Magnifica Air
Aviation Real Estate and Facilities Director
Aviation Real Estate and Facilities Director (Updated)
Working at Magnifica Air means reimagining the future of travel. We are redefining what it means to travel first‑class from door to destination—a seamless journey. Our people embody our values of Safety, Servant Heartedness, Humility, Zeal, and Community. As leaders, we serve those who deliver the incredible.
Position Summary
The Aviation Real Estate & Facilities Director, in coordination with the executive team, leads all activities related to acquiring, developing, and managing the airline’s airport properties, terminals, hangars, maintenance bases, and support facilities. They serve as the primary liaison with airport authorities and ensure Magnifica’s operational, service, and safety goals are supported by compliant, efficient, and cost‑effective infrastructure.
This role also assists each new base start‑up and oversees procurement of all Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and operational equipment required to support every Magnifica Air station. In addition, the role will ensure proper process is in place to optimize the reliability of equipment in keeping with Magnifica’s goals of seamless travel.
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Direct Reports: To be developed.
Airport Property Acquisition & Leasing
Identify and evaluate land, terminal, and facility opportunities aligned with network and growth strategies.
Lead lease, purchase, and development negotiations with airport authorities, municipalities, or FBOs.
Ensure agreements comply with FAA grant assurances, airport layout plans (ALPs), and Part 121/139 operational requirements.
Manage lease renewals, rent escalations, and property performance across multiple airports.
Consider future Air Mobility Requirements and ensure facilities meet future needs based on known regulatory and airport requirements.
Facilities Planning & Development
Oversee planning, design, and construction of terminals, hangars, maintenance bases, training centers, and corporate offices.
Coordinate with architects, engineers, and construction managers to deliver facilities on time and within budget.
Develop and maintain a facility master plan supporting route expansion and operational efficiency.
Ensure all facilities support safety, security, and passenger experience goals consistent with Part 121 standards.
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
Collaborate with FAA, TSA, and airport operations to ensure regulatory compliance.
Manage environmental and permitting processes including NEPA, zoning, and building codes.
Maintain accurate site plans and documentation required for audits and certifications.
Stakeholder Relations & Negotiations
Serve as primary liaison with airport property offices, port authorities, and local governments.
Represent Magnifica Air in airport board meetings, tenant councils, and infrastructure planning discussions.
Maintain relationships with FBOs, fuel providers, and ground‑handling vendors.
Design and oversee communication workflows after start of operations to ensure visibility into airport construction and regulatory issues, including noise abatement.
Financial & Strategic Management
Develop and oversee the real estate and facilities capital budget.
Manage budget to +/- 5%.
Build ROI‑driven business cases for new facilities or lease expansions.
Track facility costs and optimize lease portfolios to improve financial performance.
Support executive leadership in network and hub planning.
Maintenance & Facilities Operations
Coordinate with VP Tech Ops to assist in the oversight of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) for all owned or leased facilities.
Implement GSE preventive maintenance programs to ensure safety, reliability, and asset preservation.
In coordination with the Directors of Safety and Security, ensure compliance of all facilities with security, OSHA, fire, and airport safety regulations.
Hire, train, and lead facilities project management staff.
In coordination with the VP of Guest Service, select and manage consultants, contractors, and service providers.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
Base Station Start‑Up & Equipment Procurement Base Station Start‑Up
Assist and lead all real estate, facilities, and operational readiness activities for each new base start‑up.
Develop a repeatable process and template to ensure a timely entry into service of any facility related to a new base. This should include square footage standards for each department based on number of departures anticipated.
Secure required space (gates, ticket counters, crew rooms, operations offices, ramp areas) in partnership with airport authorities.
Oversee build‑out, installation, and activation of base facilities to ensure operational readiness.
Coordinate cross‑functionally with Flight Ops, Inflight, Tech Ops, Ground Ops, IT, and People teams to ensure seamless base activation.
Establish opening‑day critical path timelines and manage execution across internal and external stakeholders.
Procurement of GSE & Facility Equipment for Each Base
Oversee procurement of all Ground Support Equipment (GSE) required for each new and existing station.
Define equipment requirements based on reliability, operational needs, safety standards, and fleet specifications.
Develop sourcing, maintenance, and standardization strategies for GSE and other base‑required equipment.
Lead vendor selection, negotiate pricing and service terms, and manage purchasing, delivery, and onsite commissioning.
Ensure all equipment meets regulatory, operational, and safety standards.
Manage asset tracking, warranty compliance, inventory, and lifecycle planning for GSE and station equipment.
Preferred Background
10+ years in airport property management, aviation real estate, or airline facilities operations.
Experience negotiating airport leases or development agreements.
Strong understanding of FAA/TSA regulations, airport planning, and capital project management.
Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex stakeholder environments.
Airport property acquisition strategy
Airline facility master plan
Lease and development contract templates
Capital improvement program (CIP) for airline infrastructure
Base station start‑up playbook
Standardized GSE procurement and deployment guide
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Real Estate, Aviation Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field, preferred.
7–10 years of experience in airport property management, aviation real estate, or facilities development.
Proven experience negotiating airport lease agreements and working with airport or government agencies.
Experience in planning, design, and construction oversight of aviation or transportation facilities.
Experience with FAA Part 139 and Part 121 environments preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Deep knowledge of airport real estate practices and FAA operating regulations.
Strong budgeting, capital planning, and financial analysis skills.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
Ability to manage multiple large‑scale projects simultaneously.
Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools; AutoCAD familiarity preferred.
Strong leadership and team development capability.
Ability to travel domestically as needed.
Magnifica Air is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Business Development and Sales
Industries
Airlines and Aviation
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Working at Magnifica Air means reimagining the future of travel. We are redefining what it means to travel first‑class from door to destination—a seamless journey. Our people embody our values of Safety, Servant Heartedness, Humility, Zeal, and Community. As leaders, we serve those who deliver the incredible.
Position Summary
The Aviation Real Estate & Facilities Director, in coordination with the executive team, leads all activities related to acquiring, developing, and managing the airline’s airport properties, terminals, hangars, maintenance bases, and support facilities. They serve as the primary liaison with airport authorities and ensure Magnifica’s operational, service, and safety goals are supported by compliant, efficient, and cost‑effective infrastructure.
This role also assists each new base start‑up and oversees procurement of all Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and operational equipment required to support every Magnifica Air station. In addition, the role will ensure proper process is in place to optimize the reliability of equipment in keeping with Magnifica’s goals of seamless travel.
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Direct Reports: To be developed.
Airport Property Acquisition & Leasing
Identify and evaluate land, terminal, and facility opportunities aligned with network and growth strategies.
Lead lease, purchase, and development negotiations with airport authorities, municipalities, or FBOs.
Ensure agreements comply with FAA grant assurances, airport layout plans (ALPs), and Part 121/139 operational requirements.
Manage lease renewals, rent escalations, and property performance across multiple airports.
Consider future Air Mobility Requirements and ensure facilities meet future needs based on known regulatory and airport requirements.
Facilities Planning & Development
Oversee planning, design, and construction of terminals, hangars, maintenance bases, training centers, and corporate offices.
Coordinate with architects, engineers, and construction managers to deliver facilities on time and within budget.
Develop and maintain a facility master plan supporting route expansion and operational efficiency.
Ensure all facilities support safety, security, and passenger experience goals consistent with Part 121 standards.
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight
Collaborate with FAA, TSA, and airport operations to ensure regulatory compliance.
Manage environmental and permitting processes including NEPA, zoning, and building codes.
Maintain accurate site plans and documentation required for audits and certifications.
Stakeholder Relations & Negotiations
Serve as primary liaison with airport property offices, port authorities, and local governments.
Represent Magnifica Air in airport board meetings, tenant councils, and infrastructure planning discussions.
Maintain relationships with FBOs, fuel providers, and ground‑handling vendors.
Design and oversee communication workflows after start of operations to ensure visibility into airport construction and regulatory issues, including noise abatement.
Financial & Strategic Management
Develop and oversee the real estate and facilities capital budget.
Manage budget to +/- 5%.
Build ROI‑driven business cases for new facilities or lease expansions.
Track facility costs and optimize lease portfolios to improve financial performance.
Support executive leadership in network and hub planning.
Maintenance & Facilities Operations
Coordinate with VP Tech Ops to assist in the oversight of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) for all owned or leased facilities.
Implement GSE preventive maintenance programs to ensure safety, reliability, and asset preservation.
In coordination with the Directors of Safety and Security, ensure compliance of all facilities with security, OSHA, fire, and airport safety regulations.
Hire, train, and lead facilities project management staff.
In coordination with the VP of Guest Service, select and manage consultants, contractors, and service providers.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
Base Station Start‑Up & Equipment Procurement Base Station Start‑Up
Assist and lead all real estate, facilities, and operational readiness activities for each new base start‑up.
Develop a repeatable process and template to ensure a timely entry into service of any facility related to a new base. This should include square footage standards for each department based on number of departures anticipated.
Secure required space (gates, ticket counters, crew rooms, operations offices, ramp areas) in partnership with airport authorities.
Oversee build‑out, installation, and activation of base facilities to ensure operational readiness.
Coordinate cross‑functionally with Flight Ops, Inflight, Tech Ops, Ground Ops, IT, and People teams to ensure seamless base activation.
Establish opening‑day critical path timelines and manage execution across internal and external stakeholders.
Procurement of GSE & Facility Equipment for Each Base
Oversee procurement of all Ground Support Equipment (GSE) required for each new and existing station.
Define equipment requirements based on reliability, operational needs, safety standards, and fleet specifications.
Develop sourcing, maintenance, and standardization strategies for GSE and other base‑required equipment.
Lead vendor selection, negotiate pricing and service terms, and manage purchasing, delivery, and onsite commissioning.
Ensure all equipment meets regulatory, operational, and safety standards.
Manage asset tracking, warranty compliance, inventory, and lifecycle planning for GSE and station equipment.
Preferred Background
10+ years in airport property management, aviation real estate, or airline facilities operations.
Experience negotiating airport leases or development agreements.
Strong understanding of FAA/TSA regulations, airport planning, and capital project management.
Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage complex stakeholder environments.
Airport property acquisition strategy
Airline facility master plan
Lease and development contract templates
Capital improvement program (CIP) for airline infrastructure
Base station start‑up playbook
Standardized GSE procurement and deployment guide
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Real Estate, Aviation Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field, preferred.
7–10 years of experience in airport property management, aviation real estate, or facilities development.
Proven experience negotiating airport lease agreements and working with airport or government agencies.
Experience in planning, design, and construction oversight of aviation or transportation facilities.
Experience with FAA Part 139 and Part 121 environments preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Deep knowledge of airport real estate practices and FAA operating regulations.
Strong budgeting, capital planning, and financial analysis skills.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
Ability to manage multiple large‑scale projects simultaneously.
Proficiency in MS Office and project management tools; AutoCAD familiarity preferred.
Strong leadership and team development capability.
Ability to travel domestically as needed.
Magnifica Air is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Business Development and Sales
Industries
Airlines and Aviation
#J-18808-Ljbffr