IATA Air Transport Fundamentals

This course will provide you with an overview of the air transportation system that illustrates the interdependence among its components: airlines, airports, civil aviation authorities and air navigation services.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course you will be able to

• Apply your knowledge and skills in the aviation industry and make more effective decisions for your organization
• Become a more valuable employee or potential employee by having a thorough knowledge of the air transport industry, its function and role
• Provide insight into current trends and issues in civil aviation, such as aviation safety and security, law and new technology
• Build or refresh management and leadership skills
• Respond to management challenges effectively

Key topics

• Overview of the air transport system
• Aviation law
• Role and function of world aviation organizations
• Role and function of civil aviation authorities (CAAs)
• Role and function of airlines
• Role and function of airports
• Role and function of air navigation service (ANS) providers
• Impact of technology on air transportation
• The future of air transportation

Course format

This course requires approximately 45 hours of study to be completed in 12 months from the purchase date (enrollment validity). After the enrollment validity expires, the users will not have access to the course content and will not be able to take the exam. Student performance will be based on an examination.

Exam information

Online exam with remote supervision. You will be given 3 hours to complete 100 multiple choice questions (closed text book). Passing grade is 60 correct answers; 90% correct answers are needed for a distinction. You will be given 2 attempts to successfully complete the final exam.

Table of contents

• Overview of the Air Transport System:
• System Components and World Aviation Organizations
• Airlines and Airports
• Air Navigation Services and Civil Aviation Authorities
• Aviation Law
• International Conventions and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• Annexes to the Chicago Convention
• Aviation Safety and Security
• Freedoms of the Air
• International Air Law: Liability
• Role and Function of Civil Aviation Authorities:
• CAA and International Relations
• Civil Aviation Master Planning
• Economic Regulation of Air Transport
• Safety Oversight, System Safety and Accident Investigations
• Role and Function of Airlines
• Overview of Airline Systems
• Air Carrier Certification
• Ground Handling, Load Control and Delays
• Airplane Route, Type Selection, Schedules and Planning
• Operations Control
• Role and Function of Airports
• The Airport Industry and Ownership Models
• Airport Charges and Airport Master Planning
• Airport Certification
• Facilitation, Security and Noise Management
• Role and Functions of Air Navigation Service (ANS) Providers
• Airspace Structure, Air Traffic Services and Airplane Performance
• Navigation Aids and Communications
• Navigation Charges, Flow Management and Future Air Navigation Systems (FANS) The Impact of Technology on Air Transportation
• Extended Range Twin Engine Operations (ETOPS) and Ultra Long Range Operations (ULRO)
• Security Systems
• Computer Reservation Systems, Airline Alliances and Code Sharing
• Training and Simulators
• The Future of Air Transport
• Economic Regulation and Privatization
• Capacity and Environmental Issues
• New Aircraft Technology, Safety and Security

• Students and graduates in tourism (bachelor + master) 
• Junior-level managers in all fields of aviation
• Managers entering the aviation industry

Self-study

The Covid period has taught us how comfortable it can be to work from home and we are happy to build on this momentum. So no travelling, taking leave or endless evenings attending classes: the IATA course is offered to you completely online. This allows you to learn the course at your own pace and rhythm, wherever and whenever you want. No group lessons are organised, either physically or online. For any practical questions, you can of course always contact us.  Good to know: the courses are very clearly structured, which makes self-study much easier. After each theoretical chapter, you immediately get the chance to put this into practice by simulating your chosen GDS. All learning material is described in great detail and each chapter ends with numerous repetitions.

Start

You start whenever you wish and choose your own exam time. Note: from the moment you are enrolled, you have one year for all this. Keep that deadline in mind!

Exam

IATA provides 6 exam moments per year specifically: in January, March, May, July, September and November. Usually, the exam is scheduled in the last week of these months and always takes place digitally. This can be done at our Mechelen campus or from home.

Cost price

The cost price varies per course. Under 'how to register' you will find the link to register online. When you do this, you will get the overview of the prices of the different courses.
Thomas More students and Thomas More alumni (max 2 years after graduation) enjoy a discount. This has already been taken into account in the registration link.  Each time, you can opt for an e-book or for a printed version, in which case shipping costs will be charged. The price also includes 2 exam moments each time.