Director, Hub Airports & Airport Affairs

Director, Hub Airports & Airport AffairsCorporate Full Time Director Calgary, AB, CA
2 days ago Requisition ID: 1609
Take Your Career to New Heights with Flair AirlinesWe’re here to make air travel affordable for everyone, and we’re looking for talented individuals who want to help us continue changing the industry for the better. As Canada’s most reliable airline, we're all about offering real value. As we continue to expand our network, increase flight frequencies, and introduce more services, we’re looking for passionate team members to help us in our mission to make air travel accessible for everyone. We know who we are, and we’re confident in our approach.
Your Team:Join Flair’s Airport Operations team, where strong operational leadership and airport partnerships support safe, reliable, and efficient operations across the network. Reporting to the Vice President, Airport Operations, the Director, Hub Airports & Airport Affairs is responsible for the strategic direction and performance of the airline’s hub airports, as well as managing relationships with airport authorities and key aviation stakeholders. The role provides leadership to the General Managers, Hub Stations, establishing operational priorities, performance expectations, and strategies to support airport operations.
The Director, Hub Airports & Airport Affairs oversees financial performance, workforce and resource planning, vendor relationships, and operational improvements across hub stations. Working with internal teams, airport authorities, and external partners, the role addresses operational challenges, supports airport development initiatives, and represents the airline’s interests in matters related to airport infrastructure, operational requirements, and service delivery.
A Day in the Life:
Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Company's hub airport network, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, operational priorities, and regulatory requirements.
Establish the strategic direction, governance framework, operating standards, and performance expectations for hub airport operations.
Lead, coach, and develop the General Managers, Hub Stations, ensuring strong leadership capability, accountability, and succession planning across the hub station leadership team.
Provide executive oversight of hub airport performance by monitoring key performance indicators, including safety, operational reliability, on-time performance, baggage performance, customer experience, financial performance, and employee engagement.
Develop and implement long-term operational strategies and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, standardization, service delivery, and network performance, including addressing recurring operational challenges and service issues.
Provide strategic oversight of workforce planning, organizational capability, leadership succession, and operational resource planning to support current and future business requirements, including network growth and changes in airport capacity.
Provide executive oversight of third-party service providers and strategic business partners, ensuring contractual obligations, service level agreements, operational performance, and commercial objectives are achieved.
Develop and maintain strategic relationships with airport authorities, government agencies, regulatory bodies, and other external stakeholders to support operational performance and collaborative decision-making.
Represent the Company in discussions and negotiations with airport authorities and external stakeholders regarding airport operations, infrastructure, facilities, service requirements, and operational agreements.
Work with airport authorities and internal departments to address operational constraints, airport capacity limitations, infrastructure requirements, and airport development plans.
Ensure hub airport operations are governed in accordance with Transport Canada regulations, Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), company policies, Safety Management System (SMS) requirements, security standards, and all applicable legislative requirements.
Provide executive oversight of operational contingency planning, emergency preparedness, business continuity, and operational resilience strategies.
Review operational performance, safety trends, audit findings, and investigation outcomes to ensure corrective actions, risk mitigation strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives are effectively implemented.
Develop, manage, and oversee the operating and capital budgets for the hub airport network, ensuring effective financial stewardship, cost management, and resource optimization.
Collaborate with executive leadership to support strategic initiatives, infrastructure investments, network expansion, and organizational priorities.
Provide strategic reporting, operational insights, and recommendations to the Vice President, Airport Operations regarding operational performance, emerging risks, investment opportunities, and long-term operational strategy.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
What You Bring to the Role:The preferred candidate should exemplify Flair's core values:
honesty, efficiency, accountability, and respect, while demonstrating success in previous roles. Additionally, we are seeking individuals who possess:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Aviation Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Transportation, or a related discipline.
Experience:
Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in airport operations, airline operations, or a related operational environment, including experience managing multi-site operations.
Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in a senior management role with responsibility for operational performance, workforce leadership, financial management, and cross-functional collaboration.
Demonstrated experience leading large operational teams within a unionized environment is considered a strong asset.
Experience managing contracted service providers and third-party vendor relationships, including performance management and service level agreements.
Proven experience developing and implementing operational strategies, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and achieving operational performance objectives.
Strong knowledge of airline operations, airport processes, irregular operations (IROPs), safety management systems (SMS), and applicable regulatory requirements, including the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).
Experience managing operational budgets, workforce planning, and resource allocation in a complex, customer-focused environment.
Experience building collaborative relationships with airport authorities, regulatory agencies, and cross-functional stakeholders to support operational excellence.
Core Competencies
:
Demonstrated leadership and people management skills, with the ability to lead, coach, develop, and inspire high-performing operational leadership teams.
Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance operational priorities, business objectives, and customer experience.
Excellent operational leadership skills, with the ability to manage complex, time-sensitive environments while maintaining safety, compliance, and operational performance.
Strong financial and business acumen, with experience managing budgets, labour costs, operational resources, and financial performance.
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret operational data, identify trends, and implement sustainable solutions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Proven ability to lead organizational change, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and implement operational best practices across multiple locations.
Strong negotiation and relationship management skills, with experience managing third-party service providers and external business partners.
Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, make sound decisions under pressure, and respond effectively to operational disruptions and changing business needs.
Thorough knowledge of airline operations, airport operations, Transport Canada regulations, Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), Safety Management Systems (SMS), and applicable industry standards.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams), with experience using operational reporting systems and performance dashboards.
Requirements:
Clear criminal record check and satisfactory references.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC).
Must be legally eligible to work in Canada without restriction.
Why You’ll Love Working Here:At Flair, we prioritize our teams by cultivating a supportive, collaborative work environment filled with opportunities for growth. Investing in our people is at the heart of what we do because your success fuels our collective achievements. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where leaders thrive, innovation flourishes, and every team member feels valued and empowered.
From the
moment you join us, you’ll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being—because when you’re at your best, so are we. This benefits package includes:
Comprehensive Salary– A salary that reflects your experience and contributions.
Comprehensive Benefits – Competitive medical and dental coverage, disability insurance, life insurance, and an employee & family assistance program.
Retirement Savings – A pension plan with employer-matched contributions.
Unlimited Travel Perks – Enjoy free and discounted flights for you and your travel companions.
Your Career, Your Journey—Join Flair!Apply by: November 24, 2026
At Flair, we’re committed to building an inclusive, equal, and accessible workplace that welcomes diverse talent. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you need accommodation during the selection process, just let us know.
We thank all applicants for their interest in Flair;
however, only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.
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