FlyNamibia is a proudly Namibian airline dedicated to connecting people through local and regional flights whether for business or leisure travel.

The Commercial Specialist is responsible for the overall commercial strategy, revenue growth, and market positioning of the airline. This includes overseeing sales, marketing, network planning, revenue management, customer experience, and partnerships to maximise profitability and ensure sustainable growth.

Suitably qualified candidates should apply on or before 17 March 2025. Namibian citizens or permanent residence holders will get preference.

Responsibilities:
1. Develop and implement the airline’s commercial strategy to drive revenue growth and market share.
2. Oversee sales, distribution channels, and corporate partnerships to maximise reach and profitability.
3. Optimise pricing, revenue management, and load factors to ensure sustainable financial performance.
4. Lead network and route planning, including market analysis and feasibility studies for new destinations.
5. Manage marketing, branding, and digital engagement initiatives to strengthen the airline’s presence.
6. Develop and execute strategic marketing campaigns to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
7. Enhance customer experience and onboard product offerings in collaboration with operations teams.
8. Lead the development and management of loyalty programmes to drive repeat business.
9. Negotiate and manage key stakeholder relationships, including regulatory bodies, airport authorities, and tourism boards.
10. Drive digital transformation in sales, including e-commerce, mobile bookings, and self-service options.
11. Oversee performance of global distribution systems (GDS) and direct booking platforms.
12. Identify and develop new business opportunities, including strategic partnerships, alliances, and interline agreements.
13. Ensure compliance with aviation regulations, industry best practices, and commercial agreements.
14. Develop and control the commercial budget, ensuring revenue targets are met while maintaining cost efficiency.
15. Monitor financial performance, profitability, and cost control in commercial operations.
16. Lead, mentor, and develop the commercial team to enhance overall performance and innovation.
17. Represent the airline at industry events, trade shows, and commercial forums.
18. Analyse competitor activity, market trends, and customer preferences to adjust commercial strategies accordingly.
19. Oversee corporate sales and key account management, ensuring strong business relationships.
20. Collaborate with IT and digital teams to enhance website functionality, payment systems, and customer interactions.
21. Any other adhoc responsibilities
22. Work closely with the operations team to align scheduling, capacity management, and service quality.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Accountability

Major Activities

Performance Indicators

Commercial Strategy & Revenue Growth

- Develop and execute airline's commercial strategy
- Identify and pursue revenue growth opportunities
- Optimize pricing and yield

- Revenue growth %
- Yield and load factor improvement
- Market share increase

Sales & Distribution

Manage sales teams and distribution channels
- Strengthen corporate and agency sales
- Drive direct sales and digital channels

- Sales revenue vs. targets
- GDS and direct booking performance
- Growth in corporate accounts

Network & Route Planning

- Plan and optimize route network
- Analyze route profitability
- Negotiate airport slots and traffic rights

- Profitability per route
- Load factors on key routes
- New routes launched successfully

Marketing & Brand Positioning

- Develop and execute marketing campaigns
- Strengthen brand awareness
- Leverage digital and social media marketing

- Brand recognition & awareness scores
- Website and social media engagement
- Campaign ROI

Customer Experience & Product Development

- Enhance customer journey and onboard experience
- Improve service quality and loyalty programs
- Work with operations to ensure seamless service

- Customer satisfaction scores
- Loyalty program engagement
- Complaint resolution efficiency

Stakeholder & Partner Management

- Engage with industry regulators, tourism boards, and partners
- Develop airline alliances and interline agreements

- Number of strategic partnerships formed
- Government & regulatory approvals secured

Financial & Budget Management

Develop and control the commercial budget
- Monitor revenue performance and profitability
- Ensure cost control in commercial activities

- Budget adherence %

- Revenue vs. cost targets
- Operational cost savings achieved


EXPERTISE

Must have

Great to have

Knowledge

- Airline economics & revenue management
- Sales & distribution channels
- Route planning & network strategy
- Aviation regulations & compliance
- Customer experience & service quality

- Digital transformation in airline sales
- Loyalty programs & CRM systems
- Emerging aviation trends (e.g., sustainability, AI in pricing)

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Aviation, or related field

- CIMA

- Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent)
- Airline management certifications

Skills & Attributes

- Strategic thinking & commercial acumen
- Leadership & people management
- Strong negotiation & stakeholder engagement
- Analytical & data-driven decision-making
- Communication & presentation skills

- Digital marketing & e-commerce expertise
- Crisis management & adaptability
- Cross-cultural communication

Experience

- Digital marketing & e-commerce expertise
- Crisis management & adaptability
- Cross-cultural communication

- Experience with partnerships, alliances, or codeshare agreements
- Experience in African aviation markets
- Budget & financial management expertise