Five reasons to study International Airline and Airport Management BSc
Calling all aspiring aviation high flyers! Our International Airline and Airport Management (IAAM) BSc is just for you if you want your career to take off in the aviation sector. Explore the top five reasons why you should choose the University of Surrey for your airline and airport undergraduate degree.
1. Give yourself a competitive advantage in today’s international job market
The fast-evolving aviation industry needs graduates with a strong understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of aviation management who will become future leaders in airline and airport management.
With nearly 60 years’ experience, the University of Surrey regularly tops global rankings for hospitality, travel and tourism. On this new and exciting course, you’ll dive into the future of travel with a curriculum that explores digital innovation, data analytics, artificial intelligence in aviation and space tourism.
Our programme incorporates cutting-edge topics ensuring you’ll graduate prepared for the future of the industry.
You’ll also be able to enhance your employability through the University’s award-winning Professional Training placements, gaining real-world experience in the aviation sector.
2. Friendly and active student community
You’ll be based with other Surrey Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM) students, and you’ll find SHTM is a friendly, dynamic and inspiring place to be. There will be plenty of opportunities to apply your knowledge, from discussions to field trips to airports and airline training centres, as well as contributing to student-led activities.
Our campus is a hub of cultural vibrancy and we host events, high-profile guest speakers and offer volunteering opportunities. This allows you to immerse yourself in a global community and apply your learning in real-world settings. These experiences not only complement your academic studies but also prepare you for a successful career.
The fun Tourism, Hospitality and Events (THE) Society will open its doors to you for unparalleled access to industry professionals and the chance to attend a bespoke careers fair at SHTM.
3. Impressive guest speakers
We continuously bring in senior industry executives who are at CEO or vice president levels to give guest lectures to our students. Recent speakers include:
- Rob Britton, former Managing Director for Marketing at American Airlines,
- Professor Rigas Doganis, Air Transport Adviser to the European Commmission, the UN and the World Bank,
- Mark Breen (CEO of Oneiros Aerospace; ex CEO of Fly A Deal; ex COO of Oman Air; ex COO of Cebu Pacific)
- Sophie Dekkers, Chief Commercial Officer at easyJet.
4. Strong industry links
We are situated halfway between London Heathrow and London Gatwick, airports which serve over 120 global airlines. This allows us to develop outstanding links to the industry.
As part of your studies, you will undertake safety and emergency training at the TAG Aviation training facility at Farnborough Airport, equipping you with essential practical skills and industry-standard knowledge.
You’ll get complimentary student affiliate membership to the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) that give you access to its careers service, exclusive events and volunteering opportunities. You'll be able to participate in the World Travel Market and the ITT Future You event, platforms that offer invaluable industry insights and networking opportunities.
You’ll have access to three subscriber-databases which are used extensively by the industry:
- Cirium: a depository of daily news items from all around the world and considered to be the global leader in aviation data and analytics.
- OAG database: an in-depth insight into airline and airport data including flight frequency and capacity trends, flight statistics data by route, and airport performance.
- Sabre Market Intelligence: a robust market intelligence tool providing up-to-date and accurate traffic demand and fare data. Sabre helps in devising effective air service development strategies, building business cases and improving demand forecasts.
Our innovative BSc equips you to address the evolving needs of the aviation sector by giving you the skills required to navigate the complexities of modern airline and airport operations. I am passionate about training the next generation of aviation professionals so that we can ensure the aviation and travel industry adapts to emerging trends and challenges.
Dr Nadine Itani, Air Transport Managment Lead5. Expert teaching
Dr Nadine Itani, Air Transport Managment Lead, is an expert in air transport management and has vast industry experience. She has delivered aviation projects across the Middle East and Africa for the UN International Civil Aviation Organization, specialising in aviation policy, competitive strategies, and capacity building. Nadine is also a member of the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots, and was recently named most recognised women in aviation at the annual Airport Show in Dubai.
Nadine will be supported by a team of experts with a breadth of experience of the airline, aviation and aerospace industries.
If you want to fly even higher, this degree leads to our specialist postgraduate pathway: our MSc in Air Transport Management.
Remember – the best way to find out about all the exciting activities happening in SHTM is to follow us on our student-led Instagram!
