Air Transport and Logistics

Overview

Air transport is a cornerstone of global mobility and commerce: it moves people and goods quickly, flexibly and with a high level of safety. This Master’s degree provides a comprehensive education in the technical, operational, logistical, economic and legal aspects of air transport and logistics systems. You will learn to analyse and optimise air transport processes and to identify and solve practical problems across the sector.

Why this programme matters

The course raises professional qualifications to a graduate academic level, preparing students for the evolving demands of the aviation industry. It is designed for graduates from engineering, natural sciences or transport economics backgrounds who want to deepen both theoretical understanding and practical skills. The curriculum links operational and planning perspectives with logistics and transport systems theory, offering an integrated view that supports careers in airlines, airports, cargo operations, regulators, consultancy and related fields.

Learning environment and industry links

Housed within the Friedrich List Faculty of Transportation and Traffic Sciences, the programme benefits from close collaboration between the Chair of Air Transport Technology and Logistics, academic staff, industry partners and alumni. These connections enrich teaching, promote applied research and create opportunities for networking and professional development in a sector that continues to expand worldwide.

Admission essentials (concise)

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, a natural science, or transport economics
• Programme taught in English — proficiency in English required (check specific language proof requirements in the official admissions information)

This Master’s programme begins with a concentrated foundation in the technical and operational aspects of air transport. In the first half you study subjects such as aerodynamics and aircraft systems, airport and flight operations, flight planning and navigation, together with aviation safety and security. Parallel to these topics you develop methodical logistics skills with a particular emphasis on process optimisation for both passenger and freight transport.

In the second half you personalise your studies by choosing specialisation modules. Options focus on logistics and technology in air transport and extend to related fields such as transport planning, transport demand modelling, transport psychology, telematics, process optimisation and quality assurance. This structure lets you combine core aviation knowledge with targeted expertise in analytic, technical or human-centred areas depending on your interests.

Key modules

• Aerodynamics and aircraft systems
• Airport operations and flight operations
• Flight planning and navigation
• Aviation safety and security
• Logistics methods with emphasis on process optimisation for passenger and freight transport
• Specialisation electives: logistics and technology in air transport, transport planning, transport demand modelling, transport psychology, telematics, process optimisation, quality assurance

Learning outcomes

• Understand the technical and operational principles of aircraft, airports and flight operations
• Plan and analyse flight operations including navigation and flight planning considerations
• Apply safety and security concepts in aviation contexts
• Use logistics methods to optimise passenger and cargo transport processes
• Select and apply specialised tools and models (e.g., transport demand modelling, telematics) according to chosen electives to solve real-world air transport problems
• Tailor technical, analytical or human-centred expertise through specialisation to meet career and research goals within the air transport domain

Graduates are prepared for specialist and management roles across the aviation sector, including airlines, airports, air cargo operators, ground handling companies, aviation consultancies and regulatory bodies. The programme equips students to work in areas such as operations planning, air transport logistics, safety and security management, process optimisation and transport analytics.

Because the curriculum combines technical knowledge with logistics, economics and legal context, alumni may also pursue positions in transport policy, infrastructure planning, research institutions or continue into doctoral studies. The close industry links and applied focus help graduates transition directly into professional roles in a growing global market for aviation specialists.