Careers in Airline Network Planning

Airlines have to make complex decisions on where to fly, how often to operate their routes, and what aircraft to use. These decisions are made by a carrier’s network planning team, in coordination with other departments within the company.

Network planning teams offer the unique opportunity to be involved in where an airline will fly. Here is what you need to know about working in airline network planning.

What Network Planning Teams Do

The network planning team at an airline is responsible for designing and developing the carrier’s route network. Network planners analyze and consider many factors to help guide this decision-making.

For example, network planning analysts will examine metrics such as passenger demand, aircraft utilization, and route performance. Factors like consumer trends and customer feedback also play a role in making network decisions. This work is often done in coordination with other teams within an airline, such as revenue management.

Network planners need to work within the confines of limited resources and have to make important decisions on how to best utilize what is available. Airlines only have a certain number of aircraft, crew, and other staff. Similarly, airports have a limited amount of takeoff and landing spots and gates. There may also be limitations due to factors such as air traffic control or international agreements.

Aeromexico’s Boeing 737s lined up at the gates of Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport. (Photo: Shutterstock)

The job also requires coordination with various stakeholders. This can include other employees within the airline, including those from operational, financial, and human resources teams. It also involves working with external parties like airline partners and airports.

What Types of Roles Are Available in Airline Network Planning?

Network planning jobs typically follow a common corporate structure found in airlines and other companies. The entry-level role is usually a network planning analyst, with the next step being a senior analyst. These workers are typically responsible for conducting analysis and preparing reports and presentations. Career progression can include movement to manager and director roles.

What Skills and Qualifications Do You Need to Work in Network Planning?

Valuable skills for network planning include strong problem-solving abilities and a high level of attention to detail. Since network planning requires working with internal and external stakeholders, communication skills are also very important. Similarly, airlines typically seek those who can work well both individually and in a team.

Some employers also require prospective network planners to have a university or college degree. Relevant airline experience and strong proficiency with computers are typically also seen as assets.

How Much Do Airline Network Planners Get Paid?

Network planning analyst jobs typically pay between $50,000 and $100,000, depending on the company and an employee’s experience and qualifications. There are also opportunities to move up in the corporate structure or to other parts of the airline.

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Andrew Chen

Andrew is a lifelong lover of aviation and travel. He has flown all over the world and is fascinated by the workings of the air travel industry. As a private pilot and glider pilot who has worked with airlines, airports and other industry stakeholders, he is always excited to share his passion for aviation with others. In addition to being a writer, he also hosts Flying Smarter, an educational travel podcast that explores the complex world of air travel to help listeners become better-informed and savvier travelers.

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