Executive Manager - Airline Business Development

We’re building a world‑class team to bring this once‑in‑a‑generation project to life and we’re now searching for an exceptional commercial aviation leader to drive airline engagement and secure the partnerships that will help define WSI’s success.

Reporting to the General Manager, Airline Partnerships, this high‑impact role sits at the heart of WSI’s commercial strategy. You’ll attract, negotiate with, and secure major domestic and international airline partners ahead of opening.

As we accelerate toward our target of 10 million annual passengers, you’ll lead key aspects of our Airline Engagement Program:

• Develop and execute a targeted airline engagement strategy that excites priority carriers and positions WSI as a compelling new market opportunity.

• Build and nurture senior relationships with airline network, strategy, and commercial executives globally.

• Lead commercial negotiations to secure aeronautical agreements with key airline customers.

• Create bespoke pitches and commercial narratives that showcase WSI’s unique advantages and stimulate airline interest.

• Represent WSI at major global aviation events, including World Routes, Asia Routes, and key tourism and industry forums.

• Drive continuous evaluation of airline opportunities, including developing a sophisticated segmentation model to identify high‑value targets.

• Collaborate across WSI to support airline marketing, route development, catchment analysis, and operational readiness planning.

• Strengthen partnerships with airports, airlines, tourism bodies, government agencies, and international industry stakeholders.

What success looks like:

• Delivering high‑quality commercial agreements with priority airlines.

• Play a key role in producing and executing an annual Airline Engagement Plan with clear strategies, targets, and measurable outcomes.

• Leading impactful airline meetings, pitches, and events that directly contribute to airline acquisition.

• Enhancing WSI’s global presence and reputation within the aviation and tourism ecosystem.

• Supporting cross‑functional commercial initiatives that drive passenger growth and long‑term revenue.

About you:

You have deep commercial experience across airport airline development at a senior level, thriving in high‑stakes commercial environments, building trust with senior executives and know how to turn opportunity into signed agreements.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Tertiary qualifications in Commerce, Law, Finance, or a related field.

• 15+ years’ experience at senior level across commercial, sales, or business development roles from the airport / airline sector.

• Proven success in complex commercial negotiations and closing high‑value deals.

• Strong, current understanding of airline and airport operations and the broader aviation landscape.

• Demonstrated experience delivering projects and programs to a high standard.

• Clear understanding of airline and airport customer needs and commercial drivers.

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify, shape, and convert opportunities.

• Highly innovative with a forward‑looking mindset and a track record of creative commercial thinking.

• Confident challenging the status quo and turning ideas into practical, revenue‑driving strategies.

• Resilient, adaptable, and able to maintain momentum through complexity and change.

• Excellent presentation and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

• Highly organised, with strong planning, prioritisation, and problem‑solving capability.

• Skilled at building trusted relationships across industry, government, and commercial partners.

• Strong negotiation and influencing capability.

• Strategic thinker with experience developing plans, proposals, and analytical papers.

• Proactive, self‑starting, and committed to delivering high‑quality outcomes.

What We Offer

At WSI you're not just joining a team — you're becoming part of a community that thrives on purpose, passion and possibility.

We’re building a culture that brings out the best in people, empowering every individual to grow, contribute and shine. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, we offer experiences that unlock your full potential.

Our values power everything we do: 

• Safety                              Because nothing matters more. 

• Heart                                Our passion drives us in everything we do. 

• Striving                            To be different and better. 

• Achieving together        We make it happen with collaboration 

Proudly working on Dharug land, we reflect the vibrant diversity of Western Sydney and welcome people from all backgrounds and abilities to be part of our journey.

Please let us know if you require any adjustments to the application or recruitment process.