Chief Operating Officer - National Airline

Our client is a sovereign‑backed national airline, pivotal to the region’s aviation ecosystem and economic diversification agenda. With a modern wide‑body fleet, an ambitious network expansion across Asia, Africa and Europe, and a central hub location in the Gulf, the airline is poised for a transformational next phase of growth.

They seek an exceptional aviation executive to serve as COO, charged with leading the airline through strategic elevation. This role offers a unique platform to influence national mobility, tourism and trade steering the organisation to global competitiveness, operational excellence and financial sustainability. The successful candidate will engage with government stakeholders, drive innovation, and underpin the national brand while unlocking long‑term value in a region of accelerating aviation demand.

🔹 Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Define and execute the 5‑10 year growth strategy for route expansion, fleet development and capital investment.
• Champion digital, data and sustainability‑led transformation across the business and embed a culture of continuous improvement.

Operational & Commercial Performance

• Drive profitability, yield optimisation, cost efficiency, and asset utilisation across passenger, cargo and ancillary streams.
• Lead network planning, alliances and partnerships, leveraging the hub geography to maximise connectivity and commercial reach.

Safety, Regulatory & Quality Assurance

• Uphold the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance and operational resilience in line with region‑specific aviation regimes.
• Ensure consistent world‑class customer service delivery, brand strength and stakeholder proactivity.

People, Culture & Governance

• Build and lead a high‑performance executive leadership team; champion localisation (or equivalent national talent development).
• Provide transparent governance, engage with shareholders, government and international aviation bodies; ensure robust risk management and compliance frameworks.

🔹 Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 15 years of senior airline/aviation leadership experience, with at least 5 years in or heading a P&L accountable airline business.
• Demonstrated success in the Middle East or African aviation market, including exposure to hub‑based networks, fleet strategy and international alliances.
• Strong commercial acumen with track record in revenue growth, cost control and fleet/asset deployment in long‑haul, medium‑haul and cargo operations.
• Deep knowledge of aviation regulatory frameworks (e.g., GCAA, ICAO, IATA) and experience working with governmental/sovereign stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead large, culturally diverse organisations; experience with talent development/locaisation programmes.
• Advanced academic credentials (MBA or equivalent) preferred; fluency in English required