong interpersonal skills to work with internal teams, airline partners, city officials, and consultants.
• Project & Process Management – Ability to oversee multiple initiatives, track contract performance, and ensure seamless integration of airline operations with airport projects.
• Strategic Communication – Capable of presenting complex financial, operational, and legal information clearly to diverse audiences.

Abilities:
• Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with airport growth and airline needs.
• Capacity to balance the interests of the airport and airline partners while ensuring compliance with contractual agreements.
• Ability to identify opportunities for air service expansion and support negotiations with carriers.
• Skill in interpreting and applying legal, financial, and regulatory requirements to complex business agreements.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with competing priorities and strict deadlines.
• Strong organizational abilities to manage follow-ups, track lease agreements, and oversee commercial projects effectively. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, marketing, aviation management, supply chain management or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in airline affairs, commercial real estate, contract negotiation, airport operations, or a related field within a complex business or governmental environment.
• At least 3 years of managerial experience, overseeing teams and leading strategic initiatives related to airline lease agreements, property management, or commercial development or a related field within a complex business or governmental environment.

Additional Information

TO APPLY:   Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation : City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com or send an email to View email address on ziprecruiter.com.

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