Global Air Transport Management (DAS)

Explore and analyze topics in-depth, ranging from aviation systems and revenue management to sustainability and change management.
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DAS / Diploma
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Programme overview

The ongoing liberalization of markets, rapid technological changes, digitalization and the establishment of new business models in aviation raise new questions related to theory and practice. Current and future developments in aviation are thereby shaped by the industry actors and structures, in short, the Aviation System.

To lead your company or department efficiently from a systemic management point of view, a deeper understanding of the industry and all actors on a global scale is essential for aviation managers. The diploma encompasses 5 courses offered by the University of St.Gallen, and 3 electives offered by IATA, which will enable you to explore and analyze topics in-depth, ranging from aviation systems and revenue management to sustainability and change management.

You will become a trusted leader by gaining greater knowledge on the global aviation industry as a whole and the crucial regulations and their impact on business strategies and operations. Frameworks for quality & safety management, as well as for auditing processes will help you and your companies to comply with these regulations.

The Diploma of Advanced Studies is offered in cooperation between University of St. Gallen and International Air Transport Association. The program content is delivered by academic and industry leading lecturers from HSG and IATA.

Successful completion of DAS-GATM earns you 30 credits (ECTS), which can be partially applied and transferred to other university programs, including Executive MBA at HSG.

Next step

Are you interested in this programme? Download our brochure to find out if this executive education fits you and your career planning:

Contact person

Learn more about the programme in a personal conversation.

Henrik Wittwer HSG

Henrik Wittwer Programme Manager

Programme details

Programme type

DAS / Diploma

Format

In-person

Language

English

Number of ECTS credits

30

Duration

31-33 days (depending on IATA electives)

Flexible entry

Possible

Modules

individually bookable

Location

Switzerland and internationally (depending on IATA electives)

Price

CHF 22'900 Price depending on the number of course days of IATA Electives (22'900 CHF / 23'450 CHF / 24'100 CHF)

Target group

Next date

Flexible Entry

Goals

  • Describe the crucial regulations and their impact on business strategies and operations

  • Provide an overview of the global aviation system

  • Assess the impact of your strategic decisions and fine-tune your strategy and tactics continuously

  • Recognize and adopt leadership behaviors to sustain and build change capabilities

  • Track and monitor revenue management initiatives and policies

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Your Benefits

  • Generates insights about the aviation market, its competition, customers, suppliers and regulation on an international scale.

  • Delivered by seasoned lecturers, who also have successful careers in international business and pioneering research, and a unique aviation system lens.

  • Includes on-site visits to aviation stakeholders (IATA, ACI, ICAO, OEMs, MROs, suppliers)

  • Capacities are built with respect to challenges in project, international, safety & security management as well business innovations, operations, human factors and change management.

  • Risk management framework for reducing risks faced by the industry and preparing for an ever-changing ecosystem.

  • Includes courses with simulation programs and real cases, including workshop-style discussions.

  • Course mates working in your industry.

  • Access to the renowned network of former graduates of CFAC, University of St. Gallen (conditions apply) and IATA programs, instructors as well as course mates.

  • 30 ECTS, partially transferable to university programs (Executive School).

  • Flexible entries and time to complete the diploma program (ideally during 1-2 years).

  • Executives & Accountable Managers

  • Key Account & Corporate Development Managers

  • Project Managers & Controllers

  • Risk Managers, Auditors & Safety Managers

  • Cockpit & Cabin Crews transitioning into corporate roles

  • Regulators / Aviation Authorities

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Programme Structure

Global Air Transport Management combines five compulsory courses delivered by the University of St.Gallen (HSG) with a selection of core elective courses offered by IATA. For the IATA electives, participants are required to complete a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 14 course days.

Course Details

Below are the five compulsory courses offered by HSG, and the core electives by IATA. Please note: Each of the HSG compulsory modules is offered once per year. HSG modules are subject to a minimum enrollment of six participants and may be cancelled if this requirement is not met. The IATA courses are usually offered twice a year.

An overview of the air transportation system, illustrating the interdependence between its key stakeholders: airlines, airports, service providers, civil aviation authorities and the ecosystem’s supply chain.

Duration: 6 Days

Date: 12-17 Jan 2026

Location: St. Gallen, Switzerland

Explore the benefits of different network types as well as the different definitions of business models.

Duration: 2 Days

Dates: 11-12 Mar 2026

Location: Location in Switzerland to be determined

Learn about leadership, management and organization models and systems and learn how to apply theory with practical case studies and workshops.

Duration: 4 Days

Dates: 10-13 June 2026

Location: St. Gallen, Switzerland

This course explains how to be compliant with regulations and offers tools and practices to be efficient.

Duration: 4 Days

Dates: 09-12 Sep 2025 or 08-11 Sep 2026

Location: St. Gallen, Switzerland

This module deals with compliance, the basic regulations to it and with how to install efficient internal auditing processes.

Duration: 3 Days

Dates: 24-26 Nov 2025 or 18-20 Nov 2026

Location: St. Gallen, Switzerland

This course explores how airlines use multi-brand strategies, cost-containment measures, and revenue optimization techniques across various business models to compete effectively and enhance profitability.

Duration: 5 Days

Dates and Locations: 5-9 May 2025 (Singapore) or 23-27 June 2025 (Istanbul)

Details: https://www.iata.org/en/training/courses/airline-cost-reduction/talg36/en/

Explore the fundamentals and principles of airline revenue management (RM) through a combination of theory and hands-on practice, and validate your learning using our sophisticated airline revenue management simulator.

Duration: 4 Days

Dates and Locations: 13-16 May 2025 (London), 1-4 July 2025 (Singapore)

Details: https://www.iata.org/en/training/courses/revenue-management-pricing/talm54/en/

Sharpen your management skills and apply newly acquired knowledge in a real market-based simulation game vying for market share and profitability against fellow professionals from the industry!

Duration: 5 Days

Dates and Locations: 28 April – 2 May 2025 (Abu Dhabi), 28 July – 1 August 2025 (Istanbul)

Details: https://www.iata.org/en/training/courses/airline-business-models/talg02/en/

Contribute to your company’s success by learning how to develop and optimize a route network, select, acquire and manage the optimum fleet and create a competitive flight schedule.

Duration: 4 Days

Dates and Locations: 20-23 May 2025 (Singapore), 7 – 10 July, 2025 (Istanbul)

Details: https://www.iata.org/en/training/courses/fleet-schedule-planning/talm26/en/

This advanced course guides you through designing your own sustainability strategy, combining expert input, practical examples, and case studies to align your plan with corporate goals and market expectations.

Duration: 4 Days

Dates and Locations: 12-15 August 2025 (Singapore), 16-19 December 2025 (Geneva)

Details: https://www.iata.org/en/training/courses/sustainability-strategy-advanced/tall33/en/

1. Choose a topic from the modules’ catalogue

2. Apply to your business environment

3. Address a real-case business problem

4. Make your paper an insightful and impactful project

Date: Sep-Dec (every year)

Testimonials

Aviation has shown to be a very resilient industry, despite the various challenges it has faced in the more than 100 year of its existence. As we rebuild from the biggest crisis in our history, it is essential that those leading the long-term transition into a more sustainable future, possess the correct skill set.

Willie Walsh, Director General IATA

It’s not just a piece of paper but an endorsement of expertise, a credential that speaks volumes in an industry where competence is non-negotiable.

Hailegebrel Tadese Seboka, Participant 2023

Application Criteria

  • You should have a minimum of 3 years of working experience

  • University degree

  • Responsibility for company / division / department / product / service / process

  • Affiliation with the Civil Aviation industry (Airlines, Airports, Ground Handling, Supply Chain, Association, Services)

  • Written and spoken English proficiency

  • Ability to travel to the classroom locations for in-person participation

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Contact
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Do you require further information?

I am gladly available for you and look forward to hearing from you.

Henrik Wittwer HSG

Henrik Wittwer Programme Manager

Why University of St.Gallen

The HSG - your partner for first-class executive education in Switzerland

At the University of St. Gallen (HSG), you can choose from one of the largest executive education portfolios in the German speaking region – the right programme for your needs and career objectives. The renowned quality and practical relevance of the learning experience convinces more than 6000 participants per year. Profit from an Executive Degree from St.Gallen – the best business school in the German-speaking world – and get ahead in your career!

  • For high-quality teaching and executive training by top researchers

  • For competent executives

  • For Lifelong Learning

  • For international collaborations

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