Study Fee: Click here to view the t(/study-fee)uition and subscription options.(/study-fee)(/study-fee) Monthly study plans start from €499 per month, depending on the program and level of academic support selected.

Study Method: This program is delivered 100% online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world with flexible scheduling. Students may also have the option to attend the graduation ceremony in Switzerland, subject to visa approval and travel regulations.

Study Language: The program is delivered in English. Students are expected to have sufficient English language proficiency to complete the coursework and academic requirements.

Applications can be submitted online through our admission portal.(/apply)(/apply) Applicants may also contact or visit our offices in different regions, including: • Europe: Switzerland • GCC: Dubai (UAE) • Asia: Bishkek Our admissions team will guide you through the application and enrollment process.

Programs are offered through a flexible monthly subscription system, allowing students to progress at their own pace while maintaining access to academic resources and support services.

This program has a minimum study period depending on the academic level and program structure. Students may complete the program at their own pace while maintaining an active monthly subscription.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should meet the academic entry requirements for the respective program level. Typical requirements may include: • A previous academic qualification relevant to the program level • A copy of passport or national ID • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume • Completed online application form Additional documents may be requested depending on the program and the institution delivering the program.

Certification / Degree Awarded

Upon successful completion of all academic requirements, students will receive the corresponding certificate or academic degree issued by the responsible institution within the VBNN Smart Education Group network.

Doctorate in Airline and Airport Management

Feb 17
2 min read

This doctorate study program is a fully research-based academic pathway designed for senior professionals, aviation experts, policy specialists, and industry leaders seeking to contribute advanced knowledge to the field of airline and airport management. It is aligned with EQF Level 8 and corresponds to the Third European Cycle, reflecting the highest level of academic and professional research competence.

This doctorate study program is structured to develop independent researchers capable of analyzing complex aviation systems, optimizing airport and airline operations, evaluating regulatory frameworks, and designing strategic solutions for global aviation challenges.

The program consists of seven structured modules, including four advanced research-focused modules, two general academic modules, and one specialized module dedicated to airline and airport management, followed by a substantial thesis and structured research activities.

The research modules emphasize advanced research design, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, aviation data analytics, publication strategies, academic writing, and critical evaluation of global aviation literature. These modules are designed to ensure candidates can conduct high-level, original research that meets international academic standards.

The two general modules focus on strategic leadership, governance, innovation management, sustainability, and global policy frameworks relevant to large-scale transportation and infrastructure systems.

The specialized aviation module addresses core themes such as airline business models, airport operations management, aviation economics, air transport policy, aviation safety systems, airport infrastructure planning, sustainability in aviation, crisis and risk management, and digital transformation in airline and airport ecosystems.

A significant component of this doctorate study program is the doctoral thesis and supervised research activities, where candidates design and conduct original research addressing real-world aviation industry challenges. The thesis may explore areas such as airport capacity optimization, airline revenue management strategies, regulatory harmonization, sustainable aviation practices, smart airport technologies, passenger experience innovation, or aviation risk governance.

The standard duration is 18+ months, with a defined minimum study period. However, candidates are provided flexibility to extend their research timeline based on the scope of their study and professional commitments.

This doctorate study program is particularly suitable for senior airline managers, airport executives, aviation consultants, regulators, policymakers, and researchers who aim to influence aviation strategy, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to the global advancement of air transport management through rigorous academic research.

The program emphasizes analytical depth, strategic vision, research independence, global aviation awareness, and high-level academic contribution to one of the most dynamic and strategically important industries worldwide.