Flight Operations Planner Job Vacancy in Kombolcha, Ethiopia – Aviation – Airline Operations

Job Description

Position: Flight Operations Planner

Company: Ethiopian Airlines

Location: Kombolcha, Ethiopia

Experience: Minimum 5 years in flight operations planning, airline scheduling, or related aviation roles

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related field

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Aviation – Airline Operations

Department: Operations Planning

Salary: SSP 120,000 – 180,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s leading carrier, renowned for its extensive network that connects Ethiopia to over 120 destinations worldwide. With a strong commitment to safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction, the airline has consistently been recognized as a top employer in the region. Operating from its hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines also maintains strategic operational bases across the country, including a growing presence in Kombolcha to support regional cargo and passenger services. As part of its expansion strategy, the airline invests heavily in modern aircraft, advanced technology, and talent development, creating a dynamic environment for professionals seeking long‑term career growth. This role contributes directly to Ethiopia Jobs, Jobs in Ethiopia, and the broader mission of enhancing connectivity and economic development throughout the nation.

Job Overview

The Flight Operations Planner will be responsible for creating, optimizing, and monitoring flight schedules for both domestic and international routes originating from or transiting through Kombolcha. Working closely with the Network Planning, Crew Management, and Maintenance teams, the planner ensures that all operational constraints—such as aircraft availability, crew duty limits, airport slots, and regulatory requirements—are met while maximizing efficiency and profitability. This position plays a pivotal role in supporting the airline’s on‑time performance, fuel savings, and overall customer experience. The successful candidate will join a collaborative team that values innovation, data‑driven decision making, and continuous improvement.

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Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed flight schedules for passenger and cargo services, ensuring compliance with Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority regulations.
• Analyze aircraft rotation, crew rostering, and maintenance windows to create feasible and cost‑effective plans.
• Collaborate with the Network Planning team to assess market demand, route profitability, and capacity adjustments.
• Utilize advanced scheduling software and data analytics tools to identify optimization opportunities and mitigate operational risks.
• Monitor real‑time flight performance, adjust plans as needed, and communicate changes to relevant stakeholders.
• Prepare regular performance reports highlighting on‑time metrics, fuel consumption, and schedule adherence.
• Support the development of contingency plans for disruptions caused by weather, technical issues, or airspace restrictions.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with a focus on data‑driven decision making.
• Proficiency in airline scheduling software (e.g., Sabre AirVision, Lufthansa Systems Lido/Flight).
• Excellent communication skills for cross‑functional coordination.
• Knowledge of aviation regulations, crew duty time limitations, and aircraft performance parameters.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Advanced Excel or similar spreadsheet expertise; familiarity with SQL or Python is a plus.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management, Aeronautical Engineering, Operations Research, or a related discipline is required. Candidates with additional certifications in airline scheduling, such as the IATA Flight Operations Planning Certificate, will be given preference.

Experience

Applicants must have at least five years of hands‑on experience in flight operations planning, airline scheduling, or a comparable role within a commercial airline or aviation consultancy. Experience with Ethiopian Airlines’ internal systems or regional African carriers is highly advantageous.

Salary

The compensation package ranges from SSP 120,000 to SSP 180,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The package includes performance‑based incentives, health insurance, pension contributions, and travel benefits.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage for employees and dependents.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Generous paid leave, including annual, sick, and parental leave.
• Employee travel privileges on Ethiopian Airlines’ global network.
• Professional development allowance for certifications and conferences.

Training

• Onboarding program covering airline safety standards, scheduling tools, and regulatory compliance.
• Continuous learning opportunities through internal workshops, e‑learning platforms, and mentorship.
• Access to industry conferences and seminars to stay current with global best practices.

Working Environment

The role is based in the modern Ethiopian Airlines Operations Center in Kombolcha, featuring state‑of‑the‑art workstations, collaborative meeting spaces, and a supportive team culture. Employees enjoy a safe, inclusive workplace that encourages innovation and respects work‑life balance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience through the Ethiopian Airlines career portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted applicants will be invited for a virtual interview followed by an on‑site assessment.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

Ethiopian Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination.