The airline industry offers many rewarding careers but requires specific skills and qualifications. For this reason, various educators offer carefully designed airline courses. These can help you improve performance or become fully equipped for the future role you are looking to move into. Here, we explore the numerous airline courses on offer, as well as the best places to find these courses.

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What Is Meant By the Airline Industry?

The airline industry is an industry centered around the provision of air transport services by airlines. It includes airline transportation of passengers, cargo, or a combination of the two, and these services are most commonly delivered via airplanes. That said, some helicopter services may also fall under the airline umbrella.

As an industry, it can be considered a sub-sector of the broader aviation industry. Regarding passenger services, airlines often provide both scheduled and charter services. All airline activities include airline courses ranging from training pilots and flight attendants to sales and customer service staff.

To learn more, read “Airline Industry: All You Need to Know About the Airline Sector”.

Interested in an Airline Course? What Skills Do You Need in the Airline Industry?

If you are interested in an airline course, it is important first to understand the skills needed. For example, for any role in the airline industry, communication skills are vital. In addition, you will require good customer service skills for any position that involves dealing with the general public.

Critical thinking is necessary, and you will likely need to work as part of a team, collaborating with others to achieve shared objectives. The airline industry is fast-paced, and workplaces can be hectic, so a strong work ethic is necessary. Flexibility and time management are crucial, and although knowing a second language is not essential, it can be highly advantageous in an industry that handles customers globally.

What is The Duration of an Airline Course?

The duration of your airline course will largely depend on the type, of course you opt for. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent will typically take three to four years to complete, and it may even last longer if you opt to study part-time. A postgraduate course, such as a Master’s degree, usually takes one or two years.

With that being said, plenty of other airline course types will take much less time to complete. For instance, some certificates and diplomas based on specific skills may take as little as a few weeks.

A Selection of Airline Courses: Examples of Different Types & Topics

There is a wide range of airline courses to choose from, and the specific course you pick should be based on a range of factors, including your location, your current or planned career path, and the amount of time you have to invest in studying. Below, you can explore the different course types and available topics.

Airline Management Course

An airline management course aims to teach the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a managerial position within the airline industry. Some courses of this kind may focus on managing a specific department, but others will focus on managing an entire airline company. Several topics may be covered, including business management strategies, marketing, accounting and finance, airline safety, and much more.

Airline Course: Finance and Economics

Finance and economics airline courses are designed to teach the basics of financial management within an airline company. These courses can be ideal for those who wish to work in the finance department and form an important part of airline management training. Topics covered may include pricing, taxes, and debt management, while it will also be important to learn about the relevant government and industry-specific regulations.

Airline Marketing Course

An airline course centered around marketing will teach you many skills and techniques to promote an airline company and/or its services effectively. A strong focus will be placed on teaching an understanding of airline customers’ specific needs and how marketing strategies can target these needs. Other topics that may be covered include traditional and digital marketing, market analysis techniques, and the importance of selling value.

Airline Sales Course

Sales-based airline courses are good entry-level courses for those looking to break into the industry. The focus will be on selling airline products and services to customers. This will involve learning sales techniques, such as identifying and moving sales opportunities through the sales funnel. Other topics may also include competitor analysis and emerging trends in the airline industry.

Airline Course: Managing Airport Operations

An airport operations course will teach you the most important aspects of managing day-to-day operations within an airport and how they relate to airline companies and their passengers. Topics covered may include passenger operations, cargo operations, airline partnerships, ground operations, safety procedures, and airport regulations. This then opens up a wide range of career options, including flight operations and airline operations management.

Airline Course: Airport Administration and Planning

Airline courses based on airport administration and planning are ideal for those looking to move into management or senior administrative positions. These courses will focus on airport and air transport regulations and how planning can help airlines and airports reach targets or achieve strategic objectives. There will also be a strong focus on relevant legislation and some cross-over with airline management courses.

Airline Course: Customer Service

An airline course focused on customer service will help to teach some of the specific customer service skills required to advance in the industry. Topics covered will usually include verbal and non-verbal communication skills, strategies for conflict resolution, and some specific techniques for dealing with airline customers and their unique needs. A focus may also be placed on the emerging technology within this area and how it can be used effectively.

Airline Communications Course

The main information taught in an airline communications course concerns how airlines and their staff communicate, which covers internal and external communication. You will learn the skills needed to give instructions within an airline, understand instructions given to you, deliver presentations, create promotional content, and communicate with customers via numerous channels.

Airline Revenue Management Course

Revenue management is the art of selling the right product or service, to the right customer, at the right time, for the right price, via the right channel. With this being the case, an airline course on revenue management teaches the strategies required to do this successfully within an airline setting. Aside from fundamental revenue management principles, you will learn about airline pricing, forecasting demand, and inventory control.

Airline Distribution Strategies Course

An airline distribution strategies course is one of the more focused airline course options. You will learn about the main industry distribution models, strategies, and processes here. Topics covered may include e-commerce, online marketing, distribution technology, and management. A course of this kind can be ideal for those in sales, business development, marketing, finance, or airline management.

Airline Course: Safety and Security Management

Safety and security are at the heart of the airline industry, and any good course based on this subject will help open up new career options. Some specific topics that may be covered include flight safety procedures, airport security procedures, air traffic control, airline regulations, and much more. In addition, some airline courses of this type will also teach about accident response, first aid, and disaster recovery procedures.

Air Traffic Control Programme

An air traffic control course will teach the knowledge and skills required to become an air traffic controller or to improve your abilities in this field. An airline course of this kind will combine both theory and practical sessions, teaching the technical information needed for such a complex job and allowing students to understand what it is like to work in such a critical, high-pressure role.

The Best Websites to Find All Airline Courses

Aside from understanding the various available airline courses, you also need to know where to look for these courses. To make this easier, you can find a list of some of the best websites to turn to.

Search Airline Courses on Educations.com

The Educations.com website connects to academic institutions worldwide, allowing you to search for the ideal airline course easily. Using the search engine, you can select both the subject you want to study and your preferred location, and you will be presented with relevant degrees, diplomas, and other education programs.

Click here to find airline courses on Educations.com

Search Airline Courses on AviationCourses.com

Unlike many similar platforms, AviationCourses.com focuses entirely on courses relevant to the aviation industry. So regardless of whether you want to become a flight attendant, a member of the maintenance crew, an air traffic controller, or an airline manager, you can find an appropriate course easily.

Click here to find airline courses on AviationCourses.com

Search Airline Courses on Udemy

The Udemy platform specializes in access to massive open online courses (MOOC) that provide expert instruction at low prices. Many airline courses can be ideal for acquiring relevant knowledge or developing new skills. Courses are taught via online video sessions, delivering excellent accessibility.

Click here to find airline courses on Udemy

Search Airline Courses on OnlineStudies.com

OnlineStudies is an online platform that provides access to information about airline courses on a global basis. You can use the website to find courses on various airline and aviation-related topics, including Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, diplomas, access courses, and more.

Click here to find airline courses on OnlineStudies.com

Search Airline Courses on Gleim Aviation

Gleim Aviation offers access to both free and paid aviation and airline courses. Many lessons focus on flight training, aircraft maintenance, flight navigation, and security awareness. Studying these courses can open up new career paths or help you to progress further along your current path.

Click here to find airline courses on Gleim Aviation

Search Airline Courses on IATA

IATA is another example of a platform specifically focused on the airline industry and related fields. The company offers online courses, with graduates earning certificates or diplomas in various subjects, including safety, security, airline operations, sales, marketing, and airline business management.

Click here to find airline courses on IATA

A List of Educators Who Offer Airline Courses

In addition to knowing the courses available and which websites to use to find your ideal airline course, it is also helpful to know which educators or institutions deliver airline programs. In this section, you can find a list of leading educators offering courses in this area.

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Tips to Find a Job in the Airline Industry After Finishing Your Airline Course

Once you have completed your airline course, you will want to find a relevant job in the industry to capitalize on your new skills and qualifications. In the various sections below, you can access helpful tips to assist you with this goal.

A List of Different Careers You Can Pursue After Your Airline Course

Most airline courses will teach skills that can be useful in several different job roles. For this reason, after you finish the course, you will need to take the time to identify the role that best suits you, and this could be within an airline company, or as part of an airport.

Read “Overview of All Different Airline Careers And How to Apply for One” for a breakdown of career options offered by airlines, along with details on what each job role will require.

Alternatively, “Airport Jobs: Overview of Types of Airport Positions” will provide you with a list of career options within airports, complete with information on what each job will entail.

Tips to Apply for a Position in the Airline Industry

Several important tips or strategies will be useful when applying for a role within the airline industry. Aside from completing a relevant airline course, you must build a great CV and develop your brand. Moreover, it would help if you always prepared properly for any interviews you are invited to attend.

Take a look at “Travel Careers: Tips to Find a Career in the Travel Industry” to read much more on the numerous ways you can enhance your applications and improve your chances of landing your dream job.

The Ultimate List of Airlines to Approach for Your Next Job!

Once you know the job you want within the airline industry, you need to find a role to apply for. There are various ways to go about this, but one of the best is to approach airlines directly or visit airline websites and check their careers pages for vacancies.

With this in mind, “Airline Jobs: The Ultimate List of Airlines to Find Your Next Job!” will provide you with some of the biggest airlines to approach, maximizing your chances of finding your ideal role.

Finished With Your Airline Course? Check Out This List of the Best Airline Job Boards

While approaching airlines directly can be effective, the job search process after completing your airline course can be greatly assisted by using relevant industry job boards. These online platforms will allow you to easily access a list of advertised jobs from various employers, all in one place.

Our “Airline Vacancies: List of Job Boards to Find a Job at an Airline” article provides a useful list of some of the best job boards to use when seeking out vacancies at airline companies.

List of Recruiters to Find a Job in the Airline Sector

Another excellent option for finding a job after completing your chosen airline course is to turn to recruitment agencies. Many recruitment agencies have excellent industry connections and can be especially useful for connecting you to more advanced airline jobs that may not be advertised on job boards or similar platforms.

Read “Aviation Management Jobs: List of Recruitment Agencies To Find a Job!” to learn about the various airline industry-focused recruiters and how they can help you advance your career.

Websites & Tips to Find a Job as a Cabin Attendant

Many of those who complete their airline course are interested in working as flight attendants or cabin crew members. This is a promising career path, but it is also highly competitive too. Therefore, it is worth taking the time to apply for as many roles as you can, ideally using several different channels.

Take a look at “Flight Attendant Jobs: Tips to Find a Job as a Cabin Attendant” for much more on the role itself and the best websites to turn to when looking for a job as part of the cabin crew of an airline.

Airline Manager: Job Description and Channels to Find the Job!

If you have significant experience in the airline industry and have completed a relevant airline course, you may be hoping to move into a management position. The role of airline manager can be ideal if you have a rounded knowledge of the industry, but finding a vacancy can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the job market.

Read “Airline Manager Job Description & Channels to Find the Job!” if you wish to learn more about the role and access specific channels that can help you find a managerial vacancy.

The Best Aerospace Companies to Approach After Finishing Your Aviation Course

While many courses are geared towards work within an airline company, some will also teach skills to open doors to other parts of the aviation industry. This makes it worthwhile to consider the various aerospace companies out there, from design and manufacturing companies all the way through to space tourism providers.

The “Aerospace Companies: List of Aircraft and Spacecraft Manufacturers” article provides much more information about the aerospace industry and offers a list of aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers for you to approach.

The airline industry offers excellent career opportunities, but education is essential to maximize your potential. Aside from developing the necessary core skills for success in this field, it would help if you found the right courses to further your career and the best educators offering those course types.

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This article is written by:

Martijn Barten

Hi, I am Martijn Barten, founder of Revfine.com. With 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, I specialize in optimizing revenue by combining revenue management with marketing strategies. I have successfully developed, implemented, and managed revenue management and marketing strategies for individual properties and multi-property portfolios.