module specification

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles underpinning airline and airport operations. It critically examines the breadth of operational activities within both sectors and analyses the key challenges they encounter. Emphasis is placed on understanding how these challenges are managed within the constraints imposed by regulatory frameworks and economic pressures. 

You will develop a foundational knowledge of airline certification processes, airspace regulations, cost structures, and issues affecting airline profitability. The module also explores the intricate operational requirements necessary for the successful execution of a flight, from origin to destination. Furthermore, it investigates the complex network of interrelationships among various industry stakeholders, highlighting their respective roles and contributions. 

The module further offers a detailed overview of core airport management functions essential to the integrated and efficient performance of the wider aviation system. 

In its second component, the module focuses on contemporary management challenges faced by airport operators. Topics include governance models, organisational structures, and regulatory environments. The discussion situates airport management within the broader context of global aviation development, with particular attention given to the distinctions between publicly and privately operated airports, as well as hybrid models that occupy positions along this spectrum. 

Government and Economic restrictions in Airline Operations (Including freedoms of the air) LO1;LO2;LO3;LO4
 
Requirements for an airline to be granted an AOC (Air Operator Certificate)  
Organisational structures of airlines (Including costs, profit and yield) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
 
Airline operations including the role of dispatcher, maintenance personnel and other operational personnel LO1
 
Airline operations including: Stakeholders and their relationship in the Airline Operation process: carriage of dangerous goods, airline ticketing, passenger handling, cargo/baggage handling/dispatching/fuelling/catering, aircraft fleet/acquisition, aircraft maintenance, in-flight services etc.  LO1
 
The features of airports for operational design and efficiency LO4
 
Airport layouts and features for aircraft operations and signage LO3
 
Airport competition and the role of marketing in developing airport catchment 
areas LO3
 
The airline and airport relationships and key stakeholders LO3
 
Airport service quality benchmarks and key performance indicators LO4
 
The airport passenger experience LO4
 
Cargo Operations from airline and airport perspectives LO4

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. 
The assessment strategy will be based on two elements including a pod cast group assessment or a group presentation, and an individual piece of coursework: A group assessment will be delivered via a 15-minute podcast (or equivalent media solution) / or PowerPoint presentation.  
 
Students are required to discuss all relevant aspects of Government influence, economic performance and regulation/ legislation of the airline and airport industry (national and international requirements).  

The individual piece of coursework requires the students to look into the different airline and airport stakeholders whilst also assessing viable business opportunities for future revenue growth. Students can select an airline to complete a full stakeholder analysis and define the required relationships based on the stakeholder positioning within the framework.

At the end of this module, students will be able to: 

LO1: Discuss the government, economic and regulatory frameworks that influence airline and airport operations, including organisational structures and core activities. 

LO2: Identify and describe the roles and interrelationships of key stakeholders in the aviation industry including airlines, airports, ground handlers and maintenance organisations.  

LO3 Assess the key components of the aviation system that enable the efficient integration of airline and airport operations and ensure public accessibility. 

LO4 Describe the business approaches used by airlines and airports globally including their general strategies and operational practices.  

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/D9A39B43-3E42-F1C0-BF6C-254A56720E9B.html

Core reading list - Airlines

Cheng-Lung Wu (2010). Airline operations and delay management: insights from airline economics, networks, and strategic schedule planning. Ashgate. Farnham. ISBN 9780754691907
Gerald N. Cook, Bruce Billig 2017). Airline Operations and Management. Routledge
Online Sources IATA (International Air Transport Association): https://www.iata.org/ ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organistaion): https://en-gb.facebook.com/InternationalCivilAviationOrganization/
Core Reading list - Airport
1) Flouris, Trinat G Sharon L. Oswald (2006). Designing and executing strategy in aviation management. Aldershot: Ashgate.
2)  Thomas C. Lawton. (2016). Strategic Management in Aviation: Critical Essays. London: Routledge.

Alternative Core
1) Budd L. and Ison, S. (2016). Air Transport Management: An international perspective. Routledge.
2) Doganis, R. (2005) The Airline Business, London and New York: Routledge
Online Sources
IATA (International Air Transport Association): https://www.iata.org/
ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organistaion): https://en-gb.facebook.com/InternationalCivilAviationOrganization/
UNWTO (United Nation World Tourism Organisation): https://www.unwto.org/