Airline Partnerships Manager (UAE National Only)

The Airline Partnerships Manager is responsible for managing and developing key airline partnerships, focusing on Frequent Flyer Program (FFP) partnerships and commercial opportunities within the airline's loyalty ecosystem. This role works closely with the airline alliances team to enhance partner integrations, negotiate commercial agreements, and drive revenue growth through strategic airline alliances. The role will focus on maximizing value for both the airline and its partners and optimizing member benefits.

Accountabilities

• Airline Partnership Strategy & Development: Lead the development and execution of the airline’s FFP partnership strategy. Identify and establish new airline partnerships while nurturing existing relationships to expand member benefits and grow the airline’s loyalty program.
• Commercial Focus & Member Benefits: Drive commercial growth by negotiating favorable terms, conditions, and benefits with airline partners.
• Ensure that all agreements align with business objectives and financial targets. Oversee the negotiation, drafting, and management of partnership contracts and ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to design and implement compelling loyalty offerings that enhance the member experience and foster long-term loyalty, premium customer handling, such as joint campaigns, and shared reward structures.
• Partnership Performance & Analytics: Monitor and report on the performance of airline partnerships, analyzing key metrics such as member engagement, redemption activity, and revenue generation. Use data to optimize strategies and refine partnership approaches.
• Stakeholder Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for airline partners, working with key stakeholders across the organization to ensure that partnerships align with business objectives, operational requirements, and customer expectations.
• Work closely with the airline’s alliances team to ensure smooth integrations between partner airlines, aligning on shared objectives, enhancing co-branded offers, and improving cross-partner communication and operations.
• Partner with marketing, operations, and technology teams to develop integrated strategies and campaigns that promote airline partnerships and drive customer acquisition and retention.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, or related field. Master’s degree is a plus
• 5+ years of experience in partnership management, commercial negotiations, or airline loyalty programs
• Proven track record in managing large-scale partnerships and driving commercial outcomes
• Strong understanding of airline industry practices, loyalty programs, and alliance structures
• Excellent negotiation, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more.All this ties into Etihad’s ambitious Journey 2030 strategy. The airline plans to double its fleet size and triple the number of customers over the next six years as it sets out to be the airline everyone wants to fly!