Head of Strategic Airline Partnerships & Alliances

Company Description

Job Description

Shape the Future of Global Airline Partnerships

Etihad is entering one of the most exciting phases in its growth story. As we continue to expand our global network and deepen our airline partnerships, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Alliances to lead one of the most strategically important areas of our business.

This is a rare opportunity to create a lasting legacy. You will define and execute Etihad's partnership strategy, identifying and securing transformative airline agreements that expand our reach, strengthen our network, and deliver sustainable commercial value. From negotiating industry-leading joint ventures and strategic alliances to shaping how millions of travellers connect across the world, your impact will be felt throughout the aviation industry for years to come.

The Opportunity

As Head of Alliances, you will lead the development, negotiation, implementation, and optimisation of Etihad's strategic airline partnerships. Working at the centre of our commercial organisation, you will collaborate with senior leaders across Revenue Management, Network Planning, Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Legal, and Loyalty to unlock new growth opportunities and maximise partnership performance.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring both strategic vision and commercial execution. You will not only secure new partnerships but also ensure they deliver long-term value through effective governance, performance management, and continuous optimisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Etihad's strategic airline partnership agenda in line with broader commercial objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and secure new partnership opportunities including joint ventures, codeshares, interline agreements, capacity arrangements, and other innovative partnership models.
• Strengthen and expand existing partnerships into deeper, more strategic relationships.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations and secure internal approval for major partnership investments.
• Build robust business cases and present recommendations to executive leadership and Board-level stakeholders.
• Implement and govern strategic partnerships to ensure delivery of agreed commercial outcomes.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration across Revenue Management, Network Planning, Sales, Marketing, Loyalty, Cargo, Operations, Finance, and Legal teams.
• Expand partnership opportunities beyond passenger revenue into loyalty, cargo, ancillaries, and operational collaboration.
• Monitor, evaluate, and optimise partnership performance through commercial and profitability metrics.

Qualifications

About You

You are an accomplished aviation leader with a proven track record of developing and managing strategic airline partnerships. You combine deep alliance expertise with broader commercial experience and understand how successful partnerships create value across an airline's entire commercial operation.

You bring:

• Significant leadership experience within the aviation industry (A minimum of 12 years industry experience)
• Deep expertise in airline alliances, partnerships, joint ventures, codeshares, or network cooperation agreements.
• Additional experience in one or more commercial disciplines such as Revenue Management, Network Planning, Sales, Commercial Strategy, or Pricing.
• A strong record of leading complex negotiations and delivering commercially successful outcomes.
• Experience building compelling business cases and influencing senior executive stakeholders.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• A global network of airline industry contacts and relationships.
• The ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in execution.

Why Etihad?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of the world's most ambitious airlines. You'll join a business with bold growth plans, work alongside industry-leading commercial teams, and have the platform to influence partnership strategy on a truly global scale.

If you're looking for a role where you can build something meaningful, leave a lasting mark on the industry, and help define the next chapter of Etihad's growth story, we'd love to hear from you.

Additional Information

Etihad Airways is more than the UAE’s national airline - we’re shaping the future of global aviation. From our hub in Abu Dhabi, we connect people across continents and cultures, while driving our “Journey 2030” ambition to double our fleet, expand our network and grow our people for a new era of excellence. Join us and become part of a vision where the world is your workplace and extraordinary experiences take flight.

To learn more visit www.etihad.com

Recruitment Fraud Alert

Beware of fraudulent job offers from individuals or organizations claiming to represent the Etihad group. We will never ask for personal information, bank details, or payment during the recruitment process. Interviews are conducted face-to-face or via video/telephone before any formal offer. If you are asked for money, please treat it as fraudulent.