Head of Fleet Planning

RwandAir Ltd

Job Title: Head of Fleet Planning

Reports to:Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

Department: Commercial

Location:Kigali International Office

Job Purpose

The Head of Fleet Planning leads RwandAir’s fleet strategy, aircraft acquisition (via lease), lease return execution, and entry into service (EIS) of new aircraft. The role owns the commercial and contractual integrity of all fleet transactions and is the single point of accountability for translating the airline’s network strategy—developed jointly with Network Planning—into a fleet plan that is financially disciplined, technically deliverable, and regulator-compliant.

Reporting directly to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), the role is highly strategic and sits at the intersection of commercial intent and operational delivery. It shapes long-range fleet decisions (type selection, sizing, replacement, exit) and ensures every lease, sublease, and return transaction supports RwandAir’s corporate plan and unit cost targets.

The Head of Fleet also leads RwandAir’s environmental and sustainability agenda as it relates to the fleet and broader operation, ensuring that fleet decisions, EIS programs, and lease structures are evaluated through a sustainability lens (fuel efficiency, CO₂ intensity, CORSIA/EU ETS exposure, and SAF readiness) alongside commercial and operational criteria.

The role leads a team of three direct reports:

• M2 – Manager, Environment & Sustainability
• M2 – Manager, Leasing & AMCI
• M1 – Manager, Special Projects

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Fleet Strategy & Planning

• Own the rolling 5–10 year fleet plan in lockstep with Network Planning and the CCO.
• guide fleet type evaluations, including total cost of ownership, residual value, and operational fit.
• Build and present business cases for fleet decisions to Executive Committee and Board.
• keep the fleet decision register and ensure alignment between network strategy and fleet planning.

2. Aircraft Leasing (Acquisition)

• guide end-to-end lease campaigns from RFP issuance to contract execution.
• Negotiate commercial and contractual lease terms.
• organize due diligence on lessor counterparties.
• oversee delivery payments, escrow, and aircraft acceptance.

3. Lease Returns & Redelivery

• create aircraft redelivery plans 18–24 months before lease expiry.
• oversee redelivery negotiations and minimize end-of-lease costs.
• organize records reconciliation with Technical Records and lessors.

4. Entry Into Service (EIS)

• Chair the Entry Into Service steering committee.
• organize Technical, Flight Operations, Commercial, IT, Training, and Ground Operations.
• Drive RCAA approvals and certification.
• Ensure aircraft readiness before first commercial flight.

5. Contracts & Governance

• Serve as RwandAir’s commercial authority on fleet contracts.
• keep contract playbooks and repositories.
• Track contract milestones and ensure contractual compliance.

6. Aircraft Availability

• organize with Technical Department to maximize aircraft availability.
• Align maintenance schedules with operational demand.
• Evaluate ACMI leasing options when required.
• Communicate maintenance changes to Network Planning.

7. Environment & Sustainability

• guide RwandAir’s fleet sustainability strategy.
• oversee compliance with CORSIA, EU ETS, and environmental regulations.
• Drive Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiatives.
• Oversee fuel efficiency and carbon reduction programs.
• Report sustainability performance to Executive Management and stakeholders.

8. Stakeholder & Regulator Management

• organize with Commercial, Technical, Flight Operations, and Network Planning.
• keep strong relationships with RCAA.
• Represent RwandAir with lessors, OEMs, financiers, MROs, insurers, and partners.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, Finance, Economics, Law, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in airline fleet planning, aircraft leasing, or commercial aviation.
• At least 4 years in fleet planning, leasing, or aviation contracts.
• Experience managing at least three aircraft lease transactions.
• Strong knowledge of operating lease contracts and aircraft leasing.
• Strong financial modelling skills.
• Experience working with Civil Aviation Authorities.
• Excellent contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of CORSIA, EU ETS, IATA Net Zero, SAF, and carbon accounting.
• Experience leading fuel efficiency or emissions reduction programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA, CFA, Aviation Finance Certification, or ISTAT Appraiser.
• Experience with mixed aircraft fleets.
• Experience introducing new aircraft types.
• Knowledge of IFRS 16.
• Experience in African aviation.

Competencies

• Strategic thinking.
• Strong commercial and financial analysis.
• Excellent contract negotiation skills.
• Cross-functional leadership.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• High integrity and professionalism.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with confidential information.

Required Application Documents

• Application letter addressed to the Chief HR & Administration Officer.
• Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of Notarized Degree/Diploma Certificates.
• Relevant Certificates.
• Copies of Academic Papers.
• Copy of Passport or National ID.
• Three Referees.

Application Deadline: August 10, 2026

Application Method:Apply via the RwandAir e-Recruitment Portal:https://erecruitment.rwandair.com/