Pairing Optimization Manager

Being part of Air Canada is to become part of an iconic Canadian symbol, recently ranked the best Airline in North America. Let your career take flight by joining our diverse and vibrant team at the leading edge of passenger aviation.

To manage the monthly production of pairings (both Mainline and Rouge) across all bases, in accordance with the Air Canada / CUPE/ ALPA collective agreement. The position will be responsible for the planning and evaluation of pairings, utilization, and integration of optimization techniques to achieve desired levels of productivity and reporting on and measuring efficiency and cost saving benefits.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, analyze, and distribute monthly planned flight crew pairings using optimization systems and corporate planning schedules, ensuring compliance with ALPA/CUPE Collective Agreements and branch objectives.
• Lead analysis work for proposed solutions, ensuring recommendations are data-driven, cost-effective, and aligned with operational goals.
• Drive strategic planning for pairing construction to improve productivity, efficiency, and operational integrity.
• Evaluate and analyze short- and long-term schedules to identify optimization opportunities.
• Prepare, document, and communicate productivity and efficiency recommendations based on detailed analysis to cross-functional teams.
• Generate monthly and annual KPI reports, including operational management metrics, average block times, trip distribution, and station/base utilization.
• Achieve optimal percentage guarantee costs by base while managing crew distribution allocations.
• Monitor and manage cost reductions related to crew cycle expenses (trip guarantees, deadheading, hotels, transportation, meals, and per diems).
• Execute monthly revisions for planned meal allowances and onboard meal requirements in compliance with Collective Agreements.
• Conduct route and manpower distribution evaluations for short- and long-term planning, including cost-benefit analysis.
• Oversee parameter, data, and system tool management to maintain accuracy and integrity.
• Communicate and coordinate with vendors and internal/external departments (ACV, API, Crew Scheduling, Crew Planning, Corporate Scheduling, Marketing, Product Design, SOC) on business initiatives.
• Manage utilization of crew deadhead travel and seat requirements while supporting passenger seat inventory retention.
• Interface with Corporate Scheduling to stay current on schedule activity and commercial/operational requirements.
• Evaluate and implement schedule changes to minimize impact and cost to pairings and communicate revisions to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with planning unit counterparts to optimize pairing structures and operational efficiencies.
• Liaise with ALPA/CUPE monthly to provide updates on upcoming route changes and opportunities.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• University degree or college diploma in Aviation Management, Logistics Optimization, Business Administration, or equivalent years of experience.
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in a similar position.
• Strong analytical and planning skills with proven ability to interpret complex data and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration across multiple departments and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other PC applications; experience with optimization systems is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment, demonstrating sound judgment and decision-making under pressure.
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Solid understanding of airline operational environments, including Air Canada systems and processes; familiarity with ALPA/CUPE Collective Agreements is an asset.
• Experience in flight crew scheduling or planning considered an asset.
• Demonstrate punctuality and dependability to support overall team success in a fast-paced environment.

Conditions of Employment:

Candidates must be eligible to work in the country of interest, at the time any offer of employment is made and seeking any required work permits/visas or other authorizations which may be required is the sole responsibility of the candidates applying for this position.

Linguistic Requirements

Based on equal qualifications, preference will be given to bilingual candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion

Air Canada is strongly committed to Diversity and Inclusion and aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees' unique contributions to our company's success.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all to help us build a diverse workforce which reflects the diversity of our customers, and communities, in which we live and serve.

Air Canada thanks all candidates for their interest; however only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.