Airport Affairs Director Job at Alaska Air Group (Honolulu)

Job Description

The Airport Affairs Director is a subject matter expert and thought leader in airport affairs and airline airport real estate for Alaska Air Group (AAG), both inside and outside the organization. As an individual contributor, this role designs and implements innovative solutions to address complex airport, real estate, and space utilization challenges for Alaska Airlines (AS), Hawaiian Airlines (HA), and Horizon Air (QX) and serves as a key influencer at locations within the role’s scope. The Airport Affairs Director defines long-term airport strategy, influences significant financial and operational decisions, and serves as the primary advisor to enterprise leadership on airport development, capital investment, and growth initiatives.

Job Responsibility

Serve as the subject-matter expert and thought leader in airport affairs and airline airport real estate strategy for assigned region, both inside and outside the organization
Define and execute long-term airport real estate and development strategy with a 12-24 month and beyond planning horizon, aligned with network growth, operational needs, and financial objectives
Design and implement innovative solutions to address highly complex and ambiguous challenges related to airport capacity, capital development, lease structures, rates and charges, and airline growth
Make significant and impactful decisions regarding airport use agreements, lease negotiations, capital participation, and real estate investments that establish precedent for future airport and airline agreements
Represent Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Horizon Air with airport authorities, executives, governing boards, political leaders, and industry partners, serving as the primary liaison at assigned locations
Lead and drive complex airport use and lease negotiations to completion, including non-traditional arrangements such as public-private partnerships (P3s) and ground leases, coordinating internal and external stakeholders throughout the process
Influence outcomes across the company and the aviation industry through engagement with peer airlines, airline associations, airport leadership, and government agencies
Advise enterprise leaders on long-term goals and strategies related to airport capital improvement programs, airport master planning, and internal growth initiatives
Research, evaluate, and apply airport rates and charges models, regulatory requirements, and financing approaches to inform strategy, negotiations, and investment decisions
Partner cross-functionally with network and capacity planning, airport operations, finance, marketing, legal, and government relations to align airport strategy with enterprise priorities
Develop and present executive level analyses, reports, and strategic recommendations related to airport projects, initiatives, and business opportunities

Requirements

10 years of experience in airport or airline operations, aviation or commercial real estate, network planning, capacity planning, or related area
Bachelor’s degree, or an additional two years of relevant training/experience in lieu of this degree
Proven ability to work cross‑functionally and with external industry partners to achieve business objectives on complex, long‑term capital initiatives
Ability to perform financial analyses, review and interpret architectural drawings, and understand complex operational requirements to support business and project decisions
Excellent communication skills (e.g., verbal, written, and listening) to all levels of the organization, including the ability to produce executive level presentations and communication materials
Proven ability to work independently and be self-motivated with a high degree of intellectual curiosity
Valid passport and ability and willingness to travel frequently
High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum age of 18
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice to have

Real estate experience in support of a large airline or airport hub
Proven experience leading airport and airline partner relations and supporting complex negotiations on behalf of an airline or airport
Working knowledge of airport Grant Assurances and Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) regulations
Demonstrated experience in a leadership capacity or with equivalent responsibility as an individual contributor
Experience supporting contract negotiation, drafting, and administration, ideally in an airport or transportation infrastructure environment
Experience interacting with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airports District Office (ADO) staff and leadership, including work related to Airport Layout Plans (ALPs), Master Plans, and Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
Experience interacting with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) representatives, preferably at the Federal Security Director (FSD) level, with working knowledge of relevant Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
Experience supporting terminal and airfield capacity planning and modeling
Advanced degree such as a Master of Business Administration or Juris Doctor preferred

What we offer

Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air with high priority status
Select number of confirmed travel credits provided annually
Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
Generous 401k match program
Annual bonus plans
Generous holiday and paid time off

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Airport Affairs Director

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