Aviation Route Development Expert (Consultant)

Job Description

Job Title : Aviation Route Development Expert, Consultant for the USAID Economic Security Program in Georgia

Location: Remote (project located in Tbilisi, Georgia)

Period of Performance: on/a April 15, 2022 – to August 31, 2022

Project Background

The purpose of the USAID Economic Security Program (the Program) in Georgia, implemented by DAI, is to accelerate creation of high(er) value jobs, generation of investment and increased incomes and revenues of micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) in sectors such as, tourism, light manufacturing, shared intellectual services, and creative industries. Within these sectors, the program focuses on the following value chains: gastronomic, adventure and culture tourism; business process outsourcing (BPO); packaging and furniture manufacturing; solid waste management; and production media, post-production, and high-end artisan products.

Overview of the Position:

Aviation sector is one of the most severely impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. The Program has partnered with the United Airports of Georgia to support the recovery of the historical passenger traffic and even further develop Georgian aviation route map. Accordingly, the focus of this position is to support UAG in the aviation route development process and develop commercial offers for airlines that use airports located in the country as a destination or a transit.

In August 2021, an aviation consultant worked with the USAID Economic Security Program and United Airports of Georgia to develop a market assessment and developed recommendations which can be found in the linked document .

The purpose of this assignment is to assist the United Airports of Georgia use the market assessment, additional data, and professional connections with airline executives to develop detailed business cases and facilitate securing of commercial offers from international airlines to increase airlift into Georgia.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Create an Air Service Development Plan (Market Assessment Presentation)

• Conduct economic/market analysis and research at Origin and Destination (O&D)/Segment level
• Identify opportunities by destination and airlines, covering both unserved and underserved destinations to/from UAG airports (Ten to fifteen destinations)
• Assess destinations based on traffic and yield potential (as identified above)
• Address airline suitability to UAG and its focus on Georgia as a market
• Analysis and estimated timeline for growth in international markets
• Define work program by target destinations and airlines (timeline and engagement plan)
• With UAG define incentive matching schemes to be used to attract commercial offers including but not limited to marketing support, route rebates, funding schemes, and airline support option development
• The plan should consider the National Tourism Strategy (including Tourism Recovery Plan) and defined target countries to create synergies
• UAG will provide following inputs/information: historical traffic data; airport charges and discount schemes; acting incentive schemes

2. Develop Business Cases and Commercial Offers for Key Airline Targets (Minimum 5).

Business Cases for Airlines should include:

• Develop a template for business cases and agree with UAG: Business cases should include but not be limited with a P&L assessment of each route selected for Quality of Service Index (QSI) analysis and high-level economic valuation of the route in the wider airline network context
• Develop business cases for airline targets using industry data
• Business cases should articulate incentives to be offered by the Government of Georgia and/or the Airport

Commercial Offers for Airlines should include:

• Develop a template for commercial offers and agree with UAG: Commercial offer should include but not be limited with route economic analysis, price offer, price benchmarking, incentive offer (if any)
• Develop minimum 5 commercial offers for Airlines that can be used by UAG
• Assist UAG establish meetings with key airline decision makers (CEO/CCO level)

Air service development plan (Market assessment presentation): A report /presentation with market analysis findings, 10-15 opportunities segregated by destination and airlines, destination traffic and yield potential, incentive matching schemes, estimated timeline for growth in international markets and program by target destinations engagement plan.

Minimum 5 Business Cases and Commercial Offers for Key Airline Targets: Each business case should include a P&L assessment of route, high-level economic valuation in the wider airline network context, incentive offers. Commercial offers should include route economic analysis, price offer, price benchmarking, incentive offer (if any) and list of contact for key airline decision makers that are potentially suitable for each business case.

Deliverables:

• Air service development plan (Market Assessment Presentation)
• Minimum 5 packages for airlines that include:
  • Business cases for key airline targets
  • Commercial offers

Minimum Qualifications:

• Work experience in aviation route development (including route analysis, compiling business cases) on behalf of an international airport (2 mln – 9 mln pax) or an airline, either one in ICAO EUR/NAT Region
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant consultancy experience in the field of aviation route development directly working with international airports (2 mln – 9 mln pax) or airlines, either one in ICAO EUR/NAT Region Ability to think strategically and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, meet deadlines, and effectively manage multiple, competing priorities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years work experience in aviation route development (including route analysis, compiling business cases) on behalf of an international airport (2 mln – 9 mln pax) or an airline, either one in ICAO EUR/NAT Region
• Master’s Degree in relevant discipline strongly preferred
• USAID experience preferred

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. DAI does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, veteran status, or other non-merit factor.

Application Deadline: April 13, 2022 or until filled.

About the Organization

DAI is an international development company. For more than 45 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 80 countries. Our development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.