ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Airline Network Planning Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stem Xpert

Sr network planning engineer

Fort Worth, TX

$99K - $136K/yr

Phone+F2F (Or Direct FTF) interview Qualification Must Have o Excellent Written and Oral ... Nice to Have o Airlines - The Senior Network Planning Engineer is responsible for supporting IT ...

United Airlines

$20/hr

... with other airlines to get you to the places that matter most. With over 4,500 direct and ... Get ready to work on our biggest puzzle when you join the Network Planning & Alliances team. Job ...

New

Contour Airlines

Director of Commercial Planning

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The Director of Commercial Planning will play a central role in determining where and how Contour ... Contour operates differently from a traditional large network airline, and the successful candidate ...

New

Contour Airlines

$150 - $200/hr

The Director of Commercial Planning will play a central role in determining where and how Contour ... Contour operates differently from a traditional large network airline, and the successful candidate ...

New

JD.com, Inc.

Logistics Network Planning

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Today, we operate 130+ bonded, direct mail, and overseas warehouses across 23 countries and regions ... Network Planning * Location: California or New Jersey * Annual Salary: $80,000 - $150,000 USD ...

JD.com, Inc.

Logistics Network Planning

Los Angeles, CA

$80K - $150K/yr

Today, we operate 130+ bonded, direct mail, and overseas warehouses across 23 countries and regions ... Network Planning * Location: California or New Jersey * Annual Salary: $80,000 - $150,000 USD ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTechnology JobsNetworking JobsNetwork Architect JobsDirector Airline Network Planning Jobs

Director Airline Network Planning information

See salary details

$53.5K

$122.2K

$189K

How much do director airline network planning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for director airline network planning in the United States is $122,204.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of airline network planning do?

A Director of Airline Network Planning is responsible for developing and optimizing an airline's flight network. This includes deciding which routes the airline should operate, how frequently flights should run, and which aircraft to deploy on each route. They analyze market trends, passenger demand, and competitor activity to maximize profitability and efficiency. Their work directly impacts the airline’s revenue and customer reach. This role requires strong analytical, strategic, and leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of airline network planning, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Airline Network Planning, you need expertise in route analysis, demand forecasting, and strategic planning, usually backed by a degree in business, aviation management, or a similar field. Proficiency in network planning software, revenue management systems, and advanced Excel or data analytics tools is crucial. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help drive collaboration across departments and support data-driven decisions. These skills ensure optimal route profitability, market competitiveness, and the airline’s long-term growth.

What are some common challenges a director of airline network planning faces when optimizing route networks?

A Director of Airline Network Planning often encounters challenges such as balancing profitability with market demand, adapting to fluctuating fuel prices, and responding quickly to competitive moves in the industry. The role requires careful analysis of passenger trends, coordination with operations and marketing teams, and continuous adjustment of schedules to maximize fleet utilization. Additionally, regulatory restrictions and slot availability at key airports can limit flexibility, making strategic decision-making and scenario planning essential parts of the job.

What is the difference between Director Airline Network Planning vs Network Planning Analyst?

AspectDirector Airline Network PlanningNetwork Planning Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often advanced in aviation, business, or related fields; extensive industry experienceBachelor's degree, often in aviation, logistics, or related fields; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning teams, senior management, cross-department collaborationData analysis, modeling, supporting planning teams, reporting
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aviation companies, industry consultantsAirlines, airports, aviation consulting firms

The main difference is that the Director Airline Network Planning oversees strategic network development and makes high-level decisions, while the Network Planning Analyst supports these efforts through data analysis and modeling. The director has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and a broader scope, whereas the analyst focuses on detailed data work to inform planning strategies.

More about Director Airline Network Planning jobs

What cities are hiring for Director Airline Network Planning jobs?

Cities with the most Director Airline Network Planning job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Airline Network Planning jobs?

The most popular types of Airline Network Planning jobs are:

What states have the most Director Airline Network Planning jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Airline Network Planning jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Director Airline Network Planning jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Airline Network Planning jobs are:

Director Airline Network Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Airline Network Planning job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,204 per year, or $58.8 per hour.

Network Planning Developer

Southwest Airlines

Dallas, TX • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Southwest Airlines rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 252 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 26 rated airlines

Job description

Department:
Network Planning
Our Company Promise
We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.
Job Description:
Job Summary
Ready to build the tools that help shape Southwest's future network and schedule decisions? As a Network Planning Developer, you will partner with Network Planning, Data Science, and Technology Teams to design, develop, and support cloud-based applications, automation solutions, and data products that drive airline planning decisions. You will create scalable, user-focused tools that support forecasting, scenario modeling, optimization, and decision-making across the network, schedule, and fleet planning functions. In this role, you will combine software engineering expertise with business insight to deliver reliable, high-performing solutions that enhance efficiency, improve analytical capabilities, and support continuous innovation. Your work will directly influence how Southwest plans its network, allocates resources, and positions the airline for long-term success.
Additional details:
  • The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX headquarters facility during business hours.
  • U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

We're committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.
Responsibilities
  • Partner directly with Network Planning business users to design, build, and enhance applications/tools supporting scheduling, route planning, and optimization
  • Own and maintain applications and data products end-to-end, including ongoing enhancements and performance improvements
  • Translate business workflows into scalable technical solutions including dashboards, automation tools, and internal applications
  • Design, develop, test, and maintain cloud-native applications and data systemsS
  • Build and manage AWS data pipelines (S3, Glue, Redshift, Step Functions) for planning and forecasting
  • Enable seamless integration across NP systems such as SkyWORKS, SSIM, and PDD outputs
  • Support the full scheduling lifecycle including creation, validation, and distribution
  • Automate regression testing, validation, and release processes to improve quality and reduce manual effort
  • Leverage AI/GenAI tools (Copilot, agentic workflows) to enhance productivity and decision-making
  • Collaborate across NP, Data Science, and Technology teams to align on business priorities
  • Serve as a bridge between technical teams and business stakeholders
  • Monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize production systems
  • Document systems and identify opportunities to improve performance and efficiency
  • May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to make decisions in an ambiguous environment
  • Ability to lead projects and serve as a subject matter expert
  • Ability to train and lead junior team members on tools, processes and techniques
  • Intermediate experience in software engineering and system development
  • Proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python, Java, SQL)
  • Experience working with modern development practices (Agile, CI/CD)
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and business stakeholders.
  • Ability to interpret data, draw implications and modify approach required
  • Ability to clearly communicate meaning of complex principles and processes to all audiences both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to communicate accurately and concisely both orally and written in English

Education
  • Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience
  • Advanced level experience, seasoned and specialized knowledge in:
    • SQL, Tableau, machine learning basics, or cloud analytics.
    • Python for data processing, automation, and analytical workflows, including building reusable scripts to support production analytics.
    • Handling multiple concurrent projects and prioritizing accordingly

  • Preferred: Experienced Cloud Developer with hands-on experience implementing DevOps practices.

Licensing/Certification
  • N/A

Physical Abilities
  • Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
  • Ability to use a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job
  • Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job

Other Qualifications
  • Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines

Pay & Benefits:
Competitive market salary from $114,200 per year to $126,900 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.
Benefits you'll love:
• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
• Southwest will help fund your 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
• Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***
• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.
• Explore more Benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits
*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.
**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits
***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.

What Southwest Airlines employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply