Analyst - Route Schedule Planning & Optimization

Employment Type: Full-time Regular

City: Calgary, AB (YYC)

Posting Open Date: 02/10/2025

Posting Close Date: 02/23/2025 (Please note the posting will close at 11:59pm MST)

Why WestJet:

Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception.

WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now we're going global.

Join us, this is where your career story takes off.

Please note: This is a hybrid work position in Calgary Alberta and requires in-person collaboration at the WestJet Campus (22 Aerial Place NE) a minimum of 3 days per week. This provides flexibility the remaining 40% of the work week. This hybrid work plan allows for critically important learning, collaboration and networking with our colleagues. Specific days in the office are agreed upon by the team.

Why Network and Schedule Planning:

If you have ever wondered how airlines decide where they fly, how often they fly, what time of day they operate, or what type of aircraft they use, then we want to hear from you!

We are seeking creative thinkers and problem-solvers with a deep curiosity and focus on value creation. We are looking for passionate individuals interested in building their careers who are critical thinkers, willing to ask lots of questions and be results-oriented go-getters who are constantly looking at how data and analytics can be used to improve key business decisions.

About Aviation Network and Schedule Planning

The Network and Schedule Planning team is responsible for creating the capacity plan and flight schedule for WestJet and WestJet Encore to and from more than 150 destinations spanning 20 countries across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia.

These analysts work on defining the markets that will be served, the routes that will be flown, the number of times per week each route will be served, the time each flight will operate, along with the aircraft type that is optimal for every route.

To do this, the analysts perform detailed analysis of key airline industry drivers such as market size trends, competition, demand stimulation, fuel price indicators, and cost projections. In addition, these analysts work closely with all operational groups within the company (Crew Planning, Technical Operations, Airport Operations, and the Operations Control Center) to create flight schedules that make the most efficient use of the company's resources and enable operational excellence.

This team forecasts expected performance to continuously deliver a capacity plan that will: maximize profitability, enable operational excellence, and be the preferred option for more than 40.000 WestJet guests per day to their leisure and business destinations.

Key deliverables include:

• Definition of WestJet Group's short-, medium-, and long-term capacity plan
• Analysis of new destinations and new route opportunities
• Management of WestJet's flight schedules. This includes current published schedules, seasonal schedules, booking schedules and charters
• Collaborative effort on schedule development, analysis, optimization and schedule change management
• Perform profitability forecasting and analysis for continuous capacity plan improvement
• Liaise with Operational departments to ensure our flight schedule promotes operational excellence and efficiency
• Partner with Commercial teams including Revenue Management, WestJet Vacations, Sales, Distribution, Marketing and Communications to foster commercial success
• Coordinate and lead schedule review process with commercial and operational groups
• Analyze and optimize schedule performance for both commercial and operational effectiveness
• Provide ad-hoc analysis as required in support of commercial planning decisions
• Prepare and communicate schedule change proposals internally and assist with external communications
• Perform Data Analysis and Support Automation: Conduct data analysis to enable informed decision-making and process optimization, using tools like Power BI to interpret data, create insights, and drive improvements. Focus on automating tools, streamlining reporting, and enhancing dashboards to improve efficiency
• Apply analytical methods to discover and interpret information from multiple data sources
• Actively participate in achieving team goals and targets with an emphasis on teamwork and building strong relationships
• Provide day to day support on the implementation of projects, tasks, innovations and opportunities; coordinate with stakeholders, define objectives, communicate moving milestones, escalate appropriately

Education & business acumen:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Business, Economics, Mathematics, Finance or Computer Science
• 1-10 years' analyst experience
• Excellent analytical and effective problem-solving skills
• Strong process management skills, initiative, ability to manage competing priorities and attention to detail are critical
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills including exceptional planning and organizational skills
• Ability to present ideas, negotiate, facilitate and problem solve
• Ability to translate complex data, research and analysis into concise narratives and concepts
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and advanced Excel skills for data manipulation and reporting is an asset
• Knowledge of Scheduling tools such as Sabre AirVision Schedule Manager, Netline, or Zulu would be considered an asset
• Ability to handle pressure

• Proven ability to manage projects efficiently and independently with a focus on process automation

• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills with an ability to build strong relationships and have a proven ability to work autonomously in cross-functional teams in a flexible team environment

The benefits of being a WestJetter:

WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package. On top of that, we offer:

• A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win
• Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date
• Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs

Think we are a fit? Apply now!

About WestJet Group of Companies

Together with WestJet's regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships.

Our Safety Promise

At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your well-being and the safety of others.

WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJet's operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJet's Alcohol and Drug Policy.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet. WestJet is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility and if you require accommodation during the selection process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest in WestJet; however, only those candidates who are selected will be contacted.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com.

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