The Senior Schedules Planner leads the design, optimisation, and delivery of Aer Lingus’ seasonal and long‑term flight schedules, playing a pivotal role in translating Aer Lingus’ strategic and commercial ambitions into optimised, resilient, and operationally deliverable flight schedules. The role is central to maximising revenue, enhancing connectivity, and ensuring the efficient utilisation of aircraft, crew, ground, and maintenance resources

The Senior Schedules Planner will develop peak sample schedules (3–10 years ahead), detailed seasonal schedules (6-18 months ahead), and the management of the live schedule through to handover to the Operations Control Centre (OCC). The role also acts as a senior advisor to internal stakeholders and provides leadership within the Schedules Planning team.

Principal Accountabilities

Strategic & Technical Scheduling Leadership

• Lead the design, optimisation, & delivery of complex IATA seasonal schedules, ensuring alignment with commercial, operational, & maintenance requirements.
• Develop and evaluate long‑term schedule scenarios (3–10 years), incorporating fleet strategy, market growth, & partnership opportunities.
• Provide expert guidance on schedule viability, identifying risks, constraints, & trade‑off.

Operational & Commercial Optimisation

• Use advanced scheduling tools & analytics to maximise utilisation, connectivity & revenue potential
• Integrate OTP data to identify structural issues and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure operational constraints (e.g. curfews, infrastructure limitations, manpower resources, payload restrictions) are proactively & rigorously assessed & addressed.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Influence

• Act as a senior liaison with Fleet, Maintenance, OCC, Crew Planning, & Slot Management to ensure schedule deliverability & alignment with operational plans.
• Work closely with Commercial to enhance connecting flows, improve traffic volumes, & support revenue initiatives.
• Engage with partner airlines to ensure schedule compatibility & strategic alignment.

Governance, Reporting & Stakeholder Communication

• Produce high‑quality utilisation, a/cr availability, standby, & schedule performance reports.
• Present schedule iterations, risks and recommendations to executive management.
• Ensure accurate & timely handover to Schedules Distribution for public release.

Continuous Improvement & Systems Development

• Analyse existing scheduling processes & tools, identifying opportunities for automation, optimisation, & enhanced decision‑making.
• Lead & contribute to system developments, data improvements, & process redesign initiatives.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide mentoring, coaching, & technical guidance to Schedules Planners and Specialists.
• Deputise for the Schedules Planning Manager when required.
• Support training & capability development across the wider team.
• Prepare and deliver seasonal schedule presentations to internal and external stakeholders

Essential Qualifications/Experience:

• Third‑level qualification in Aviation, Business, Data/Analytics, or related discipline.
• Significant experience in airline scheduling, network planning, or operational planning.
• Proven ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely to senior and executive audiences.

Essential Competencies / Skills

• Deep specialist knowledge of airline scheduling, network planning principles, operational constraints, and industry regulations.
• Broad understanding of commercial drivers, fleet strategy, maintenance planning, crew requirements, and airport slot processes.
• Advanced analytical and numerical capability with strong decision‑making skills.
• High proficiency in analytical tools, scheduling systems, and data‑driven optimisation techniques.
• Ability to problem solve in a complex environment with multiple, often conflicting constraints, and deliver high quality scheduling solutions against tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and influencing capability to engage senior stakeholders and translate complex scheduling issues into clear recommendations and the ability to drive cross‑functional alignment
• Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable challenging traditional approaches.
• High level of initiative, problem‑solving ability, and ownership of outcomes.

Desirable Criteria

• Broad-based airline experience across long‑haul, short‑haul, and near‑term planning.
• Experience with Astral or other airline scheduling/PSS systems.
• Deep understanding of Aer Lingus’ network, fleet, and operational constraints.

Closing Date: 13th March 2026  

At Aer Lingus, we embrace diversity and believe in providing equal opportunities to all qualified individuals. We are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and respectful work environment that values employees' unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status. If you have any questions or require any accommodations to support you in your application, please contact us at recruit@aerlingus.com.