On April 28, 2021, Avelo took flight as America’s first new airline in nearly 15 years – ushering in a new era of affordable, convenient, and reliable air travel. Founded and led by airline industry veteran, Andrew Levy, along with a team of world-class airline executives, we endeavored to build a different and better kind of airline with one mission in mind: “To inspire travel” and we’ve done so with industry-leading reliability and a caring Soul of Service. If you are looking for the opportunity to join a new and exciting airline that offers the chance to make your mark on aviation history, keep reading!
Purpose: Head of Fleet Planning is a senior executive position responsible for shaping the airline’s aircraft fleet strategy to support growth, profitability, and operational excellence. The fleet planning function manages the aircraft and engine lifecycle, including acquisition, finance, configuration, preparation for service, retirement and disposal. Primary responsibilities include negotiating the best terms for the company, supervising aircraft-related projects and interfacing with critical internal functions including Technical Operations, Flight Operations, Network Planning, Finance and Accounting.
Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and maintain a fleet plan aligned with network and financial goals
- Advise executive leadership on fleet strategy / capital investments
2. Fleet Transactions:
- Lead negotiations for aircraft and engine purchases, financing, and sales with OEMs, lessors and financial institutions
- Negotiate associated contracts including sale and purchase agreements, loan agreements, mortgages, leases, amendments, novations, etc.
3. Fleet Management:
- Oversee the preparation and induction of newly acquired aircraft
- Oversee the removal of aircraft from the fleet and redelivery to owners
- Assist with engine repair decisions and associated vendor negotiations
4. Financial Oversight:
- Drive fleet economic analysis and individual aircraft lifecycle cost modeling
- Coordinate major maintenance reimbursements with aircraft lessors
- Budget and execute aircraft-related projects such as induction modifications
5. Cross-Functional Integration:
- Partner with the Operations, Network Planning, and Finance teams for seamless fleet deliveries, modifications, inductions, and retirement
- Collaborate with Technical Operations on engine performance management, repair and replacement decisions
- Develop aircraft-related analysis, reserve accounting schedules, etc.
6. Team Leadership:
- Build and mentor a high-performing fleet planning team
Requirements
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics or engineering; MBA preferred
- 10 years’ experience in fleet planning, airline finance, and/or technical management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
- Proven success in high-value negotiations and strategic decision-making
- Strong understanding of aircraft economics
- Demonstrable analytical abilities
- Familiarity with aircraft technical management
- Excellent leadership skills
May perform other responsibilities as assigned. Responsibilities and duties may change when circumstances dictate (e.g., emergencies, changes in workload, etc.).
Avelo is an equal opportunity employer.
