Specialist, Cargo Network Planning - Cargo

Air Canada; Dorval; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Canada Cargo is seeking a Principal, Network Optimization to lead the design and execution of the freighter network strategy from short to mid-term horizons. You will drive profitability by building integrated schedules and working with Finance, Operations and Commercial teams.

The role calls for strong leadership, extensive experience in air cargo or airline planning, and advanced analytics skills to shape strategic scenarios and optimize network performance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in transportation, air cargo or airline.
• Strong knowledge of commercial and operational airline planning and scheduling.
• University degree in Finance, Economics or Business.

Responsibilities

• Design the freighter flight plan to maximize profitability and align with global carrier objectives.
• Analyze past route performance and forecast demand.
• Determine short- to mid-term routings, frequencies and capacity adjustments.
• Build a flight plan that maximizes connection opportunities and sustains a competitive network.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure schedulings are aligned with business needs.
• Continuously monitor routings profitability, booking trends, OTPs and adjust plans accordingly.
• Lead evaluation of on-demand flight opportunities balancing profitability and feasibility.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication

Project management

Education

Finance/Economics/Business degree

Tools

AI & BI tools

Power BI

MS Office

Job description

Being part of Air Canada is to become part of an iconic Canadian symbol, recently ranked the best Airline in North America. Let your career take flight by joining our diverse and vibrant team at the leading edge of passenger aviation. Reporting to the Principal, Network Optimization, this position plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping Air Canada Cargo's short to mid-term network strategy. The incumbent is responsible for defining and executing the strategic direction of the freighter network, maximizing profitability and ensuring optimal integration with the passenger network. Through cross-functional leadership and data-driven decision-making, this role defines the Cargo network and scheduling which directly impact Freighter performance and Cargo business profitability.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the design of all aspects of the Air Canada Freighter’s flying plan to maximize profitability and meet our Global Carrier objectives.
• Analyzing past route performance and build future forecast demand.
• Determining short term to mid-term routings, frequencies and capacity adjustments in accordance with network strategy.
• Build a flight plan that maximising connection opportunities while ensuring a competitive and attractive network for Air Canada Cargo’s customers.
• Ensure optimal, cost-effective fleet deployment, with efficient multi-stops routings, while taking into consideration internal and external constraints such as slots, permits, airport curfew and limitations, manpower and operational limitations, aircraft performance, etc.
• Leverage optimization tools and advanced analytics to develop strategic scenarios, evaluate business cases, and support high-impact network decisions.
• Identify emerging market opportunities and proactively adapt network plans in response to competitive activity, economic trends, geopolitical events, fuel costs, and changes in global supply chains.
• Work collaboratively with the cargo Scheduler and ensure that the Freighters schedule is built in coordination with all internal stakeholders: International Affaires, Commercial team, Finance, Operations and Crewing.
• Continuously monitor routings profitability, booking trends, OTPs and adjust short term plans accordingly.
• Lead the evaluation of on-demand flight opportunities, balancing profitability, operational feasibility, customer requirements, and network impact.
• Punctually assists in the execution of critical activities beyond primary responsibilities, such as scheduling updates, to support overall team objectives.

Qualifications

• Able to work well under pressure, solve complex problems and take decisions based on high amount of constraints.
• Ability to lead projects at a network level to influence and obtain buy-in, analysis and achievement of the right results.
• Demonstrated strong autonomy, leadership skill and able to multitask.
• Results-oriented and influential with exceptional people and communication skills.
• Minimum 5+ years experience in transportation, air cargo or airline a definite asset.
• Strong knowledge of commercial and operational principals of Airline planning and scheduling.
• University degree in Finance, Economics or Business.
• Advanced Computer Skills: AI & BI tools, MS Office suite of products, Power BI.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest at the time any offer of employment is made and are responsible for obtaining any required work permits, visas, or other authorizations necessary for employment. Prior to their start date, candidates will also need to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the country of interest.

Linguistic Requirements

Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion

Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our company’s success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.