OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Course image
edX logo

Introduction to air transportation and aviation management

5.0 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star
Based on 1 rating
see reviews
Dr. Kam Ng

Aviation is essential for global business as it supports worldwide travelling and cargo transportation. Before COVID-19, the economic benefits generated by the industry across countries showed a growing trend.

This course is aimed to provide learners with a broad understanding of airport services in different phases in terms of design and engineering. Learners will receive basic knowledge of how an airport operates. Key topics include the future perspective of air traffic control, air traffic flow management, airport management, facility planning, airport terminal design for the post-pandemic world and ground services.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • • identify mandatory airworthiness requirements and roles of civil aviation organisation.
  • • have the basic knowledge of how an airport is operating.
  • • understand how to review performance and make judgements based on numerical results.
  • • apply techniques to optimise the airport operations costs and efficiency.
  • • understand the concept of sustainable air traffic management.

Syllabus

Module 1: Aviation "today" and in the old days
• Discuss the projection of the air transport demand, recovery strategy under the impact of COVID-19 and aviation history
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for learners who are new to the field of international air transport and airport management
Dr. Kam Ng is an experienced aviation professional with over 30 years of experience
Covers the basics of airport operations, including air traffic control, air traffic flow management, and airport management
Provides a comprehensive overview of the future of air traffic control and air traffic flow management
May be of interest to professionals who are looking to update their knowledge of airport management
May require additional resources for learners who are looking for a more in-depth understanding of the field

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Foundational aviation overview

According to the course design, learners can expect a broad introductory overview of air transportation and aviation management. It aims to provide a solid foundational understanding of airport operations, regulatory bodies, and airline management, with timely insights into post-pandemic terminal design. While comprehensive in scope for beginners, its introductory nature may suggest it does not delve into advanced practical applications, serving primarily as a starting point for further specialization.
Incorporates contemporary challenges and industry trends.
"I appreciate the mention of post-pandemic world in terminal design."
"I expect to learn about current trends like sustainable air traffic management."
"The course seems updated with recovery strategies under COVID-19 impact."
Covers core aspects of aviation business and day-to-day functions.
"I expect to learn about airline business models and airport management principles."
"The course outlines key operational areas like air traffic control and ground services."
"I anticipate insights into facility planning and air traffic flow management."
Structured to suit those new to the aviation industry.
"I imagine this course is perfect for learners with no prior aviation background."
"As a beginner, I expect to grasp the fundamental concepts easily."
"I anticipate this will be a strong starting point for my career interest in aviation."
Provides a wide-ranging, introductory understanding.
"I expect to gain a broad understanding of airport services and how an airport operates."
"The syllabus suggests a comprehensive overview, from history to modern management."
"I anticipate acquiring basic knowledge of key principles in air transportation operations."
Being an introduction, it may not cover advanced topics extensively.
"I understand that as an 'introduction,' it might not delve deeply into complex engineering."
"I anticipate it will provide a high-level view rather than highly specialized knowledge."
"For those with existing knowledge, I wonder if the content might feel too basic."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to air transportation and aviation management with these activities:
Review Aviation Basics
Reinforce your understanding of basic aviation concepts to enhance your comprehension of the course content.
Browse courses on Aviation
Show steps
  • Review the history and evolution of aviation.
  • Study the principles of aerodynamics and flight.
  • Refresh your knowledge of aircraft systems and operations.
Study Aviation Management Basics
Review basic aviation management concepts to ensure a solid understanding of course content.
Show steps
  • Define aviation management and its key principles.
  • Review the different types of aviation organizations and their roles.
  • Study the regulatory environment for aviation and its impact on management.
Peer Mentoring: Airport Management
Share your knowledge and support fellow learners by participating in peer mentoring sessions.
Show steps
  • Offer assistance and guidance to other learners in the course.
  • Participate in online forums and discussion groups to answer questions and share insights.
  • Provide feedback and support to peers on their assignments and projects.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Airport Systems: Design, Planning, and Management
Gain comprehensive knowledge of airport systems and their management practices through a thorough book review.
View Airport Systems, Second Edition: Planning,... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read and summarize key chapters on airport design, planning, and management.
  • Analyze case studies and real-world examples of airport systems.
  • Participate in online discussions to share insights and perspectives.
Airport Design and Optimization Workshop
Attend a workshop to gain practical insights into airport design principles and best practices.
Browse courses on Airport Design
Show steps
  • Participate in group discussions on airport design challenges and solutions.
  • Learn about cutting-edge technologies and innovations in airport design.
  • Work on a team project to design an optimized airport layout.
Air Traffic Control Simulation Project
Develop a simulation project to apply and demonstrate your understanding of air traffic control principles.
Browse courses on Air Traffic Control
Show steps
  • Design and code an air traffic control simulation using a programming language.
  • Simulate realistic air traffic scenarios and analyze the performance of different control strategies.
  • Present your project and findings to the class for feedback and discussion.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to air transportation and aviation management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Airline Operations Manager
An Airline Operations Manager position would be a great fit for those who have taken this course. The course's topics in forecasting air transport demand, the operation of airlines, and flight operations will all help one succeed in this position.
See salaries and explore the career path for Airline Operations Manager
Airport Planner
This course is highly relevant to the role of an Airport Planner. Airport Planners will make use of the knowledge in airport planning, airspace management and terminal design from this course in their day-to-day responsibilities.
See salaries and explore the career path for Airport Planner
Air Traffic Controller
This course prepares learners for a role as an Air Traffic Controller. The course goes into depth on air traffic management and control, which is essential to being successful in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Air Traffic Controller
Airport Manager
An Airport Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of an airport. This course delves into key airport operational areas such as planning, operations management, and air traffic flow management. This course may be helpful for one seeking this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Airport Manager
Flight Dispatcher
This course is an excellent fit for those who want to become Flight Dispatchers. The course materials on flight operations, air traffic flow management, and airspace management will provide valuable knowledge for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Flight Dispatcher
Aviation Safety Inspector
An Aviation Safety Inspector would benefit from taking this course. The topics in airport operations, regulations, and airworthiness requirements will all be of use in this position.
See salaries and explore the career path for Aviation Safety Inspector
Airline Pilot
The course materials in flight operations and regulations would be helpful to an aspiring Airline Pilot. The course will provide an introduction to the operations of an airline and enhance foundational knowledge of regulatory compliance within the industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Airline Pilot
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
This course may be a good option for those seeking to become Aircraft Maintenance Engineers. The lessons on airworthiness requirements and civil aviation regulations will be a good foundation for this position.
See salaries and explore the career path for Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Ground Service Agent
This course might be of some value to those interested in Ground Service Agent positions. The content on ground services may be beneficial, but other course topics are not as directly related to the day-to-day responsibilities of this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ground Service Agent
Baggage Handler
This course may be of some use to those seeking a role as a Baggage Handler, but other courses would be a better option. The course does have content on ground services, which would be of use to someone in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Baggage Handler
Ramp Agent
This course may be of some use to those aiming for a Ramp Agent position. While ramp operations are not a direct focus of the course, there is some overlap with other topics such as ground services that will be useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ramp Agent
Cargo Agent
A Cargo Agent may derive some benefit from the topics in this course on global cargo transportation and airport operations. However, the course does not delve as deeply into these areas as other courses that would be a better choice.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cargo Agent
Customer Service Agent
This course does not have as much content directly related to the responsibilities of a Customer Service Agent. While the materials on airport operations may be somewhat useful, other courses would be a better option.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Agent
Security Officer
The course content in this course is not as related to the day-to-day tasks of a Security Officer. There is no course content that focuses on security of airport operations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Officer
Cabin Crew Member
This course does not cover topics that are relevant to the daily responsibilities of a Cabin Crew Member. There is no content on in-flight service, safety protocols, or customer relations management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cabin Crew Member

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to air transportation and aviation management.
Cover image
Flying Off Course
Save
The Economics of Air Transport provides a comprehensive examination of the economic principles applied in the air transportation industry. Students will gain a better understanding of the economic factors influencing airline performance.
Flying Off Course: Airline Economics and Marketing
Paperback
$$$
Flying Off Course: The Economics of International...
Paperback
$$$
Flying Off Course Third Edition
Paperback
$$
Flying Off Course: Airline Economics and Marketing
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
A Career in Air Traffic Control, 3rd Edition
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to air traffic control, including its history, principles, and operations. Complements the course's coverage of air traffic control and flow management.
A Career in Air Traffic Control, 3rd Edition
Paperback
Check
A Career in Air Traffic Control, 3rd Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Airport Systems, Second Edition
Save
Provides a more in-depth look at airport systems, focusing on planning, design, and management aspects such as capacity planning and airspace utilization.
Airport Systems, Second Edition: Planning, Design...
Hardcover
$$$
Airport Systems, Second Edition: Planning, Design...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Air Transportation
Save
Provides an overview of the global airline industry, covering topics such as airline competition, regulation, and financial performance. Complements the course's discussion of airline management and industry trends.
Air Transportation
Paperback
Check
Air Transportation
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Design and Implementation of Sensory Solutions for...
Save
Takes a scientific approach to studying air transportation, examining factors such as efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
Design and Implementation of Sensory Solutions for...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Time and Navigation
Save
Offers insights into the potential future of aviation, exploring technological advancements and industry trends.
Time and Navigation: The Untold Story of Getting...
Hardcover
$$
Airport Handling Manual
Save
Provides practical guidance for ground operations at airports, addressing topics such as baggage handling, fueling, and safety procedures.
Airport Handling Manual
Paperback
Check
Airport Handling Manual
Kindle Edition
Check

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are eight courses similar to Introduction to air transportation and aviation management.
Airside Facility Planning
Most relevant
Basics of Flight
Most relevant
Aviation: Aircraft Ground Support Equipment
Most relevant
Aviation Meteorology: Airport Weather
Most relevant
Introduction to Virtual Aviation
Most relevant
Aerospace Engineering: Airplanes, Airlines and Airports
Most relevant
Learn Radio Communication for Pilots
Most relevant
SMS in Aviation: Risk Management, Safety, and Security
Most relevant

edX Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

World-Class University Partner
Free Trial & Audit

Free Audit Track Available

Free audit track available for most courses, giving open access to video lectures, course readings, and assignments at no charge.

Return & Refund Policy

14-Day Full Refund Window

14-day full refund available up to 14 days after course start or 14 days after payment (whichever comes second, up to 6 months max), provided verified certificate has not yet been earned.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

University-backed credentials authored by elite institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Oxford, with tamper-proof certificate verification.

Key Purchase Protections
Free audit track for open learning access
14-day money-back guarantee on verified certificates
Prestigious university credentials (Harvard, MIT)
Automatic unenrollment refund process via dashboard
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
5.0 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star
Effort
6 to 8 hours per week for 8 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Instructor
Dr. Kam Ng
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Suitable for learners who are new to the field of international air transport and airport management
Dr. Kam Ng is an experienced aviation professional with over 30 years of experience
Covers the basics of airport operations, including air traffic control, air traffic flow management, and airport management
Provides a comprehensive overview of the future of air traffic control and air traffic flow management
May be of interest to professionals who are looking to update their knowledge of airport management
May require additional resources for learners who are looking for a more in-depth understanding of the field
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to Introduction to air transportation and aviation management.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser