Manager – Aircraft Lease Return

Oman Air; Muscat; On-site; OMR 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Oman Air is looking for a professional to oversee and coordinate all technical and regulatory activities associated with the return of leased aircraft. This role involves collaboration with lessors, lessees, maintenance organizations, and internal teams to ensure compliance with airworthiness standards and lease agreements.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in aircraft maintenance or lease return management, with at least 8 years of experience, plus relevant qualifications. Excellent leadership and project management skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 8 years of relevant experience in aircraft maintenance or lease return management.
• 10 years of experience for diploma holders or ICAO Type II licence holders.

Responsibilities

• Lead all technical aspects of aircraft lease returns.
• Develop and maintain lease return plans and timelines.
• Coordinate with lessors and internal teams for lease returns.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Stakeholder Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Diploma in aerospace or mechanical engineering or ICAO Type II licence

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

Responsible for overseeing and coordinating all technical and regulatory activities associated with the return of leased aircraft. This includes ensuring compliance with airworthiness standards, lease agreements, and regulatory requirements. The role requires close collaboration with lessors, lessees, maintenance organizations, and internal CAMO teams, SCM and Fleet Management to ensure aircraft are returned in the agreed redelivery condition on time.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage all technical aspects of aircraft lease returns
• Initiate lease return project for each aircraft as per the approved lease return procedure
• Review lease agreements and technical return requirements to ensure compliance
• Develop and maintain a lease return plan, including timelines, tasks, and deliverables
• Ensure aircraft are maintained in accordance with EASA/FAA/Oman CAA or other relevant regulatory requirements during end of lease check
• Oversee airworthiness reviews, maintenance status checks, and required documentation for lease return
• Along with Head of Maintenance Planning, plan and secure slots with Airframe MROs for aircraft lease return check
• Ensure on–time induction of aircraft for lease return check as per the agreed and approved plan
• Along with Head of Propulsion, prepare in advance engine redelivery plan and secure slots with Engine MROs for engine lease return shop visit as and when required
• Ensure on–time induction of engines for lease return shop visits at Engine MRO
• Liaise with regulatory authorities for approvals and inspections as needed
• Act as the primary point of contact for lessors, lessees, and MROs where lease return activities take place
• Coordinate with internal CAMO teams to track aircraft maintenance status and required modifications or rectifications
• Ensure per relevant lease agreement all required maintenance records and status lists including Airframe, Engine, Landing Gear, APU, Hard Time, OCCM, LDND are compiled and audited leading to end of lease check and prepared and audited post end of lease check for presentation to the lessor
• Facilitate smooth handover of aircraft to lessors, including technical documentation and records
• Manage a team of CAMO engineers and technical staff involved in lease return processes
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance oversight to ensure high standards of quality and compliance
• Develop internal processes and best practices to improve lease return efficiency
• Prepare technical reports, lease return certificates, and other required documentation for lessors and authorities
• Track metrics and KPIs related to lease return activities and present updates to management
• Liaise with Fleet Management to agree end‑of‑lease compensation
• Support audits, inspections, investigations and implement corrective actions where necessary
• Contribute to the yearly budget preparation for the department
• Provide technical guidance and support to CAMO engineers and planners
• Support staff training, competency assessments, and technical development
• Undertake other duties as requested by VP–CAMO ensuring timeliness and utmost effectiveness in completing the assigned tasks
• Be available/ready to support operation if required after working hours and during weekends
• Perform any other related tasks as assigned by the Management

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering (or similar field) with 8 years of relevant experience in aircraft maintenance, or lease return management
• Diploma holder in aerospace, mechanical engineering (or similar field) or ICAO Type II licence with 10 years of experience in aircraft maintenance, or lease return management

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• In‑depth knowledge of EASA Part‑M, Part‑145, and other regulatory requirements
• In‑depth knowledge of aircraft lease agreements and commercial aircraft return processes
• Strong leadership, project management, and stakeholder communication skills
• In‑depth knowledge of maintenance cost and fleet powerplant maintenance, reliability and cost information
• Knowledge of Quality, Safety and Security Standards