What can you do with an aviation degree? A look at airline and airport management careers

What careers can you get with an aviation degree?

• Airport operations manager

Airport operations managers oversee the daily running of terminals, runways, and ground services. The role focuses on safety, scheduling, passenger flow, and responding quickly to operational issues.

• Airline revenue manager

Revenue managers analyse booking trends, ticket pricing, and passenger demand to help airlines maximise profitability. It is one of the most data-driven and commercially focused roles in aviation.

• Ground operations supervisor

Ground operations teams manage everything that happens between an aircraft landing and taking off again, including baggage handling, fuelling, catering, and aircraft turnaround coordination.

• Aviation marketing manager

Marketing professionals help airlines and airports build their brands, attract passengers, and promote new routes and services through campaigns, partnerships, and digital communications.

• Airline network planner

Network planners decide which routes airlines operate, how often flights run, and which aircraft are used. The role combines commercial analysis with strategic planning.

• Airport commercial manager

Airport commercial teams oversee retail spaces, restaurants, and partnerships within terminals, helping airports increase revenue while improving passenger experience.

• Aviation safety and compliance officer

Safety and compliance officers ensure airlines and airports meet strict industry regulations and operational standards.

• Sustainability manager

Sustainability managers help aviation organisations reduce environmental impact through carbon reduction strategies, sustainable operations, and long-term planning.

What skills does an aviation degree develop?

Students typically build experience in:

• Commercial awareness
• Strategic thinking
• Customer experience management
• Data analysis
• Communication and teamwork
• Crisis and operational management

These skills are valuable across aviation and wider international business sectors.

How much do aviation management graduates earn?

Graduate aviation roles commonly start between £24,000 and £32,000 depending on the employer and area of specialism.

With experience, management roles can progress significantly higher, particularly in commercial strategy, network planning, and operations management.

The industry also offers strong international career opportunities across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.

Is aviation a growing industry?

Global aviation continues to grow as passenger demand increases and airports invest in new infrastructure and technology.

The industry is also evolving rapidly in response to sustainability challenges, creating new opportunities in areas including environmental strategy, operational efficiency, and sustainable aviation development.

Graduates who understand both commercial aviation and sustainability are likely to be in strong demand across the sector.

Study airline and airport management at UEL

The BA (Hons) Airline and Airport Management course at the University of East London combines industry knowledge with practical commercial and operational skills.

Students explore areas including airport operations, airline strategy, sustainability, customer experience, and aviation management while developing the professional skills needed across the sector.