module specification

The module introduces the key themes and understanding for airport planning and development which is a complex agenda that requires strategic over-sight.  Airports are unique businesses that have many stakeholders and uniquely require local support as well as government support to succeed. They also have a unique relationship with airlines as they are symbiotic operators with airlines
The module aims for students to be able to:
1. An understanding of the context for airport planning and development
2. The role of master planning and reasons for this process
3. The importance of stakeholders in the aviation airport planning process

NONE

Airline industry outlook:

LO1
•  Airport within the context of national and international aviation system         
• Different types of airports – airport roles
• Airports as a function of catchment areas for air travel
• Airport characteristics – hub, regional and local airports
• Airport passenger forecasting techniques

LO2
• The airport planning process – what is an airport master plan                        
• What are the features of master plans?
• Concepts used in master plans
• Stakeholders in airport master plans

LO3
• Case studies in airport development and master plans                                    
• The environmental factors for airport development
• Success factors for airport planning

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.

At the end of this module, students will be able to:
1.    Evaluate the key drivers of airport development and how airports fit into a national airport system (LO1)
2.    Assess the nature of airport master plans and how they are developed in a timely manner (LO2)
3.    Evaluate the success factors in excellent airport master planning (LO3).

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/5B731E1D-A9FD-F4A8-55F1-01DB7F7ADBAF.html

Essential reading:

Graham, A. (2023) Managing Airports: An International Perspective, (6th ed.). Abingdon: Routledge

Recommended readings:

Budd, L. and Ison, S. (2020) (Eds.). Air Transport Management : An International Perspective. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge

Doganis, R. (2006) The Airport Business (2nd ed.). Abingdon: Routledge.

Johnson G., Whittington, R., Scholes, K., Angwin, D., Regnar, P.  (2015) Fundamentals of Strategy, (3nd ed.). Harlow: Pearson Education Limited

Prather, C.D. & Steele, R.N. (2015) Airport Management, Aviation Supplies and Academics, Inc.

Price, J. & Forrest, J. (2016) Practical Airport Operations, Safety, and Emergency Management: Protocols for Today and the Future, Butterworth-Heinemann

Taneja, N. (2014). Designing Future-Oriented Airline Businesses. Farnham: Ashgate.

Wensveen, J. (2015/2016). Air Transportation: a Management Perspective. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.

Young, S. & Wells, A.T. (2011) Airport Planning and Management, (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill

Journals

·      Journal of Airline and Airport Management
·      Journal of Air Transport Management
·      Journal of Air Transportation
·      Journal of Transport Geography
· International Journal of Civil Aviation
· International Journal of Transport Management

Industry bodies examples

CAA  http://www.caa.co.uk/
FAA http://www.faa.gov/
IATA  http://www.iata.org/Pages/default.aspx
ICAO http://www.icao.int/Pages/default.aspx