Module: Airline Structures & Standards

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Airline Structures & Standards
Module Code	MNA1010 (ITS: MT215)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The module explores how airlines operate, compete, and evolve within a complex global environment. It covers business models, cost and revenue structures, alliances, customer experience, and innovation, enabling students to evaluate key industry indicators and collaborate on real-world airline management challenges.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the structure, functions, and operational models of contemporary airlines, including low-cost, full-service, regional, and hybrid carriers.
2. Discuss the key performance indicators relevant to the airline industry
3. Evaluate the regulatory, economic, and competitive environments in which airlines operate, with emphasis on safety, liberalisation, alliances, and global market dynamics.
4. Assess the role of emerging challenges and initiatives in shaping airline operations, competitiveness, and long-term resilience.
5. Demonstrate effective collaboration and teamwork skills by participating in group activities, jointly solving airline management challenges, and producing shared outputs.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	The Airline Industry: Structure, Standards & Strategies
Directed learning	22	Preparation for class
Assignment Completion	15	Research and construction of set assignmnets
Independent Study	30	Reading, Research and library work
Independent Study	36	Exam preparation
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20059	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	30%	Examination Weight	70%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Marina Efthymiou	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group project	Airline Industry Structure/Standards Project	30%	Sem 2 End
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	70%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Structure and Standards
The module will cover the following concepts and topics: Airline industry overview and Historical development of commercial aviation Airline business models: full-service, low-cost, regional, hybrid Network and capacity strategies by business model Global alliances, joint ventures, and codeshares Value propositions and revenue architecture Ancillary revenue strategies Route development Cost structures and productivity Marketing and customer experience Airline branding and product differentiation Loyalty programmes and customer segmentation Service quality and passenger experience management Technology, innovation, and digitalisation

Indicative Reading List

Books:

John Frankie O'Connell: 2025, The Airline Industry–A Comprehensive Overview: Dynamic Trends and Transformations., Routledge,
John Wensveen: 0, Air transportation: A management perspective, Routledge, 9781351163200

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None