Module: Aviation Business Management

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Aviation Business Management
Module Code	MNA1097 (ITS: MT327)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module examines aviation businesses and spans both airlines and non airline aviation organisations. The module analyses the organisational structures of different aviation organisations in the sector. An aim of the module is to provide students with management skills and techniques applicable to the aviation industry and in doing so both aviation tactical and strategic/corporate management techniques are analysed.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the structure of aviation entities and assess the management practices applicable to different organisations.
2. Discuss the aviation business environment and the range of business models used by aviation entities, including key considerations in long-range strategic planning.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of planning and budgeting processes relevant to aviation entities, including annual financial decision-making.
4. Illustrate the components of the revenue pipeline within aviation entities, including product design and availability, pricing and revenue management, marketing and distribution, and service delivery.
5. Discuss key developments and current issues affecting the global aviation business, with reference to their implications for aviation entities.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Outline of theory and practical elements of aviation management
Independent Study	42	Exam preparation
Directed learning	56	Preparation for and follow up after class - including reading
Independent Study	80	Reading, problem solving and library work
Assignment Completion	50	Research, data collection and write up of assignments
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	20743	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Eric Njoya	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Students are required to produce a proposal for a new start-up airline in the form of a report	70%	n/a
In Class Test	The core knowledge for this piece of assessment relates to the Strategic Management topics of Strategic Analysis, The Strategy Process, Organisational Structure and Corporate Social Responsibility.	30%	n/a

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

Introduction & General Management
Introduces core management concepts and their relevance to aviation entities, including managerial roles and decision-making.

Business Environment & Market Outlook
Examines the external business environment affecting aviation entities, including economic, regulatory, competitive, and technological factors, and assesses their implications for industry performance and future outlook.

Airline & Airport Organisation
Explores the organisational structures of airlines and airports, including governance arrangements, ownership models, and internal coordination between operational and commercial functions.

Airline Business Models & Strategy
Analyses different airline business models and strategic approaches, focusing on how airlines position themselves in the market and respond to competitive and environmental pressures.

Airline Pricing & Revenue Management
ntroduces the principles of airline pricing and revenue management, including fare structures, demand management, capacity control, and their role in maximising revenue.

Airline–Airport Relationship Management
Examines the commercial and operational relationships between airlines and airports, including contracting, incentives, capacity coordination, and areas of conflict and cooperation.

Airline Marketing & Distribution
Explores airline marketing strategies and distribution channels, including branding, customer segmentation, digital platforms, intermediaries, and sales strategies.

Airport Marketing & Distribution
Analyses airport marketing approaches, focusing on route development, airline attraction strategies, passenger and non-aeronautical revenue generation, and stakeholder engagement.

Airport Governance, Investment & Finance
Examines airport governance structures, funding models, investment decision-making, and financial management, including public vs private ownership and infrastructure financing.

Airport Performance Management
Introduces methods for assessing airport performance, including operational efficiency, financial performance, service quality, and sustainability considerations.

International Air Transport Policy and Management
Explores the international regulatory and policy framework governing air transport, including bilateral and multilateral agreements, liberalisation, and their implications for airlines and airports.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

0: Wensveen, J. 2011, Air Transportation. A Management Perspective, 7 Ed., Ashgate Publishing, 1725339
0: Oâ€™Connell, J. & Williams, G. 2011, Air Transport in the 21st Century. Key Strategic Developments, Ashgate Publishing, 1725340
0: Doganis, R. 2006, The Airline Business, 2 Ed., Routledge London., 1725341
0: Shaw, S. 2007, Airline Marketing and Management, 6 Ed., Ashgate Publishing, 1725342
0: Rhoades, D.L. 2008, Evolution of International Aviation, 2 Ed., Ashgate Publishing,

Articles:

0: Various business articles and case studies may be circulated or mentioned in class helping to apply each week's material to current industry trends,

Other Resources

1: website, CAPA, centre for aviation,
419979: 1, website, Air transport world, Air transport world,
http://atwonline.com:

At the moment, the text is silent on the programme in which the module is delivered, and the assessment page has the two assessments but does not seem to add these up to 100% I will see if I can find out how to correct these points. Cathal