Guided by our purpose, core values, and leadership principles, we are creating an airline people love. Our corporate teams set the strategies and operational plans to ensure the success of our company. Whether we use our expertise in accounting, human resources, finance, planning, legal, marketing, or any of our operational divisions, our shared passion for travel and our guests is what motivates us to achieve excellence each day. If you share our passion for creating an airline people love, we want to hear from you.
Role Summary
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 [Company] (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.
Key Duties
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 [Company], 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.
Job-Specific Experience, Education & Skills
Required
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.
Preferred
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.
Job-Specific Leadership Expectations
Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be caring and kind, and deliver performance.
Create a culture where all employees feel safe and they belong.
Salary Range
$141,000 - $218,550 / year
Total Target Compensation Range (incl. bonus & equity)
$172,020 - $266,631
Salary Details
The pay range and total target compensation package listed above is the expected pay offered for this position at the start of employment. Your pay will be based on multiple factors, including and not limited to location, your relevant experience/level, experience level, and skillset while balancing internal equity relative to other Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon employees. Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon is committed to fair, unbiased compensation along with competitive benefits in all locations in which we operate.
Note: We don't typically hire at the top of the range.
Total Rewards
[Company], Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air pay and benefits can vary by company, location, number of regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment, and employment status.
Free stand-by travel privileges on [Company], 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
For more information about Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon Total Rewards please visit our career site and view benefits.
Regulatory Information
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement
It is the policy of [Company], Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and to ensure equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and benefits of employment or potential employment.
We also prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories.
We have established an EEO Compliance Program under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 503”) and the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (“VEVRAA”). All applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. In addition, we have established an audit and reporting system to allow for effective measurement of its equal employment opportunity activities.