Mid/Long Term Planner in Carterton

We are looking for a Mid / Long Term Maintenance Planner to join our Fleet Engineering team within CAMO. This is a key role responsible for developing and controlling the long-term maintenance plan for our ATRS and customer fleets, with a strong focus on base maintenance planning, regulatory compliance, and aircraft availability. This position is ideal for an aviation planning professional who enjoys taking a strategic view of fleet maintenance while remaining closely connected to operational delivery.

Why AirTanker? AirTanker is a vital part of the UK’s defence capability, delivering air-to-air refuelling and air transport services to the RAF and MOD. We operate at the intersection of military precision and commercial innovation. As a Mid / Long Term Maintenance Planner, you will play a key role in planning and delivering safe, compliant, and efficient fleet maintenance. By developing robust long‑term maintenance plans and working closely with CAMO, maintenance teams, and external MROs, you will directly support aircraft availability and operational performance.

What's in it for you?

• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping long‑term fleet maintenance strategy, directly impacting aircraft availability, operational efficiency, and mission readiness.
• Leadership & Development: Provide guidance to Short Term Planners and deputise for the Planning Manager, offering valuable leadership and career progression opportunities.
• Operational Impact: See the outcomes of your planning decisions realised in major base maintenance events and long‑term fleet performance.
• Unique Aviation Environment: Work within a highly regulated, complex CAMO environment combining commercial aviation standards with military operational requirements.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Including private medical insurance, bonus scheme, EV scheme, contributory pension, and more.
• Adventure & Belonging: Battlefield tours, adventure training, and family fun days.

What you'll be doing

• Produce, manage, and continuously review the long-term maintenance plan for the ATRS fleet.
• Ensure ongoing airworthiness and regulatory compliance across planned maintenance activity.
• Plan and optimise base maintenance inputs (12MO / 2A checks and above).
• Manage hangar capacity for both internal and third-party maintenance events.
• Create and control work orders to support base maintenance planning.
• Make informed decisions on maintenance timing to maximise aircraft availability.
• Lead and participate in planning and strategy meetings with internal stakeholders.
• Liaise with external MROs regarding heavy maintenance inputs.
• Provide guidance and support to the Short Term Planning team.
• Deputise for the Planning Manager when required, ensuring continuity of operations.
• Maintain effective collaboration with CAMO, Maintenance, Materials, and Operations teams.
• Use maintenance planning systems (e.g. GCIS and other MRO IT systems) accurately and consistently.
• Promote and deliver a safe, compliant service aligned to SMS, Quality and Environmental Management Systems.

What you'll bring

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in short- and/or long-term aircraft maintenance planning.
• Demonstrable experience planning wide body aircraft maintenance.
• Strong understanding of maintenance programmes (including A330 MPD).
• Proven experience working with MRO IT systems (e.g. AMOS, Trax, Envision or similar).
• Excellent organisational and project planning skills.
• Confident decision-maker, able to work unsupervised under pressure.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels of the organisation.
• Experience liaising with internal and external MRO partners.
• Able to adapt quickly to operational change while remaining calm and professional.