Network Planning Officer

Challenge Aircargo Ltd; Luik; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Aircargo Ltd. seeks a Network Planning Officer to coordinate airport slots, traffic rights, and scheduling across Belgium, Malta and Israel. You will work closely with GCC, Maintenance, Commercial and authorities to ensure feasible, compliant operations and timely communications.

The role requires strong Excel skills, experience in slot coordination, and knowledge of IATA guidelines. Fluency in English is essential, with French a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience in network/schedule planning or traffic analysis.
• Experience in airport slot coordination and/or traffic rights/permits.
• Advanced Excel skills and data reporting proficiency.
• Familiarity with airline scheduling systems (e.g. B1).
• Knowledge of IATA Worldwide Slot Guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate airport slots for in-season projects and align with schedule changes.
• Apply for and update permits and traffic rights with authorities.
• Build and maintain annual schedules, integrate maintenance and charters.
• Monitor NOTAMs, constraints and operational changes.
• Prepare schedule updates and data reports for GCC.
• Distribute aviation docs and manage wet-lease agreements.

Skills

Airport coordination

Schedule planning

IATA guidelines

Advanced Excel

Regulatory knowledge

Fluent English

French beneficial

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Economics/Business/Industrial Engineering/Aviation Management

Tools

B1 scheduling system

Job description

As part of the Independent Contribution and Application stage of the Network Planning career path, the Network Planning Officer coordinates and executes the Group’s yearly, monthly, weekly and daily schedule, and secures the slots, traffic rights and permits needed to operate it. The role covers the Group’s Air Operator Certificates in Belgium, Malta and Israel, and works in close daily coordination with the Group Control Centre (GCC), Maintenance, Commercial, Crewing and external stakeholders (airport slot coordinators, civil aviation authorities and handling agents). The Network Planning Officer reports to the Network Planning Manager.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

1. Slots & Airport Coordination

Apply for and update airport slots for in-season projects and additional ops.

Keep slots aligned with schedule changes (monthly, weekly and daily), in coordination with GCC.

Maintain relationships with slot coordinators, including at IATA Slots Conferences, to optimise the schedule.

2. Traffic Rights & Permits

Apply for OVF and landing permits for scheduled ops, respecting authority procedures and lead times.

Update permits for new destinations, additional rotations and operational changes.

Keep permits aligned with schedule changes and communicate requirements to GCC.

Inform handling agents of upcoming permit requirements, generally more than one month in advance, in coordination with GCC.

3. Scheduling & Network Support

Build and maintain the annual schedule, integrating A- and C-checks and other requirements.

Track schedule restrictions (airport closures, NOTAMs, multi-ops constraints, cargo acceptance windows, etc.).

Manage schedule changes and optimisation requests from Maintenance, Commercial and new projects, incl. charters.

Adjust capacity and seasonality based on contracts, aircraft availability and holiday periods.

Assess charter feasibility from a scheduling and traffic rights perspective.

Coordinate approvals with relevant depts. to confirm operational feasibility.

Integrate approved charters into the schedule, considering all operational constraints and existing flights.

Follow up on charter execution, incl. permits and stakeholder communication.

5. Reporting

Maintain cancellation reports and support GCC with data analysis.

Prepare and distribute schedule updates and other required reports.

6. Documentation Monitoring & Distribution

Distribute insurance certificates and keep systems updated; obtain specific certificates where required (e.g. Hong Kong, Mexico).

Maintain wet-lease agreements, incl. fleet updates and annual renewals, and distribute to stakeholders.

Monitor and distribute aircraft docs (noise certificates, ARCs, etc.).

Distribute AOC-related docs (Ops Specs, AOCs, new designations) and update systems accordingly.

7. Aeropolitical Affairs (Belgium, Malta & Israel AOCs)

Manage non-objection requests to protect operating rights (Belgium and Israel AOCs).

Development & Growth

Complete targeted internal/external training, incl. regulatory workshops and IATA/industry courses, with exposure to increasingly complex projects to prepare for the Network Planning Specialist role.

Review development needs and progression readiness every 3 months with the Network Planning Manager, using the Network Planning competency matrix.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in economics, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Aviation Management or an equivalent qualification.

Experience

Experience in network/schedule planning or network/traffic analysis.

Experience in airport slot coordination and/or traffic rights & permits is a strong asset.

Aviation or logistics experience is an advantage.

Advanced Excel skills; comfortable with schedule and reporting data.

Familiarity with airline scheduling systems (e.g. B1), or willingness to learn.

Knowledge of IATA Worldwide Slot Guidelines and airport coordination is a plus.

Awareness of aeropolitical/bilateral frameworks (designations, Ops Specs, AOC certifications) is an advantage.

Fluent in English; French is a plus.

Strong organisational skills; able to manage seasonal, monthly, weekly and daily deadlines.

Flexible and composed when handling last-minute changes (AOG, maintenance, weather).

Able to work autonomously and make sound decisions within the role's authority.

Strong teamwork and cross-functional coordination skills (GCC, Maintenance, Commercial, authorities and agents).

High attention to detail, especially for regulatory, permit and documentation accuracy.

Proactive and responsive, able to anticipate needs and adapt quickly.

May share knowledge and provide informal guidance to junior colleagues.

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