DCAA is seeking a Head of Aviation Economics Section in Dubai to lead and manage aviation economic data collection, validation, and analysis, develop forecasting models and economic impact assessments, and produce evidence-based insights supporting sector planning, investment decisions, and sustainable aviation growth. This role safeguards the quality and strategic relevance of the section’s economic intelligence and strengthens DCAA’s role as a data-driven regulator and aviation sector enabler.
About DCAA – Dubai’s Aviation Regulator
Mandate: Regulatory oversight and economic intelligence for Dubai’s civil aviation sector
Strategic Role: Data-driven decision support for sector planning and investment
Stakeholder Network: Coordination with GCAA, Dubai Airports, Dubai Statistics Centre, and airlines
Policy Impact: Analytical foundation for Dubai’s aviation economic agenda and strategy
Sector Reach: Supports Dubai’s position as a regional and global aviation hub
Career Impact & Leadership Opportunity
Strategic Location: Dubai — a global aviation, trade, and tourism hub
Leadership Scope: Lead the Aviation Economics Section and shape sector-wide economic intelligence
Cross-Government Exposure: Work with GCAA, Dubai Airports, Department of Economy and Tourism
Career Growth: Influence policy-ready analysis at the heart of Dubai’s aviation economic agenda
Position Overview
This Head, Aviation Economics Section role leads the collection, validation, and analysis of aviation economic data, directs forecasting models and economic impact assessments, and produces decision-ready insights that support sector planning, investment decisions, and sustainable aviation growth in Dubai. You will oversee the section’s economic intelligence outputs, ensure alignment with Dubai’s economic agenda, and strengthen DCAA’s capacity as an informed, data-driven aviation regulator and sector enabler.
Why This Role Matters: As Head of Aviation Economics Section at DCAA, you shape economic intelligence that informs Dubai’s aviation sector planning, direct forecasting models covering fuel prices, market conditions, and demand cycles, lead economic impact assessments on major regulatory and investment decisions, coordinate with GCAA, Dubai Airports, and Dubai Statistics Centre on sector data, and build a senior leadership career at the core of Dubai’s aviation economic agenda.
Key Responsibilities
Aviation Economic Data Collection & Governance
- Lead collection, validation, and quality assurance of aviation economic data — passenger traffic, cargo, revenues, trade indicators, and growth metrics
- Establish robust data governance practices for accuracy, consistency, and reliability across internal and regulatory reporting
Economic Analysis & Forecasting
- Direct analysis of aviation economic data to assess sector performance and aviation’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP
- Develop and maintain forecasting models covering fuel prices, market conditions, customs policies, and demand cycles
- Produce scenario-based projections supporting planning, regulatory positioning, and contingency decisions
Impact Assessment & Investment Support
- Conduct structured economic impact assessments of regulatory changes, market shifts, and major investment proposals
- Support investment and expansion decisions through economic assessments, benchmarks, and growth opportunity analyses
- Coordinate with the Department of Economy and Tourism on aviation’s contribution to tourism and trade
Research, Policy & Stakeholder Coordination
- Lead aviation economic research with universities and institutions, translating findings into practical recommendations
- Coordinate with GCAA, Dubai Airports, Dubai Statistics Centre, and airlines on data exchange and methodology alignment
- Ensure economic outputs align with Dubai’s economic agenda, Dubai Strategy, and DCAA regulatory frameworks
Section Leadership & Administration
- Prepare and implement the section’s operational plan per DCAA’s strategic planning guide
- Lead team capability development, set performance objectives, and drive analytical rigour and continuous improvement
- Coordinate resource and budget requirements in alignment with sector priorities and institutional governance
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Aviation Management, Aviation Business, Finance, Statistics, Business Administration, Public Policy, or related field
- Master’s degree in Economics, Aviation Economics, MBA, Public Policy, or Finance is preferred
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 11+ years of progressive experience in aviation economics, economic analysis, financial modelling, or statistical analysis with a Bachelor’s degree; or 9+ years with a Master’s degree
- Demonstrated experience in economic data analysis, forecasting, and performance reporting within aviation or a regulated industry
- Experience developing economic models, conducting impact assessments, and translating findings into strategic recommendations
- At least 4 years in a managerial or supervisory role leading analytical teams
Preferred Certifications
- Aviation Economics or Aviation Management (IATA, ICAO, or equivalent)
- Business Data Analytics or Economic Modelling; Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) or equivalent
- Financial Modelling, Advanced Statistical Analysis, Research Methodology and Forecasting Techniques
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) is an advantage
About DCAA
The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) oversees regulatory and economic functions supporting Dubai’s civil aviation sector, working closely with GCAA, Dubai Airports, Dubai Statistics Centre, and airline operators to build evidence-based, policy-ready economic intelligence. As Dubai strengthens its position as a global aviation, trade, and tourism hub, DCAA’s Aviation Economics Section plays a central role in shaping sector planning, investment decisions, and regulatory positioning through robust data governance and forecasting.
Career Excellence: Lead economic intelligence for one of the world’s most strategically important aviation markets.
Who Should Apply?
- Senior Aviation Economists: With forecasting and economic impact assessment experience
- Economic Analysis Managers: From aviation, transport, or regulated-industry backgrounds
- Financial Modelling Specialists: Seeking a leadership role in sector economic intelligence
- Aviation Policy Professionals: With cross-government stakeholder coordination experience
- Data Analytics Leaders: With a track record managing analytical teams and reporting functions
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