The Aviation Management minor will take you on a journey through the exciting business of aviation: the way it was, is, and will be in the future. You will gain the knowledge, skills, and mindset required to make a real change in the world of aviation.

What is it all about?
During this minor, you will be introduced into the basics of the airline industry and its stakeholders. You will learn about airlines, business models, the aircraft market, societal responsibilities, and safety. How do airlines position themselves and how do they make money? You will also get acquainted with the financial side of the industry. Here you can think of topics such as revenue (management) operating costs, capital costs, cost components (fuel, insurance, etc.) and overhead costs. Furthermore, we will look at network development & distribution. And last but not least, how is the industry transforming and what are the main challenges in doing so?

Practical implementation
This minor focuses on real-life examples and industry commissioners. We have a wide range of guest lecturers and aim to connect you with industry professionals, giving you a genuine insight into working in the aviation industry. Furthermore, this minor provides practical information that is essential if you aspire to work in the aviation industry.

What’s in it for me?
The aviation industry is a big industry, with transformation issues that are more relevant to our society than ever. During this minor, we will discuss these issues and motivate you to think of creative solutions to these problems. After completion of this minor, your appetite for the industry will have grown and you might have an idea what next steps could be in becoming a young professional in the dynamic aviation world. You possess an above-average knowledge of the sector, which is an interesting skill to have from an employer perspective. Jobs such as a sales representative for an airline company, an engagement specialist for an airport management company such as the Royal Schiphol Group or an aviation broker for a broker company could come within reach.

• Knowledge and understanding of the aviation business
• Skills in sustainability
• Project management skills
• Knowledge of aviation finance issues

• 1-minute video presentation demonstrating your motivation Deadline = 20 March 2026 (Fall) & 2 October 2026 (Spring) Please, send the video to Arian van der Werff  werff.a@buas.nl
• Propaedeutic certificate obtained

A range of supporting materials such as websites, online videos and PowerPoint slides are made available in MS Teams and on Brightspace.

The teaching methods vary from module to module. We offer guest lectures, workshops, feedback sessions and reading materials. Field trips are also involved.

The assessment consists of three parts: a presentation, an essay and a project report. The first two are individual assignments and the last one is a group assignment. During the workshops, you will work both in groups and individually.

The number of contact hours per week will increase from 5 at the start to 8 towards the end. Additional hours are required for group work and self-study.

Language of instruction
English

Topics and Structure of the minor
The overall goal of this minor is to learn how the aviation industry works, understand its future needs, and advise stakeholders accordingly. This encompasses:

Introduction to the aviation market

• History of aviation
• Players in the market, the primary characteristics of this market and its developments and forecasts  
• Legislative structures, regulations, treaties and passenger rights
• Aviation organizations: IATA, ICAO, AEA, RAA, ERAA, ELFAA, Eurocontrol

Aircraft characteristics  

• Aircraft types and their characteristics

Cost structures of aircraft operations 

• Definitions of different types of costs
• Ground rules for aircraft cost comparisons
• Costs of aircraft leasing versus aircraft ownership
• Detailed cost components such as fuel, crew, maintenance, etc. 

Networks and links

• Hub and spoke versus point-to-point operations
• Rise and success of low-cost airlines
• Feeder and long-haul networks

Market developments

• Operating restrictions and the role of governments
• Distribution

Additional costs
The maximum amount is 200 euros for a combination of field trips and events.