Aviation Development Manager in Newtownabbey

MCS Group is delighted to be working in partnership with Belfast City Airport on an exciting new role for an Aviation Development Manager to join their growing commercial team. Belfast City Airport is ideally located in the heart of Belfast, just five minutes from the city centre, offering exceptional convenience alongside some of the fastest security processing times and shortest car-to-gate distances in Europe. The airport is one of the fastest-growing across the UK & Ireland, currently handling approximately 2.5 million passengers annually, with ambitious plans to exceed 7 million passengers by 2040.

The role will be primarily responsible for driving aviation growth through the development of airline partnerships, route expansion, and commercial performance across the airport's aviation portfolio. Supporting the Head of Aviation Development, tasks will include:

• Manage and develop relationships with existing airline partners to maximise route performance and passenger growth
• Identify and secure new airline partnerships and route opportunities to support long-term growth strategy
• Analyse market demand, airline networks, fleet strategies, and competitor activity to inform decision-making
• Develop robust business cases, including forecasting and financial modelling, to support new routes and commercial initiatives
• Work closely with internal teams including Finance, Marketing, and Operations to align on delivery of aviation growth plans
• Support the preparation of strategic updates and presentations for senior leadership and board-level stakeholders
• Contribute to medium and long-term aviation planning cycles, supporting overall airport growth objectives
• Represent the airport at key industry events and conferences, building strong relationships across the aviation sector

This is a highly autonomous role within a lean, high-performing team, offering the opportunity to play a key part in shaping the future growth of a dynamic airport business.

Key Requirements:

• Experience within the aviation industry (direct or indirect) is essential
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a commercial, business development, or aviation development role
• Proven ability to build and manage long-term commercial relationships
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and develop growth opportunities
• Experience developing business cases, proposals, and financial models
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market and performance data
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and with external partners
• Flexibility to travel as required

Benefits package is highly competitive, along with a salary circa £60,000 plus bonus. Full details including criteria, package etc. will be discussed upon application. Closing date for applications is Thursday 21st.

To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please send an up to date CV via the link provided or contact Katie Fox, Specialist Consultant at MCS Group.

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation.