CA4052 - Airport Management (2026/27)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2026/27 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Airport Management | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Certificate (04) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2026/27(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) | No instances running in the year |
Module summary
This module provides an overview of the key functions of airport management essential for the seamless operation of the global aviation system. Airports play a critical role in processing both air passengers and cargo, ensuring that aviation activities are conducted safely, securely, and efficiently. Airports are multifaceted businesses with diverse responsibilities. They act as landlords, provide core infrastructure such as runways and terminals, host retail environments, and support airline operations. The scale and scope of these activities vary across different types of commercial airports, ranging from small local facilities to regional airports, international gateways, and major global hubs.
The focus of this module is on the management challenges faced by airport operators. These challenges are shaped by differing ownership models, management structures, and regulatory environments. As such, understanding airport management requires consideration of broader trends in the global development of the aviation sector.
One significant trend in recent decades has been the shift towards the privatization of airports. While this movement began in Europe—particularly in the United Kingdom—it has since gained momentum worldwide. Today, airports operate under a variety of ownership models, from fully state-owned to fully privatized, with many falling somewhere in between.
By examining these global developments and varying operational contexts, this module aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the strategic, financial, and regulatory considerations that influence modern airport management.
The module aims to provide students with the ability to:
1. Recognise the strategic importance of airports in supporting regional and national economic development, functioning as vital growth hubs with significant impact on a country's economy.
2. Identify and analyse key components and interfaces involved in effective airport management, including operational, regulatory, and commercial dimensions.
3. Understand and evaluate performance benchmarks used to assess airport efficiency, effectiveness, and competitiveness
4. Examine the factors influencing service quality and gain insight into the passenger experience as a critical aspect of airport operations.
5. Appreciate the commercial role of airports, including the provision of retail, hospitality, and other non-aeronautical revenue-generating services.
6. Assess the dynamics of airport competition and understand the strategic roles of airport marketing and master planning in long-term development.
Prior learning requirements
NONE
Syllabus
The features of airports for operational design and efficiency: LO1
Airport layouts and features for aircraft operations and signage: LO1
Design of airports for public access and transportation options: LO1
How airports work in the context of partnerships with airlines and other stakeholders: LO1
Airport operational efficiency and key attributes of operational efficiency: LO1
The structure of airports which provide the ability for airports to succeed in a competitive de-regulated environment: LO2
The airline and airport relationships and the development of bespoke airports operations that facilitate special airline operations: LO2/3
Airport service quality benchmarks and the evaluation process of service: LO2/3
The airport passenger experience and how airports develop products for enhancing the passenger experience : LO2
The role of airports in the provision of commercial facilities: LO2/3
Airport competition and the role of marketing in developing airport catchment area.: LO2/3
The importance of airport master planning to ensure long term survival: LO2/3
Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity
The formal delivery of teaching and learning for this module will comprise an average of three contact hours per week across 12 teaching weeks, supplemented by additional enrichment weeks throughout the semester. Each week will typically include a two-hour interactive session employing a range of teaching and learning strategies. These include workshops, lectures, guest speakers, case study discussions, panel debates, video analysis, as well as scenario-based activities and real-time simulations. Peer-to-peer learning is embedded within the module, as students collaborate to develop practical solutions and critically assess their impact.
Group work is a core component of the learning experience, encouraging active engagement as students share their knowledge and experience through discussion and collaboration. In addition, a one-hour seminar each week will adopt a more focused, discussion-led approach to explore current themes and emerging trends within the aviation industry. This will be further enriched through input from alumni, who will offer career insights, and guest lecturers who provide industry-specific context.
The module also makes extensive use of interactive learning spaces, supporting dialogue between students and staff, and facilitating access to a range of academic resources, including journal articles, professional websites, and external materials. Active participation in class discussions and debates is encouraged, recognising the diverse professional backgrounds and experiences that students bring to the programme.
Students are expected to prepare in advance for each session by reviewing the module schedule, which will be shared online and summarised by tutors at the end of each lecture. This preparation involves independent research and reading around the weekly themes to enable meaningful contributions to class discussions and Q&A activities.
Opportunities for reflective learning are embedded throughout the module. Students are encouraged to consider their approaches to tasks and discussions, and to reflect on informal feedback received during lectures and in relation to their submitted assessments.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
LO1: Assess the features of airport design that facilitate the seamless operation of
airline
operations and public access.
LO2: Evaluate the business abilities of airports globally in terms of business orientation
and business practices.
LO3: Explain various ways in which airlines can improve their operational performance