Head of Flight Scheduling and Planning

International Airport of Heraklion, Crete S.A. is currently looking for:

Head of Flight Scheduling and Planning

Role responsibilities:

• Leads the build, validation, publication and governance of seasonal flight schedules in accordance with IATA WASG/SSIM, HSCA and EU/National legislation.
• Manages IATA WASG/SSIM scheduling updates
• Manages seasonal and weekly capacity planning, including slot coordination.
• Produces demand‑vs‑capacity forecasts and supports long‑range planning.
• Leads Airport Capacity Assessment (ACA) projects.
• Participates in and represents IAHC at IATA Slot Conferences, ACI/IATA facilitation committees, and relevant strategic planning forums.
• Oversees D‑horizon schedule refinement (D‑7 / D‑3 / D‑1) and hands over the validated daily operational plan to APOC.
• Liaises with airlines, HSCA slot coordinator and internal stakeholders to secure compliant slots and feasible aircraft rotations.
• Detects and reports slot violations; reconcile OCS/NOP against actual DFP.
• Supports proactive allocation strategies and simulation during the D‑horizon window.
• Manages GABA (PPR/LGT) processes and monitors airport OTP (on‑time performance).
• Monitors slot adherence, pre‑validate traffic flow forecasts, and runs robustness analysis (peaks, curfews, constraints, WIP).
• Chairs scheduling coordination meetings.
• Ensures schedule planning and slot coordination comply with EU/National aviation legislation, airport SOPs and operational standards.
• Monitors MTOW and Noise Certificates, maintains regulatory records, and updates associated AODB master data.
• Ensures interface/message quality and maintains high data accuracy across all connected systems.
• Drives continuous improvement in scheduling practices, system usage and APOC readiness.
• Supports the setup of the AODB, including:
  – rule implementation
  – master data collection
  – profile customization
• Governs AODB/RMS master data, configuration management and version control.
• Analyzes schedule scenarios and runs simulations in collaboration with the APOC.
• Ensures technical data integrity across AODB, RMS, and related APOC system interfaces.
• Develops standard traffic reports (daily, monthly, annual), including pax, movements and baggage metrics.
• Produces 7‑day resource planning allocation forecasts and associated reports.
• Assists in developing training modules for APOC Officers on the AODB and system interfaces.
• Provides subject‑matter guidance to operational teams on scheduling processes and data governance.
• Deputizes for the APOC Manager when required.
• Monitors and reports key KPIs, including:
  – On‑Time Performance (OTP)
  – Slot adherence
  – Traffic statistics
  – Demand and capacity alignment
• Maintains and continuously improves all scheduling-related dashboards and performance analytics.

Requirements: 

• Minimum of 10 years in airline/airport scheduling, slot coordination and/or network planning, with a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory level.
• In-depth knowledge of airport operations, regulatory frameworks, and industry standards, including European aviation regulations.
• Comprehensive understanding of AODB systems and associated interfaces, with capability to support system configuration and customization.
• Profound expertise in IATA scheduling and HSCA processes.
• Proficiency in utilizing SCORE/OCS dashboards.
• Experience in AODB/RMS master-data governance and interface management.
• Strong discipline in data governance, coupled with meticulous attention to detail
• Robust skills in stakeholder management and coordination.
• Advanced analytical proficiency, encompassing scenario modelling and capacity planning.
• Proficiency Diploma in English

Competencies:

• Superior communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to operate effectively in dynamic, high-pressure settings, managing priorities and adapting to evolving demands.
• Proven capacity to lead teams, including facilitation of training and professional growth.