Airlines Operations Executive in London

Airlines Operations Executive in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Duffel

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage airline partnerships and ensure smooth operations in a fast-paced environment.
  • Company: Join Duffel, a tech-driven company revolutionising the travel industry.
  • Benefits: Flexible work options, travel allowances, and generous family leave.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a mission to simplify travel for millions worldwide.
  • Qualifications: Experience in account management or partnerships; data literacy is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

We are making travel effortless. Whether it's to visit the people closest to us, starting an exciting adventure, or a career-defining business trip, travel is an essential part of our lives. Yet we've all experienced the aches and pains of getting to our destination. Today, more than 4 billion airline passengers rely on technology that hasn't kept up with the expectations of the modern connected traveller. That's why we've started to rebuild the infrastructure that underpins the travel industry. We're on a mission to unravel travel, simplifying systems and building the tools that will make the future of travel effortless.

Partnerships owns Duffel’s global supply strategy across airlines, hotels, cars and emerging travel verticals. We work directly with suppliers to unlock high quality content, build commercial frameworks, and ensure our platform scales with the industry. As our airline portfolio grows, so does the complexity of managing relationships, distribution updates and commercial structures. This role sits at the centre of that system, ensuring everything runs smoothly day to day.

This role is for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complex, fast-moving environments and making things happen. Airlines are a core part of Duffel’s platform, and how we manage those relationships directly impacts our ability to grow. You’ll work closely with the Head of Partnerships to keep Duffel’s airline relationships and pipeline moving, ensuring partners are supported, internal teams are aligned, and priorities are executed. You’ll act as the connective layer between airlines and Duffel’s internal teams, translating partner conversations into clear actions and making sure nothing falls through the cracks.

This role plays a central part in keeping partnership operations running effectively, ensuring we stay aligned with airlines while moving quickly internally. You’ll gain hands-on exposure to modern airline distribution, working closely with global carriers and internal teams to see how partnerships translate into real product and commercial outcomes. It’s a role with strong visibility, where high-quality execution makes a meaningful impact on how Duffel operates and scales.

What we’re looking for in you

  • Experience: Previous experience in account management, partnerships, or commercial operations. Ability to operate independently and follow through on tasks, while knowing when to escalate.
  • Industry Knowledge (Nice to have): Experience in the travel industry, particularly airlines or distribution, with familiarity with GDS, NDC or airline commercial models.
  • Data Literacy: Comfort working with data and reporting, with the ability to interpret performance and spot trends. Exposure to tools like SQL, Metabase, or similar analytics platforms is a plus.
  • Operational Excellence: Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with a proactive mindset and the ability to bring structure to complex, fast-moving environments.
  • Communication: Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to act as the connective layer between external partners and internal stakeholders, translating conversations into clear actions.

What you’ll be working on

  • Relationship Management: Managing day-to-day communication with airline partners, handling inbound airline requests (including NDC updates, distribution changes, and operational queries), and ensuring they continue to progress.
  • Reporting & Visibility: Maintaining and building reporting across airline performance metrics, tracking supplier commercial frameworks (including commissions and incentives), and helping the team stay informed.
  • Operational Coordination: Coordinating with internal teams to ensure airline requirements are understood, progressed, and aligned across multiple workstreams.
  • Pipeline Support: Supporting pipeline management by maintaining visibility on prospective airlines and ongoing conversations to keep work moving forward.
  • Process Improvement: Building and improving internal documentation, trackers, and processes across airline partnerships to help the team scale.

A few key pieces of information before applying

  • Location: For London-based applicants, we have a hybrid work-from-home policy and require everyone to come to our Shoreditch office on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For applicants based in Europe, this role can be performed remotely.
  • Interview Process: Our interview process consists of three stages: a recruiter screen, a hiring manager interview, and a final stage interview.
  • Background Checks: If you are successful, all offers will be pending satisfactory background checks (we partner with a third-party provider to do so) and employment references.

Why Join Duffel?

  • We're a growth-focused team that values open communication, diverse perspectives, and true ownership. We want you to feel empowered in your role, which is why every permanent employee becomes a company shareholder.
  • Duffel Travel Allowance: We subsidise your wanderlust.
  • Work From Anywhere (60 days): Your office, your rules.
  • Sabbaticals: Long-term loyalty, long-term breaks.
  • Flexible Bank Holidays: Swap holidays to suit your schedule.
  • Study Days: Get paid to learn.
  • Volunteering Day: One day a year to save the world.
  • Electric Car & Cycle Schemes: Eco-friendly rides, tax-free prices.
  • Family Leave (maternity, paternity and adoption): Big support for life's biggest moments, 26 weeks fully paid.
  • Pensions & Loans: Future-proofing and interest-free commuting.
  • Eye Tests: Keeping your vision (and your style) sharp.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We believe that the key to our success is employing a diverse team, that's why recruitment decisions are only based on your experience and skills. We value your ability to problem solve and build amazing things so we welcome applications from everyone - regardless of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief.

Airlines Operations Executive in London employer: Duffel

At Duffel, we are committed to making travel effortless and empowering our employees to thrive in a dynamic environment. With a hybrid work-from-home policy, generous travel allowances, and a culture that values open communication and diverse perspectives, we provide ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join us in our Shoreditch office or work remotely from anywhere in Europe, and enjoy unique benefits like sabbaticals, study days, and flexible bank holidays that support your work-life balance.

Duffel

Contact Details:

Duffel Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Airlines Operations Executive in London

Get Involved in Local Travel Events

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We think you need these skills to ace Airlines Operations Executive in London

Account Management
Partnership Management
Commercial Operations
Data Literacy
SQL
Metabase
Organisational Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Travel:In the travel and tourism industry, your love for exploration and different cultures should shine through in your application. Make sure to share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for travel—this can really set you apart when applying for the Airlines Operations Executive role at Duffel.

Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:Customer service is king in travel and tourism. When detailing your work experience, focus on situations where you provided outstanding service or resolved customer issues, as this demonstrates your ability to ensure client satisfaction. Include specific examples in your CV to show that you're ready to face the challenges of the Airlines Operations Executive position at Duffel.

Keep Your CV Travel-Themed:When it comes to CV conventions in the travel industry, think of including any relevant certifications or training you've completed, like first aid or tour guiding courses. If you've travelled widely yourself, don't hesitate to mention that—it's all about showing your background fits the globetrotting vibe of Duffel.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not only explain why you're a great fit but also reflect your personality! Use this space to express what excites you about the travel sector and how you can contribute to Duffel's adventures. Share any unique perspectives or ideas you have to enhance the travel experience, especially as a full-time Airlines Operations Executive.

How to prepare for a job interview at Duffel

Show Off Your Travel Knowledge

For a role in travel and tourism, it’s vital to demonstrate your knowledge of different destinations, cultures, and travel trends. Brush up on popular destinations and recent changes in travel restrictions. We suggest bringing some interesting travel stories or experiences to share—this can help you connect personally with the interviewer!

Prepare for Customer Scenarios

Expect to be hit with customer service scenarios during the interview. They might ask how you'd handle a challenging traveller or resolve a booking issue. Think of a few real-life examples from your experiences, even if they’re just from customer service roles. This will show that you're ready for the field and have the right mindset to tackle on-the-ground challenges!

Highlight Your Flexibility and Passion

In a full-time travel position, there are often irregular hours and spontaneous travel opportunities. Be sure to convey your flexibility and willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of this industry. Let’s showcase that enthusiasm for travel and how it drives your decision-making!

Know the Tools of the Trade

Get familiar with travel booking systems and tools, such as Amadeus or Sabre. If you have experience using any specific software or even social media for travel promotions, bring that up! We want to show that you can hit the ground running and adapt quickly to their processes at Duffel.