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MBA in Aviation Management: A Complete Guide

Last updated: Sep 30, 2025

According to IATA (International Air Transport Association), air travel connects 4.7 billion passengers globally. Making aviation one of the most powerful transport mode of international tourism and business. However, with this growth, they need visionary leaders who can manage airlines, operations, and logistics. An MBA in aviation management offers just that, and pursuing this course abroad not only levels up career opportunities but also offers networking, hands-on industry training, and global exposure. So if you’re stepping into this field, then this blog is for you. It includes course's overview, colleges, fees, admission process and jobs after MBA in aviation management. So let’s begin exploring.

Discover what is MBA in Aviation Management, its scope, colleges, and more with Gradding.com.

Table of Contents

What is an MBA in Aviation Management?

The MBA in aviation management is a specialized two-year postgraduate business degree that integrates essential management principles with a deep emphasis on the aviation industry. Pursuing a masters in aviation management helps to gather knowledge and practical skills that prepare students to supervise airline leadership roles such as airports, operations, air cargo and related sector responsibilities. This master's course in aviation is comprehensive in a vast area, providing aviation-specific areas such as airport operations, aviation law, airline HR and management. Also, airline business strategy, safety, and logistics, together with overall business subjects, for instance, marketing and finance. It develops some robust core management skills in students to coordinate all airline-related work. Here is the list of the core skills of an MBA in aviation management that an aspiring student will acquire.    

  1. Leadership
  2. Strategic thinking
  3. Financial acumen
  4. Operational management
  5. Problem-solving,
  6. Effective communication

These skills are tailored to the aviation industry, and students apply these skills to brainstorm complex areas like airport and airline management, regulatory compliance, aviation safety and managing worldwide aviation. Before choosing the best flying school in the world, it is important to know the syllabus of aviation management. So, let’s explore that through the next section. 

Syllabus of MBA in Aviation management

It is important to understand the syllabus of the MBA in aviation management before pursuing it, as it works as a roadmap for your academic journey. Also, allowing to evaluate if the degree aligns with your goals, education background, interest and more. Thus, in the aviation industry, you will find many things under one syllabus. Below is the table that consists of the syllabus of the MBA in aviation management. So, let’s have a glimpse.

First Year

Human Resource Management

Airline Marketing Management

Accounting for Management

Economic Analysis for Business Decisions

Organisational Behaviour

Airline and Airport Management

Data Analytics for Business Decisions

Practical (Business Application Software)

Airline Operation and Scheduling

Aviation Law

Airline Finance

Strategic Management

Communication Skills and Business Correspondence

Aviation Safety Management and Accident Investigations

Total Quality Management

Research Methods in Business

Practical (Summer Project)

Practical (Seminar 1: Emerging Trends in Management- Case Study Analysis and Seminar)

Second Year

International Business Management

Electives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

Entrepreneurship Development

Practical (Summer Project Work)

Practical (Seminar 2: Emerging Trends in Management)

Project Work

These are the subjects students will navigate in a masters in Aviation Management course. These subjects will help you to choose the course you want to make your airline future in. Additionally, many aviation universities around the world offer the best master's degrees in this field. Let’s check them out inclusively in the next segments.  

Top 10 MBA Aviation Management Colleges

Choosing the right MBA in aviation management colleges plays a crucial role in shaping your career in the aviation industry. An MBA in aviation management not only gives you knowledge and skills of airline and airport operations, but also builds expertise in leadership, strategic management and logistics. If you are passionate about building a career that takes your profession to new heights of success, then the right college can be the gateway to success. Therefore, here is the list of the top MBA in aviation management colleges that you must check out if you are planning to pursue this course.  

  1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach
  2. Cranfield University (UK)
  3. Purdue University (USA)
  4. Arizona State University (USA)
  5. Singapore Aviation Academy (Singapore)
  6. Emirates Aviation University (UAE)
  7. Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau (TH Wildau) (Germany)
  8. University of North Dakota (USA)
  9. American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland (AUS)
  10. European University of Applied Sciences (Germany)

Let’s acquire all the information of these colleges along with MBA in aviation management fee and specialized courses.  

1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach

The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the best aviation and aerospace university in the world. It was established by John Paul Riddle and T. Higbee Embry in 1925 in Daytona Beach, Florida, ranking #1 for most innovative schools. It is a private university globally recognised for its aerospace education and focus on aviation. Also, famous for its world’s largest, fully accredited university specialising in offering a wide range of courses in aerospace, security and intelligence, and a masters in aviation management. For many years, this institute has become the top choice for students who have an interest in pursuing a career in high-level aviation. The table below consists of all other information about Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. 

Ranking
  • #4 in regional universities south
  • #863 Globally ranked    
LocationDaytona Beach, Florida.
Total Fees1.5 years to 2 years – $33,330 (INR 29.23 lakhs)
Average Placement91.7% placement rate and students secure employment within 3-6 months.
Specializations Offered Project management and data analysis in aviation operations and airport management
Scholarships Available
  • Wessel Service-to-Scholar Scholarship
  • Embry-Riddle Scholarship for freshmen and various partial scholarships through ERAU Asia

2. Cranfield University (UK)

Cranfield University was launched in 1946 as the College of Aeronautics. It is a specialist public postgraduate-only research university in UK. University have a huge international student body and provide excellent expertise and networking for career opportunities. Also, they have triple accreditation, AACSB International (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System of the European Foundation for Management Development), and AMBA (the Association of MBAs).  Additionally, the acceptance rate (68%) of Cranfield University makes for a competition among the students to get selected into the university. Further, they are also famous for offering a range of programs in Master's in aviation management. Have a look at the table to know more about this university.

Ranking
  • #33 by QS WUR ranking by subjects
  • #653 globally ranked
  • # 817 by US News
LocationWharley End, near the village of Cranfield in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Total Fees£32,000 (INR 28 Lakhs)
Average Placement90 % of student secure job within 3 months after graduation.  
Specializations Offered
  • MSc in Air Transport Management
  • MSc in Airport Planning and Management
  • MSc in Aviation Digital Technology Management focusing on various aspects in aviation, such as airport operations, strategic planning, safety, and sustainable development, digital technologies, etc.  
Scholarships AvailableCranfield School of Management India Scholarships provide £10,000 to Indian students to pursue higher studies here.  

3. Purdue University (USA)

If you are looking for a university that is a prominent leader in innovation, reputation, being affordable and have ideal campus culture, then Purdue University is the best place for you. It was established in 1869, becoming one of the prominent public and land-grant research-based university. They offer many courses in aviation and aerospace, attracting many students from all around the world. In addition, you must know that they have produced 27 astronauts, including the famous personality Neil Armstrong. Purdue University is famous for their academic excellence, research, student body and wide range of programs. Here is the table that consists of all the other important details of this institute.         

Ranking
  • QS- #89
  • THE- #79
  • US News - #173
LocationWest Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
Total Fees$45,964 (INR 41 lakhs )
Average Placement90% securing job within a limited period of time in various job titles.
Specializations OfferedMaster of Science in Aviation and Aerospace Management (MS AAM) for leadership and management careers, and the Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics (MS AAE) for aerospace engineering roles
Scholarships Available
  • Harold Woodman Graduate Research Fund
  • Flaningam Award
  • Paul and Reed Benhamou Graduate Scholarship

4. Arizona State University (USA)

Arizona State University is a top-ranked public research university renowned for its commitment to innovation and accessibility. Also, it is consistently recognised as the most state-of-the-art school in the USA by U.S. News & World Report. It was founded in 1885 in Tempe, Arizona, and became famous for offering STEM courses. In addition, they are also popular for offering courses of master's or MBA in airport management.  In addition, the university has top-tier rankings in research, education, and employability by international standards.  Here is the table that depicts other details of this institute. Have a look.

Ranking
  • #117 in national universities
  • #200 QS
  • #201 THE
  • #192 US NEWS
  • #151 ARU Ranking   
Location1151 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287
Total Fees$37,085 (INR 33 lakhs)
Average Placement96% Placement rate and students accepted job offers within 90 days after graduation.
Specializations OfferedMaster of Science in Technology (M.S. Tech) program with a concentration in Aviation Management and Human Factors through the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering
Scholarships Available
  • Brent Whiting Brown Scholarship
  • Kenneth A. McDonald Scholarship
  • N. Joseph Cayer Public Affairs Scholarship

5. Singapore Aviation Academy (Singapore)

The SAA or Singapore Aviation Academy is a globally recognised training arm of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). It was established in 1958, addressing the training requirements of the global aviation industry, benchmarking international standards and best practices are used to provide through their aviation management MBA courses.   

They are a leader in civil aviation training and a coordinator of international experience and expertise. Offering a wide range of globally recognised training programs in essential skills like mba in airport management, airport firefighting, air traffic services, and aviation safety and security. Here are other details you must go through and understand if you want to enrol in SAA.   

RankingNot given
Location1 Aviation Drive, near Changi Village
Total FeesNot given
Average PlacementPlacement rate is not published but they do offer employability through aviation training and industry focused program.
Specializations Offered
  • Aviation management
  • Aviation safety and security
  • Air traffic services
  • MSc Air transport management
Scholarships Available
  • Singapore-ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP)
  • Singapore-Industry Scholarship (SgIS)

6. Emirates Aviation University (UAE)

Emirates Aviation University (EAU) is a renowned and globally recognised institution in the airline industry. Established in 1991 by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to offer aviation-related courses and training to interested students. Also, it performs as an educational arm of the Emirates Group.  They are famous for offering courses in aviation management MBA, aeronautical engineering, aviation safety and security studies, and business management. If you have a good academic background and a keen interest in aviation, then this is the best option for you to pursue an MBA in aviation management. The table below lists all the other details of the Emirates Aviation University. Have a glimpse

RankingTop 200 worldwideTop 10 in the Middle East for subjects.
LocationDubai, United Arab Emirates
Total FeesAED 37,333 up to AED 132,300 (INR 9 -31 Lakhs)
Average Placement90% placement rate facilitate successful job placement for graduates in leading aviation companies like Emirates Airline, FlyDubai and Etihad Airways.  
Specializations OfferedFinancial Analysis for Managers
Project Management
Marketing Management
Leadership and People Management

Concentration Modules
  • Airport and Airline Operations
  • Aviation Strategy
  • Global Issues in the Airline Industry Dissertation
  • Research Methods
Scholarships Available
  • Chancellor's Scholarship
  • Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship
  • Financial Aid Scheme

7. Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau (TH Wildau) (Germany)

The Technical University of Applied Science is a well-known German public university established in 1991. Popular for its application-oriented and practical education in applied science and engineering. As a modern learning and research campus that reliably integrates management and technology. This shapes the university’s research, teaching, learning, and collaboration. They also offer a master's course in aviation management. Here are the details of this institute in depth.

Ranking# 133 in Germany
LocationWildau, Germany
Total Fees
  • €11,000 -full-time program. (INR 11 Lakhs
  • €12,500 -Part-time program. (INR 13 Lakhs)
Average PlacementNot given
Specializations OfferedMaster of Science (M.Sc.) in Aviation Management and a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Aviation Engineering / Aviation Management
Scholarships AvailableDeutschlandstipendium and DAAD-STIBET (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarships

8. University of North Dakota (USA)

The University of Dakota is one of the most unique and beautiful colleges in the Midwest. It was established in 1883 as a public research university. In fact, this institute is categorised as a Doctoral University with High Research Activity, and they are only institute in North Dakota to have medical and law schools. In addition, they offer an MBA in aviation management and an accredited aviation management degree to aviation interested students. Surprisingly, the university was introduced by the Dakota Territorial Assembly before sex years the state of North Dakota was founded. Go through this table to acknowledge other information of this college.

Ranking
  • #1501+ Globally
  • #1495 US News
LocationGrand Forks, North Dakota, founded in 1883
Total Fees$21,000 (INR 18 lakhs)
Average Placement90% of graduates were employed in their field of studies.  
Specializations OfferedCombining general business coursework with industry-specific topics like airport operations, airline management, and air cargo logistics
Scholarships AvailableThey offer scholarship to both graduate and international students.

9. American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland (AUS)

The American Institute of Applied Sciences in Switzerland is a private institute established in September 1991. They are famous for offering business administration degrees as well as dual degree programs with Tiffin University in the U.S. They provide a wide range of programs in undergraduate and postgraduate studies with specialisation areas like aviation management, finance, and data analytics. Additionally, they focus on modified learning experiences and student support by maintaining a small class size teaching method. Apart from this, the university holds 4-star QS University Ratings and is considered robust in teaching and business studies. Look ion the table to know more about the institute.

Ranking
  • Top 3 in Switzerland
  • Top 250 globally   
LocationChem. du Levant 5, 1814 La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland
Total FeesCHF 50,000 (INR 55 lakhs)
Average PlacementApproximately 70% of graduates secure job within six months  
Specializations Offered
  • Airline Business Foundation
  • Airline Marketing
  • Airport Business Management
  • Aviation Sustainability Path and Challenges
  • Aviation Regulation Compliance
Scholarships AvailableThey offer partial scholarship to master’s students that covers up 20% tuition fees.  

10. European University of Applied Sciences (Germany)

The European University of Applied Sciences is a private state-recognised German university. This was established in 2017 and offers high-quality education to students and a wide range of programs in bachelor's and master’s degrees in Business, Technology, Aviation, Sports and Art & Design. Additionally, UE is a member of Global University Systems (GUS), and this tactical alliance opens up doors to unlimited career opportunities with an international reputation for its students. The table below consists of other information about this institute.

Ranking#194  overall in Germany  
LocationDessauer Str. 3-5, 10963 Berlin, Germany
Total Fees
  • €13,600 for a 1-year program (INR 14 Lakhs
  • €19,350 for a 1.5-year program (INR 20 Lakhs)
Average Placement90% graduate secure employment with 12 months of graduation.
Specializations Offered
  • Airline Management
  • Airport Management
  • Aviation Engineering and Technologies
  • Safety and Security
Scholarships Available
  • Digital Pioneers Scholarship
  • Sherryl Kintu Scholarship
  • Cultural Diversity Scholarship
  • Dhl Scholarship

This was the information regarding the MBA in aviation management colleges in detail. Hope these college suggestions guide you in choosing the right institute to study the aviation management course. However, before taking admission, you should know the eligibility criteria and documents required to enroll here. The next sections are all about this.

Also read – MIM vs MBA

Eligibility Criteria & Required Documents in MBA in Aviation Management

Pursuing an MBA in aviation management abroad requires you to meet specific eligibility criteria. Many universities provide a set of criteria and official papers that will be needed for admission. Below is the list of eligibility criteria and documents required for the aviation management course.

Eligibility Criteria for the MBA in Aviation Management

  1. Bachelor’s degree with aggregate 50% or (GPA) of 2:1 from a recognised university or equivalent.
  2. English language proficiency exam scores such as IELTS
  3. Work experience of two to three years (if required)
  4. Personal essay like SOP and LOR.   

Document Required

  1. Bachelor's Degree
  2. Academic transcripts
  3. Entrance exam scores GMAT, GRE
  4. English language proficiency scores of IELTS
  5. Statement of Purpose
  6. Letter of Recommendation
  7. Resume or CV
  8. Passport
  9. Financial Documents   

If you have all these documents and meeting all the eligibility criteria, then let’s move to applying for admission. If you are confused about how to apply for enrolment, then the next section will help you out with this.

Admission Process for MBA in Aviation Management

Here are the steps of the admission process for the MBA in aviation management, so adhere to them to apply for a seat in the above-mentioned colleges.

  1. Research and shortlist the course
  2. Check the eligibility criteria
  3. Appear for the entrance exam and English language proficiency test.   
  4. Gather all the documents
  5. Go to the official website of the university
  6. Fill the form, and provide all the documents.
  7. Apply for admission
  8. After getting the offer letter, pay the fees.

Note that these steps of the admission process are general, as they can vary according to the university. So, before applying, one must check the admission process of the specific college. But, what if you’ve decide to pursue this master course and want to know the MBA in aviation management scope, then next section will assist you in this.   

Career Scope and Salary After MBA in Aviation Management

An MBA in aviation management opens doors to many opportunities and diverse roles in airlines, airports, consulting companies and logistics firms. There is a huge MBA in aviation management scope for international students. Hence, with the global aviation industry expanding rapidly, graduates can expect rewarding career growth, competitive salary packages, and international opportunities that reflect the industry’s demands for professional aviation management. So here are some of the best jobs after MBA in aviation management you can choose after pursuing this master's degree.

Jobs ProfilesAverage Salary
Airport management$40,000 to $80,000 per year 
Airline management$40,000 to over $160,000 per year
Airline Operations Manager$111,044 per year.
Airport Operations Manager$40,000 to $100,000+ annually
Aviation consulting$40,000 to over $150,000 annually
Air traffic controller$60,000
Cargo Manager$59,000 to $127,000 annually
Marketing management$98,000 - $178,000
Security Supervisor$22,492/year
Aviation Manager$40,000 to over $80,000 annually
Aviation Analyst$49,000 to $91,000.
Aviation Maintenance$50,000 to $100,000
Terminal Manager$57,000 to over $100,000 per year

These are the MBA in aviation management salary and career scopes in the airline industry. As said this field is huge and can easily get employment options. So, choose wisely and if need any help go nowhere, our experts will help you out in this.

Conclusion

After exploring almost everything about the MBA aviation management course, we have come to the end. Pursuing this program abroad is an excellent option for students who aim to develop a career in this field. However, learning something new can bring challenges, but robust focus, enough practice, and guidance can help you achieve certain goals. Thus, studying an aviation program can be a passport to your success if you dream of integrating business expertise with the exciting opportunities of aviation. Also, if you need any guidance in choosing the right course, you can consult our study abroad consultants at Gradding.com or use our Course Finder tool to choose a course.   

FAQ’s:- 

1. Which companies or airlines hire MBA Aviation Management graduates?

Companies or airlines that hire MBA Aviation Management graduates are Emirates, Qatar Airways, IndiGo, and Air India. 

2. How long is the MBA in Aviation Management course?

An MBA in aviation management is a two-year postgraduate course. It can vary according to the university and whether it is full-time or part-time.

3. Can I do an MBA in Aviation after a BBA?

Yes, you can probably pursue an MBA in aviation course after a BBA.  

4. What skills are needed for Aviation Management?

Aviation management requires many skills that are a blend of technical and soft skills, such as robust leadership, problem-solving abilities and communication. Combined with technical acquaintance of aviation operations, strategic thinking, financial acumen, customer service skills, and adaptability.

5. Is there any age limit for an MBA in Aviation?

No, there is no age limit for an MBA in aviation; however, this age factor may vary by institute.

6. Does IIM offer an MBA in Aviation Management?

Yes, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) offer an MBA in Aviation Management, which is a partnership with TBS, France, making part of the Worldwide Executive MBA in Aerospace Management (GEMBA) course.

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