Director of International Affairs and Air Transport Department

Organization: Dubai Civil Aviation AuthorityEducational-level Beginning of the main content section.Return to the home pagePrintable Format Job Description - Director of International Affairs and Air Transport Department (26002301)Job Description Director of International Affairs and Air Transport Department - (26002301) Job Description Role Purpose: To lead and manage the International Affairs & Air Transport Department by directing the execution of air transport agreements, coordinating and providing technical leadership in bilateral and multilateral air service negotiations under the authority of the Executive Director, administering traffic rights and operational approvals, and maintaining the institutional contact point between Dubai's civil aviation authority and international and local aviation counterparts. The role ensures the effective implementation of DCAA's aero-political agenda, safeguards the operational and commercial interests of Dubai's designated carriers, and directs the department's regulatory and analytical functions in alignment with the Sector's strategic objectives and applicable federal and international aviation frameworks. Key Responsibilities/Duties Functional: 1. Air Transport Policy Implementation & ExecutionLead the implementation and operational execution of approved air transport policies, aero-political directives, and regulatory frameworks within the Department, ensuring that bilateral and multilateral Air Service Agreements are applied effectively and that departmental activities are fully aligned with the Executive Director's strategic direction and applicable federal aviation requirements.2. Bilateral & Multilateral Negotiation Technical LeadershipLead the technical preparation, coordination, and execution of air service agreement negotiations and consultations, including advance planning, comprehensive country and route analytical studies, and the development of DCAA's negotiating position for review and approval by the Executive Director prior to engagement. Provide technical leadership during negotiation sessions within delegated authority, ensuring the protection and advancement of Dubai's designated carriers' traffic rights and the integrity of agreed Air Service Agreements.3. Traffic Rights & Capacity AdministrationDirect the administration, monitoring, and enforcement of traffic rights, capacity entitlements, and related operational approvals within the Emirate, ensuring compliance with agreed Air Service Agreements, bilateral MOUs, and applicable regulations. Oversee the processing of requests related to air transport activities within the legislative schedules assigned to the Department under Executive Council Decision No. 4 of 2017, including aircraft registration and de-registration NOCs, landing permit authorizations, and schedule modifications.4. Operational Approvals OversightOversee the review and issuance of approvals for seasonal and charter flight schedules, aircraft landing permits, block permits, ad-hoc flight requests, and aircraft component transfer approvals ensuring all air transport operations within Dubai comply with DCAA, GCAA, ICAO, and relevant international regulatory frameworks. Ensure approval processes are executed within established SLA standards, and that documentation and decision trails are maintained.5. International Contact Point ManagementBuild, strengthen, and maintain the institutional contact point between DCAA and international and local aviation authorities, ensuring reliable, structured channels of communication with foreign civil aviation authorities, ICAO, IATA, and relevant international bodies. Oversee the management of the Department's country and airline data systems and ensure information is current and accessible for negotiation and operational purposes.6. Aviation Market Intelligence & Negotiation SupportDirect the collection, analysis, and interpretation of aviation industry data, traffic utilization trends, route performance indicators, and bilateral agreement implementation statistics to support informed decision-making, strengthen negotiation positioning, and enable the periodic provision of aviation statistics to GCAA.7. Federal & Inter-Emirate Technical CoordinationLead technical-level coordination with GCAA, relevant federal ministries, and other Emirates' civil aviation authorities on air transport regulatory matters, ensuring operational alignment and providing DCAA's technical input to federal-level discussions. Escalate matters requiring strategic aero-political positioning or unified national determination to the Executive Director.8. National Carrier Liaison & Interest ProtectionOversee structured engagement with Dubai's designated carriers regarding traffic rights utilization, capacity conflicts, schedule approvals, and regulatory matters ensuring the protection of their operational and commercial interests within established agreements and applicable framework

Lead the implementation and operational execution of approved air transport policies, aero-political directives, and regulatory frameworks; ensure bilateral and multilateral Air Service Agreements are applied effectively and aligned with strategic direction and federal aviation requirements. Provide technical leadership during negotiations, including planning, analytical studies, and developing negotiating positions for review; protect and advance Dubai's designated carriers' traffic rights and the integrity of Air Service Agreements. Direct administration of traffic rights, capacity entitlements, and related approvals; oversee requests for air transport activities, including aircraft registration/de-registration, NOCs, landing permits, and schedule changes. Oversee review and issuance of approvals for seasonal/charter flight schedules, landing permits, block permits, ad-hoc requests, and aircraft component transfers; ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and maintain documentation and decision trails. Build and maintain the institutional contact point between DCAA and international/local authorities (ICAO, IATA, etc.); manage country/airline data systems for negotiation and operations. Direct collection and analysis of aviation market data, traffic trends, route performance, and bilateral agreement statistics to support decisions and negotiation positioning. Coordinate with GCAA and other federal/emirate authorities on regulatory matters, escalating strategic aero-political issues when needed. Oversee engagement with Dubai’s designated carriers regarding traffic rights, capacity, schedule approvals, and regulatory matters to protect their interests within agreed frameworks.