Chief Commercial Officer (Aviation)

About the Company

Our client is a licensed private jet company and aircraft owner-operator based in East Africa providing premium charter and aviation services to corporate and high-net-worth clients.

With a growing fleet and expansion ambitions the company is entering a critical setup and scale phase requiring the establishment of robust operational regulatory and commercial foundations aligned to global private aviation standards.

The Opportunity

This is a foundational leadership role responsible for building and driving the companys commercial engine while working closely with operations to ensure seamless service delivery.

As Chief Commercial Officer you will define and execute the companys revenue strategy market positioning and client acquisition approach ensuring optimal fleet utilization and sustained business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the companys overall commercial strategy including charter sales pricing and revenue models
  

• Define market positioning target segments and go-to-market strategy
  

• Drive revenue growth through charter sales corporate contracts and strategic partnerships
  

• Identify new business opportunities across regional and international markets
  

• Establish and track commercial KPIs including revenue yield and client acquisition.
  

• Build and manage relationships with high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) corporates and key accounts
  

• Develop strategic partnerships with travel agencies brokers and corporate clients
  

• Lead brand positioning to establish the company as a premium private jet operator in the region.
  

• Align fleet deployment with market demand and revenue optimization
  

• Maximize aircraft utilization charter yield and route profitability
  

• Work closely with operations to ensure efficient scheduling and minimal downtime
  

• Design and develop charter products pricing structures and service packages
  

• Support introduction of new offerings such as long-term charters corporate contracts and aircraft management services
  

• Ensure service offerings align with premium client expectations
  

• Own commercial revenue targets and profitability metrics
  

• Monitor pricing margins and cost-to-revenue ratios
  

• Collaborate with finance and operations to optimize cost structures and revenue streams.
  

• Work closely with the COO / operations team to ensure commercial plans are operationally feasible and compliant.
  

• Support regulatory and licensing processes where required to enable market entry and expansion.
  

• Ensure alignment between service delivery and client expectations
  

• Build and lead a high-performing commercial and sales team.
  

• Establish performance metrics incentives and accountability structures.
  

• Foster a results-driven and client-centric culture.
  

• Represent the company in commercial negotiations partnerships and industry forums.
  

• Engage with key stakeholders including clients partners and regulators where required.
  

• Support executive decision-making with market insights and commercial data.
  

Required

• Bachelors degree in Business Aviation Management or related field.
  

• Minimum 1215 years of experience with at least 5 years in senior commercial leadership.
  

• Proven track record in driving revenue growth within aviation private jet charter or high-end services.
  

• Strong understanding of aviation operations and regulatory frameworks.
  

• Experience managing high-value clients and complex commercial deals.
  

• Experience in private aviation charter services or airline commercial functions.
  

• Experience in startup or high-growth environments.
  

• International or emerging markets exposure.
  

Leadership Profile

• Strong commercial leader with strategic and revenue-driven mindset.
  

• Ability to translate market opportunities into scalable revenue streams.
  

• Highly client-focused with experience managing premium clientele.
  

• Data-driven with strong financial and commercial acumen.
  

• Collaborative leader able to align commercial and operational priorities.
  

Success Metrics (KPIs)

• Revenue growth and charter sales performance.
  

• Aircraft utilization and yield optimization.
  

• Client acquisition and retention rates.
  

• Profitability and margin improvement.
  

• Successful market entry and brand positioning.
  

Why Join This Opportunity

• Opportunity to build and lead the commercial function from the ground up.
  

• Direct impact on revenue growth and market positioning.
  

• Work with a premium aviation brand serving high-value clients.
  

• High-visibility leadership role in a growing regional aviation market.
  

• Open to expatriate talent with global commercial aviation expertise.