Airport Planner - Aviation

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about your role… We are currently seeking an Airport Planner that will join a team of aviation professionals to help support and grow the Airport Planning & Advisory team in the UK. You will be working on a range of projects across the UK and Internationally with a strong focus on delivering high quality airport planning services and solutions. The Airport Planner role will support the Airport Planning and Advisory Team across the development and delivery of technical and project work.

WSP specialise in airport planning and advisory for aviation infrastructure both in terms of planning new airports and assessing existing airports for their potential for redevelopment, expansion and operational improvement. In terms of Airport Planning, the team delivers consultancy services relating to:

• Airport master planning
• Demand forecasting
• Capacity analysis
• Terminal and support facility planning
• Airfield planning and phasing
• Airside and terminal simulation modelling
• Environmental and sustainability advice

In terms of Aviation Advisory, the team provides aviation business and regulatory advice, including:

• Regional and national policy studies
• Technical advisor roles for investors and lenders
• Economic analysis
• Research and benchmarking
• Technical due diligence for acquisitions and privatisations
• Airport operations advisory

WSP recognises that Airports have become more than places where travellers arrive and depart. As global connectivity hubs, they drive innovation and technological developments, and they stimulate social and economic activity in their local communities. Our projects range from strategic consulting services to project management, from microsimulation models to airport master plans, from terminal expansion to carbon accreditation, and from rehabilitating runways to implementing baggage handling systems.

A typical week would include:

• Contributing to the technical delivery of airport planning and advisory tasks on a variety of international aviation projects
• Delivering airport planning & capacity solutions as part of airport master plans and development projects, covering airfield, apron, terminal, landside, ancillary facilities etc
• Undertake analytical studies relating to air traffic forecasting and capacity-demand analysis
• Prepare airport master plan, terminal layout or airfield layout drawings in AutoCAD
• Undertaking airfield and/or terminal simulation modelling work using software such as CAST or AirTOP
• Being responsible for the successful management and delivery of airport planning related tasks
• Assisting the project manager with the management of project processes
• Contributing to the preparation of bids and proposals for potential new projects
• Providing technical training and professional guidance to junior members of the team

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• A Bachelor degree, or preferably a Masters degree, or other equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline such as air transport management, airport planning, engineering, architecture, or transport planning
• Ca. 2-5 years’ of relevant airport planning experience
• Chartership with a relevant professional body is preferred but not mandatory
• A proven track record in an Airport planning role with either a consultancy or airport operator – with strong experience in airport master planning, terminal and/or airside spatial planning; capacity analysis, terminal facilities planning, support facilities planning, and familiar with CAA, EASA, ICAO and IATA and other standards applicable to aviation
• Strong spatial planning and master planning skills, including the ability to use Auto CAD for the development of airport layout drawings
• Strong data analysis and presentational skills
• Competent task management skills and experience with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritisation of responsibilities in a dynamic team environment
• Possess a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• Working knowledge and experience of simulation & modelling tools for airfield and terminal facilities will be favourably considered e.g. CAST Aircraft and/or Terminal or AirTOP
• A keen interest in ensuring that airport development plans incorporate ‘future ready’ ideas to deliver efficient and effective airports of the future, based on achieving net-zero, decarbonisation, and sustainable aviation goals
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. With us, you can. Apply today.

We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Work-life balance: At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity.
• Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.