Overview of Air Transportation

Air Transportation is a broad field of study that includes the principles and practices of working within the air transportation industry. This includes topics like aircraft operations and systems, airport operations, and airline management. This field has changed rapidly over the years with the introduction of new technologies and an overall increase in air traffic worldwide. As a result, the industry is constantly evolving and requires people with specialized skills and knowledge in order to keep up with the latest trends and safety regulations.

Career Opportunities Associated with Air Transportation

Air transportation is an in-demand career in the travel and tourism industries. Some common job titles in this field include: air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics, airport managers, aviation managers, pilots, and flight attendants. Additionally, many of the skills and knowledge gained through air transportation studies can be applicable in other industries, such as logistics, customer service, and communication.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Air Transportation

Many universities and colleges offer internships or co-op opportunities related to Air Transportation. Internships or co-op programs can provide hands-on experience and valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, many internships or co-ops come with stipends or scholarships to help with the cost of the program. Some of these internships or co-op programs offer a chance to observe and work in a professional setting, work on projects, and gain valuable skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Air Transportation

There are many specialized tracks and concentrations within air transportation, including: International Air Transport, Aircraft Maintenance, Regulation and Compliance, Human Factors in Aviation, Air Traffic Control, Air Cargo Management, and Airport Management. Depending on the specific program or university, students may have the opportunity to specialize in one or more of these areas, as well as gain general knowledge about the air transportation industry.

How Air Transportation Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Air transportation can provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skillset needed to pursue successful careers in aviation or in business. Coursework covers topics like economics, operations, safety standards, and communication. Additionally, students learn how to think critically, analyze data, and solve problems on their own. A solid foundation of knowledge in air transportation can be beneficial in pursuing further education in graduate studies or specialized programs, like a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Air Transportation

The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in air transportation has opened new doors in areas like safety, efficiency, customer service, and cost savings. Automation can help to reduce the amount of manual labor required by air traffic controllers, pilots, and other air transportation professionals. Additionally, it can be used to monitor and analyze flight patterns, weather conditions, and other vital data in order to make decisions about flight paths. As AI continues to evolve in the air transportation industry, it’s important to stay informed of the latest developments in the field.

The Career Outlook for Air Transportation

The global airline industry is projected to continue to grow in the coming years. As such, the demand for qualified air transportation professionals is expected to increase. Individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in air transportation will be well-positioned to take advantage of new job opportunities and potentially increase their pay scale. Additionally, the field of air transportation will likely continue to evolve with the introduction of new technologies, such as automation, which can provide increased efficiency and cost savings.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Air Transportation:

Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus, Salary: $78,108

Utah Valley University, Salary: $59,874

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, Salary: $53,995

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, Salary: $53,995

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, Salary: $53,995

Kansas State University, Salary: $50,850

Louisiana Tech University, Salary: $50,634

Liberty University, Salary: $49,846

Florida Institute of Technology, Salary: $48,855

Florida Institute of Technology-Online, Salary: $48,855

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Air Transportation.