Head of Fleet Development

About the role

The Head of Fleet Development holds accountability for the strategic management of Kenya Airways' aircraft fleet, from sourcing and acquisition through entry into service, lifecycle management, cabin refurbishment and disposal or redelivery. Reporting directly to the Technical Director, the role works closely with the Chief Finance Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Strategy & Innovation and the Fleet Steering Group, advising the business on fleet investment decisions and negotiating complex commercial terms with manufacturers and lessors.

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic fleet plan and provide commercial, financial and technical analysis supporting aircraft and engine acquisition recommendations.
• Lead aircraft and engine sourcing, acquisition and transactions, acting as primary negotiator for purchase and lease agreements and preparing acquisition business cases and Board papers.
• Hold full accountability for Entry into Service: configuration, initial provisioning, training and readiness of new aircraft types, including managing EIS project managers and programme teams.
• Manage the lifecycle of all aircraft, including configuration management, maintenance reserves, cabin refurbishment programmes and disposal/redelivery of leased and owned aircraft.
• Maintain relationships with manufacturers, lessors, regulators and industry bodies, and represent Kenya Airways at industry events.
• Build and lead the Fleet Development team, manage its direct budget and develop the people strategy.

Required profile

• University degree in Engineering, Finance or Law; MBA or equivalent is an added advantage.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience, including at least 7 years in a senior airline role in fleet management, aircraft transactions or aircraft engineering.
• At least 5 years managing aircraft acquisition, disposal or fleet transaction projects, and 4 years in aircraft delivery and redelivery.
• Proven track record of negotiating complex aircraft and engine lease and purchase agreements with manufacturers and lessors.
• Experience with wide-body and narrow-body aircraft; Boeing and Embraer experience preferred.

Required skills

• Deep expertise in aircraft and engine lease and purchase negotiations, maintenance reserve management and aircraft financing structures.
• Strong project management capability, including multi-disciplinary Entry into Service programmes.
• Knowledge of airworthiness regulations, aviation financing and legal contracts.
• Preferred: PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent project management certification; aviation law, aircraft financing or asset management certification.