Air Service Development Manager

Charlotte County Airport Authority (CCAA) is currently accepting applications for the full-time, exempt position of Air Service Development Manager at Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). Come join our team and enjoy a great work culture and excellent benefits package including $0 cost to employee Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, cost-free employee health centers, over 16% combined employer contribution to pension and/or investment plans, accrued paid time off, longevity bonuses, and more!

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel classified in this job title.

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Chief Marketing Officer, the Air Service Development Manager leads Punta Gorda Airport's air service growth strategy by engaging airline partners, developing data-driven route business cases, and analyzing passenger demand, revenue potential, and competitive dynamics. This role serves as the primary point of contact with airline network planners and aviation industry executives. This position requires a strong understanding of airline economics and network planning, fleet and scheduling strategies, and data-driven market analysis along with the ability to translate complex data into clear, persuasive presentations. Frequent domestic travel and occasional international travel are required to represent PGD at airline meetings, conferences, and industry events in support of the Airport's long-term growth objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Air Service Data & Market Analysis

• Develop and present airline route business cases, including passenger demand forecasts, revenue projections, and competitive and leakage analysis.
• Gather, analyze, and interpret aviation data from sources such as BTS, RITA, O&D data, fare data, passenger forecasts, and capacity metrics.
• Evaluate airline schedules, fleet strategies, and network performance to identify opportunities for new or expanded air service.
• Apply quantitative and statistical analysis to assess market demand, fare trends, and financial impacts for airline and airport partners.
• Prepare clear, data-driven reports and presentations for airline network planning meetings, conferences, and internal leadership.
• Monitor and report key performance indicators such as departures, seats, fares, passenger volumes, and market performance.
• Research peer and competitor airports to inform air service development strategy and recommendations.

Airline & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison for recruiting new airlines and expanding service with existing carriers.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with airline executives, network planners, and aviation industry partners.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, travel organizations, and government agencies.
• Represent PGD at airline meetings, air service development conferences, and aviation industry events, including frequent domestic and occasional international travel.
• Deliver targeted, data-driven presentations and pitches to airline decision-makers.

Air Service Strategy, Incentives, and Planning

• Develop annual air service development goals and long-term strategies to support sustainable service growth.
• Manage PGD's Air Carrier Incentive Program (ACIP), including airline applications and compliance with FAA policies.
• Lead negotiations on air service agreements and related contractual arrangements.
• Monitor performance of air service initiatives and recommend adjustments based on market conditions and industry trends.
• Coordinate with airport leadership, staff, consultants, and contractors on air service development initiatives.

Marketing, Community Engagement, and Events

• Collaborate with airlines and destination marketing partners to develop and execute air service marketing initiatives.
• Support promotional efforts tied to ACIP agreements, route launches, and terminal-based marketing.
• Participate in local and regional meetings related to air service and economic development.
• Plan and support airline-related events such as inaugural flights, new route announcements, and service milestones.
• Host airline executives, industry partners, and stakeholders during airport visits and tours.

Financial and Regulatory Coordination

• Manage budgets related to air service development initiatives, travel, and marketing activities.
• Provide recommendations related to airline rates, charges, and air passenger operations based on market and financial analysis.
• Coordinate with finance staff to support forecasting and budgeting related to proposed or planned air service changes.
• Ensure air service initiatives and incentive programs comply with FAA policies and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Assist airport leadership with regulatory coordination, funding justifications, and agency discussions related to air service development.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in aviation, business, economics, finance, marketing, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible, directly related experience.
• Four (4) years of professional-level experience in air service development, airline network planning, aviation analysis, airport management, transportation analytics, applied economics, or data analytics, or a closely related field.
• Ability to travel frequently within the United States and occasionally internationally.
• Valid Florida Driver's License.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Experience analyzing aviation and market data, including sources such as BTS, RITA, O&D data, fare data, passenger forecasts, and capacity metrics, or comparable large-scale datasets used for demand, revenue, or market analysis.
• Experience applying data analytics, applied economics, or quantitative analysis to support business cases, forecasting, or strategic decision-making in aviation, transportation, travel, or related industries.
• Knowledge of airline economics, fleet and scheduling strategies, and network planning dynamics, with the ability to evaluate market demand, fare trends, and financial impacts using quantitative and statistical techniques.
• Knowledge of FAA policies related to air carrier incentives, airport certification, and airspace considerations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver clear, persuasive presentations to executive-level audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with airlines, government partners, economic development organizations, and travel industry stakeholders.
• Experience negotiating agreements or contracts related to air service or aviation business development.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and data presentation tools.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL EFFORT

• Work is primarily performed in an office and professional meeting environment.
• Frequent domestic travel and occasional international travel are required to attend airline meetings, conferences, and industry events.
• The position may require attendance at meetings or events outside of normal business hours.
• Work involves frequent use of a computer, phone, and standard office equipment.
• Occasional exposure to airport operational areas and varying weather conditions may be required.
• The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Opportunity Employment: 

The Charlotte County Airport Authority (CCAA) is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), religion, veteran status, age, disability, or genetic information.

The Charlotte County Airport Authority is a Veterans' Preference employer; eligible veterans are encouraged to apply in accordance with Florida law (Section 295, Florida Statutes). CCAA is also proud to be a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.

Reasonable Accommodation StatementThe Charlotte County Airport Authority (CCAA) is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application, interview, and employment processes, in compliance with federal and state laws. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the employment process, including the application or interview, or to perform essential job functions, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].