Aviation Industry Fundamentals
Overview
This unit gives students an integrated understanding of how the global air transport industry operates and is regulated. Students explore the international legal framework established by the Chicago Convention, the economic forces driving deregulation and liberalisation, and the operational, technical and commercial foundations of airlines and airports. Through this, students learn to critically analyse regulatory, safety and financial issues, evaluate industry practices, and communicate informed judgements about the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of aviation. The unit prepares students to engage confidently with the wider business, policy and safety dimensions of this complex and highly regulated industry.
Requisites
01-November-2026
30-May-2027
31-October-2027
Unit learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Critically analyse the significance of the Chicago Convention and evaluate its major outcomes
- Evaluate the ways in which the Chicago Convention impacts the operations of all air transport, with particular emphasis on the responsibilities of signatory States
- Critically examine the economic and technical regulations and standards pertaining to organisations within the air transport industry
- Evaluate the key operational components of both passenger and cargo transport operations and justify their significance to the safety of flight
- Analyse and interpret financial measures of performance, control and accountability within the air transport industry
- Critically appraise the characteristics of markets and marketing concepts and strategies in the management of airlines and airports
Synthesise specialised knowledge of technical and regulatory concepts and practices in the air transport industry, communicating this effectively through individual written communications
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning |
3.00 | 12 weeks | 36 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning |
8.50 | 12 weeks | 102 |
| Live Online Class |
1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assignment | Individual | 40% | 4,6,7 |
| Case Study Report | Individual | 35% | 3,4,5,7 |
| In-Class Presentation | Individual | 25% | 1,2 |
Hurdle
To pass this unit and meet all Unit Learning Outcomes to a minimum standard, a student must:
(i) complete all assignments; and
(ii) achieve an aggregate mark of 50% or higher.
Students who do not meet hurdle requirements will receive a maximum of 45% for the unit.
Content
- Structure of the global air transport system and the forces shaping it
- Aeropolitical affairs and air law: the Chicago Convention and signatory State obligations
- Economic regulation, deregulation and liberalisation of international air services
- Airline operations and technical regulation: AOCs, expositions, ETOPS and airworthiness
- Airline commercial management, route economics and financial performance measures
- Airport planning, operations and management of facilities and services
- Markets and marketing concepts and strategies for airlines and airports
- Quality, safety and risk management, including emerging aviation technology
- Air cargo and supply chain management within global logistics networks
- The future of aviation: emerging opportunities, challenges and innovations
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.