AIRLINE AND CARGO OPERATIONS - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module offers a comprehensive exploration of airline and cargo operations. Starting with the fundamentals of flight theory, it covers fleet management, including aircraft types, propulsion units, payload/range characteristics, seating configurations, and cargo capacity for both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. Key aspects of propulsion units and their impact on operational efficiency are examined.

In airline operations, the module focuses on flight scheduling, fleet planning, crew management, and network optimization, contrasting hub-and-spoke models for full-service airlines with point-to-point models for low-cost carriers. It also addresses the spectrum of operating costs such as fuel, crew, navigation, airport charges, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, station and ground handling, passenger expenses, and distribution costs.

The air cargo segment reviews the role of air cargo in global trade, logistics, and e-commerce, covering various types of air cargo carriers and the classification of cargo, including general, perishable, and dangerous goods. Emphasis is placed on safety, security, and the role of freight forwarders in logistics management and customs clearance. The module also discusses the conversion of passenger aircraft to freighters, emerging trends, and technological advancements in air cargo operations, such as tracking systems and automation, while highlighting safety regulations and environmental sustainability practices.

The module includes practical training at an airline training base, covering safety and emergency procedures in ditching, fire & smoke, and slide deployment, compliant with UK airline regulations.

Students will have access to industry-standard databases like Cirium, OAG, and IATA AirportIS MIDT for research and analysis.

Module provider

Surrey Hospitality & Tourism Management

Module Leader

ITANI Nadine (Hosp & Tour)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Indicative content includes:

• Theory of Flight.


• Fleet management.


• Aircraft types and their operational specifications.


• Engine technologies and emissions.


• Network design (hub and spoke and point-to-point networks).


• Route Planning.


• Flight scheduling.


• Crew Rostering.


• Comprehensive examination of Airline Operating Costs.


• Airline Safety including airworthiness management and emergency.


• Air cargo traffic flows and cargo characteristics.


• Air cargo business models and their distinctive operational characteristics.


• Types of air cargo transported.


• Pricing of air cargo.


• Freight forwarders.


• Cutting-edge trends in air cargo operations.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

None

Assessment Strategy

To develop the academic rigor, the assessment strategy includes both group collaboration tasks for a comprehensive understanding of airline and cargo operations topics and individual assignments to encourage critical thinking and analysis of emerging trends in the field.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Group presentation (30%) addresses learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3 and 6.


• Individual assignment (70%) addresses learning outcomes: 3, 4, 5 and 7.

Students receive written feedback on both their group presentation and individual assignment. To optimise feedback effectiveness, a structured feedback sheet will comprehensively outline students’ strengths, areas for improvement, and provide tailored suggestions to enhance their performance in future assignments.

Module aims

• Provide foundational knowledge base on the intricacies and dynamics of airline and cargo operations, encompassing essential concepts, principles, and operational strategies essential for industry growth.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between airline and cargo operations.
• Analyse fleet planning by assessing diverse aircraft types, propulsion units, payload characteristics, and seating configurations, while examining the role of propulsion units in improving aircraft performance and efficiency.
• Examine airline operations, focusing on flight scheduling, fleet planning, and network optimization strategies, utilising hub-and-spoke models for full-service airlines and point-to-point models for low-cost carriers to improve operational efficiency and increase productivity.
• Assess the comprehensive range of operating costs associated with airline operations extensively, encompassing both direct and indirect operational expenditure.
• Appraise air cargo operations, evaluating different business models and types of cargo, with an emphasis on security, safety, and emerging trends and technologies.
• Highlight the significance of freight forwarders in logistics management, supply chain coordination, customs clearance, and cargo consolidation.
• Enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills through real-world case studies and simulations, preparing students for successful careers in airline management, air cargo logistics, or related fields.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

The educational approach in the aviation industry integrates up-to-date knowledge and theories with practical examples, drawing from educational theories and research on effective teaching to foster students’ intellectual growth, critical thinking, and personal development. Emphasis is placed on analysing current industry challenges in airline and cargo operations, encouraging students to engage with scholarly literature and develop problem-solving skills for the challenging issues confronting the industry.

Moreover, the pedagogical approach is geared towards nurturing students' cultural awareness, digital literacy, teamwork, and leadership capabilities. Through a focus on strong communication, workplace readiness, and professional conduct, students develop a well-rounded skill set crucial for excelling in the aviation sector. This holistic strategy ensures that students are prepared to effectively address industry challenges, collaborate seamlessly, adapt to evolving trends, and communicate adeptly with a wide range of stakeholders. Ultimately, this integrated approach enhances students’ preparedness for a successful and competitive career in the aviation industry.

The teaching and learning methods include:

• Engaging lectures delivered by accomplished academic staff members who bring a wealth of expertise, research, and academic insight to the classroom, providing students with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the subject matter.


• Enhance the learning journey by incorporating guest lectures from esteemed industry executives renowned for their extensive practical experience and invaluable insights, elevating the educational experience and providing students with unique perspectives from real-world aviation professionals.


• Enrich the learning experience by delving into discussion topics that centre on current trends in the airline and cargo operations, prompting students to formulate and analyse viewpoints that are pivotal in shaping the industry landscape. This approach deepens the learning environment, fostering critical thinking and equipping students with a deeper understanding of the dynamic aviation sector.


• Bolster the academic rigor by organising seminars that foster creative thinking and innovative solutions to tackle industry challenges and enhance financial performance within the aviation sector. This approach aims to stimulate forward-looking perspectives, cultivate strategic thinking, and drive meaningful advancements in the competitive landscape of the aviation industry


• Augment the academic engagement by organizing small in-class group discussions that integrate theoretical concepts with practical examples on current topics. This approach bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world scenarios, promoting comprehensive learning and practical application.


• Practical experience through hands-on cabin crew training at an Airline training base. This will include safety and emergency training procedures in ditching, fire & smoke and slide deployment. This regulatory approved practical component is compliant with all UK airlines.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MAN1160

Other information

To enhance educational outcomes, this module aligns with the university curriculum framework emphasising the cultivation of learners’ abilities in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, Resourcefulness, and Resilience. This module actively contributes to enhancing the following capabilities:

Global and Cultural Capabilities: This module highlights the significance of global and cultural competencies in the advancement and administration of airline and cargo operations worldwide. Students will explore how ongoing commercial advancements in operational management influence the industry within international contexts. Capitalizing on the diverse cultural backgrounds of students from various countries, engaging class discussions and seminar exercises will enhance and empower their global and cultural skills.

Digital Capabilities: Students will have the opportunity to access the University’s subscription databases that are widely used by the commercial departments of the airline and airport industry. These include Cirium dashboard, OAG, and IATA AirportIS MIDT databases. By leveraging a range of technological tools and platforms, the module enriches the learning experience. Educators use digital capabilities to provide teaching materials in various formats, encouraging diverse learning styles. Students engage in online discussion boards for collaborative learning, guided by instructors to conduct digital literature reviews independently. The integration of a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) like SurreyLearn, virtual classrooms, video conferencing platforms, and data analytics software enhances the learning environment and promotes interactive student-lecturer exchanges. This approach supports student success by improving digital literacy skills and enhancing learning outcomes through online content navigation and virtual discussions.

Employability: The curriculum is meticulously crafted to furnish students with the indispensable knowledge and skills imperative for thriving in the aviation industry. It encompasses a blend of theoretical underpinnings, hands-on expertise, and critical thinking acumen essential for professional advancement. Collaborative partnerships with industry stakeholders ensure the BSc program remains abreast of evolving industry landscapes.

Leveraging the expertise of guest lecturers, students gain invaluable real-world insights, networking opportunities, and engage in discussions on contemporary issues, fostering inspiration and bridging the academia-industry gap. Industry speaker sessions bolster education by preparing students for the challenges of the professional arena. The extensive alumni network connected with the University of Surrey MSc air transport management program nurtures a supportive community, equipping students for forthcoming opportunities and trials. Moreover, students leverage the university's subscription aviation databases, widely utilised across global industry players, to refine analytical proficiencies, interpret data proficiently, and make judicious decisions tailored to the industry, thereby augmenting their career trajectories

Sustainability: Revised Sustainability Module: This module introduces students to the increasing focus in the airline and cargo industry on reducing environmental impact by using advanced, fuel-efficient aircraft with lower emissions. It also delves into the use of sustainable fuels to further lower carbon emissions, as well as the implementation of operational excellence, optimized flight paths, and ethical business practices. By delving into these topics, students gain a profound understanding of how airlines can forge a more robust, accountable, and sustainable industry by integrating eco-friendly practices and engaging stakeholders.

Resourcefulness and Resilience: Academic resourcefulness empowers students to elevate the quality and depth of their academic work by accurately integrating airline and cargo operational insights and evidence from reputable sources. This involves proficiently conducting thorough literature reviews from esteemed sources like the Journal of Air Transport Management and leveraging various aviation databases, while mastering and applying appropriate research methodologies and effectively utilising library resources related to aviation topics. Resilient students demonstrate adaptability in demanding situations, effectively managing stress and setbacks, persisting in academic pursuits despite challenges, and maintaining a positive attitude towards learning and personal development. Student well-being is always prioritised, highlighting the importance of seeking and utilising support systems such as HIVE during academic difficulties. Academic resilience nurtures qualities of perseverance, courage, and determination, fostering proactive approaches to overcoming obstacles and achieving academic success.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.