The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) at north Lantau is a vital component of Hong Kong’s economy, serving both tourism and commerce. Its strategic position in Asia has made it an important regional trans-shipment centre, passenger hub and especially a gateway to other Chinese cities. According to the Hong Kong Freight Transport Report Q3 2008 (Report Buyer, 2009), the transport and communications sector will continue outpacing the Hong Kong economy as a whole for the 2008-2012 forecast period.

The aviation industry of Hong Kong is facing the challenge of quality manpower supply in meeting the business expansion in the coming years. According to the Airport Authority, the latest workforce in the airport is 60,000 in 2008. Among the workforce, most of them are involved in non-flying duties including airport/airline operation and management, air traffic management and control, logistics operation and ground services.

This 2-year programme is a non-flying study programme which will provide students an understanding of the underlying concept and principles of aviation. The programme will facilitate the entry of students into the aviation industry by providing a concrete foundation of knowledge and skills. Topics covered include design and operation of aircraft; risk and safety management; structure and management of aviation business; airline and airport operations; and various types of knowledge that will commonly be applied in the day-to-day aviation operations.

Students will have opportunities to undertake job placements. Students will gain practical work experience and develop useful skills required in the marketplace.

Graduate could apply for further degree study in Aviation Management, Air Transportation, Airport Operations, Aviation Logistics or related subjects in overseas universities or locally through the Non-JUPAS route. There will be credit exemption for graduates applying for Bachelor in Aviation Management Programme with Griffith University in Australia.

This programme is designed to facilitate the entry of students into the aviation industry by providing a concrete foundation of knowledge and skills. Progression is possible in careers as diverse as aviation business management, air traffic operation, aviation customer services and ground services.