Vliegtuigen van KLM aan de grond op een luchthaven.

Transformative Airlines and Airport Management

Specialisation of the Logistics Management, Logistics Engineering, Facility Management and Tourism Management programmes

English

How does Schiphol keep running 24/7? How do airlines fill seats while cutting their carbon footprint? And how do they make sure 70 million passengers a year enjoy their journey? The aviation industry is evolving fast – and with Transformative Airlines and Airport Management (TAAM), you can be part of that change!

This two-year specialisation brings together four areas of expertise: aviation, logistics, facility management, and tourism. You will discover how these elements connect to create unforgettable – and more sustainable – travel experiences.

Mensen in een aankomsthal op een vliegveld.

Why this specialisation?

  • Gain a cross-domain perspective that makes you highly valuable to employers
  • Get practical, hands-on preparation for future leadership roles
  • Master cutting-edge strategies for carbon-neutral operations, the circular economy, and smart building technologies
     

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Study-overview of the specialisation

Once you have successfully completed year 1 of your bachelor’s in Tourism Management, Facility Management, Logistics Engineering, or Logistics Management at BUas, you can enrol in the Transformative Airlines and Airport Management specialisation for your second and third years of study. Your two-year pathway to a career in sustainable aviation starts here! 

During this year, you will discover how the global aviation industry really works, from orchestrating complex airport operations to creating exceptional passenger experiences. Over the course of four blocks, you will develop the skills needed to lead tomorrow’s airlines and airports.

Block 2A: Foundations & Operations

How does a suitcase make its way from check-in to the plane in just 45 minutes? How do airports handle 100,000 passengers a day? This module covers the fundamentals of airport operations, cargo handling, and facility management.

Block 2B: Business & Experience 

Airports and airlines need to make money, it is that simple. In this module, you will explore revenue management, crisis management, and marketing, as well as the factors that influence passengers’ choice of airline. You will also prepare for your work placement research.

Block 2C: Logistics & Supply Chain Innovation

Cargo and people don’t move by themselves. In this module, you will explore the key challenges of logistics – from cross-border goods movement and cold chain operations to sustainable supplier management. You will also learn to develop advanced buildings and supply routes for optimal space utilisation in and through these facilities.

Block 2D: Strategic Management & Innovation

It is time to think bigger. How would you redesign the boarding process? Or introduce drone delivery at a cargo hub? You will work on strategy, business development and digital innovation, culminating in a simulation project for a real industry client.


 

In this year, you will dive into the professional world of aviation, combining real-world experience with strategic expertise.

Block 3 A-B: Work placement (20 weeks)

Step into the real world of aviation with a five-month work placement. Your placement is the responsibility of your own domain, but involves working with Transformative Airlines and Airport Management market parties. You might be coordinating gate assignments at Schiphol, streamlining cargo flows at DHL, or enhancing the passenger experience at airlines . Other possibilities include companies like Sodexo, TUI Fly or FedEx. Wherever you go, you will build a valuable network, discover the role that suits you best – and return with stories no classroom can rival.

Block 3C: Transformation & Destination Innovation

In this module, you will master the technologies transforming aviation – from AI and blockchain to predictive analytics. You will tackle sustainability challenges head on, exploring carbon management and sustainable aviation fuels while learning how to balance industry growth with environmental responsibility. Finally, you will develop strategic leadership skills through crisis management and innovation strategies, preparing yourself for senior roles in a rapidly evolving sector.

Block 3D: Global Integration & Specialisation

Your Final Project. This is where everything comes together. You will collaborate with industry partners to tackle a real sustainability challenge. How can an airport eliminate single-use plastics? What would it take for an airline to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035? Your recommendations could genuinely help shape the future of aviation.

Before your specialisation

Once you have successfully completed year 1 of your bachelor’s in Tourism Management, Facility Management, Logistics Engineering, or Logistics Management at BUas, you can enrol in the Transformative Airlines and Airport Management specialisation for your second and third years of study. Your two-year pathway to a career in sustainable aviation starts here! 

Year 1 of the TAAM specialisation

During this year, you will discover how the global aviation industry really works, from orchestrating complex airport operations to creating exceptional passenger experiences. Over the course of four blocks, you will develop the skills needed to lead tomorrow’s airlines and airports.

Block 2A: Foundations & Operations

How does a suitcase make its way from check-in to the plane in just 45 minutes? How do airports handle 100,000 passengers a day? This module covers the fundamentals of airport operations, cargo handling, and facility management.

Block 2B: Business & Experience 

Airports and airlines need to make money, it is that simple. In this module, you will explore revenue management, crisis management, and marketing, as well as the factors that influence passengers’ choice of airline. You will also prepare for your work placement research.

Block 2C: Logistics & Supply Chain Innovation

Cargo and people don’t move by themselves. In this module, you will explore the key challenges of logistics – from cross-border goods movement and cold chain operations to sustainable supplier management. You will also learn to develop advanced buildings and supply routes for optimal space utilisation in and through these facilities.

Block 2D: Strategic Management & Innovation

It is time to think bigger. How would you redesign the boarding process? Or introduce drone delivery at a cargo hub? You will work on strategy, business development and digital innovation, culminating in a simulation project for a real industry client.


 

Year 2 of the TAAM specialisation

In this year, you will dive into the professional world of aviation, combining real-world experience with strategic expertise.

Block 3 A-B: Work placement (20 weeks)

Step into the real world of aviation with a five-month work placement. Your placement is the responsibility of your own domain, but involves working with Transformative Airlines and Airport Management market parties. You might be coordinating gate assignments at Schiphol, streamlining cargo flows at DHL, or enhancing the passenger experience at airlines . Other possibilities include companies like Sodexo, TUI Fly or FedEx. Wherever you go, you will build a valuable network, discover the role that suits you best – and return with stories no classroom can rival.

Block 3C: Transformation & Destination Innovation

In this module, you will master the technologies transforming aviation – from AI and blockchain to predictive analytics. You will tackle sustainability challenges head on, exploring carbon management and sustainable aviation fuels while learning how to balance industry growth with environmental responsibility. Finally, you will develop strategic leadership skills through crisis management and innovation strategies, preparing yourself for senior roles in a rapidly evolving sector.

Block 3D: Global Integration & Specialisation

Your Final Project. This is where everything comes together. You will collaborate with industry partners to tackle a real sustainability challenge. How can an airport eliminate single-use plastics? What would it take for an airline to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035? Your recommendations could genuinely help shape the future of aviation.

Frequently asked questions

Why choose this specialisation?

Transformative Airlines and Airport Management brings together aviation, logistics, facility management, and tourism in one dynamic two-year programme. While other students focus solely on airports, hotels, or cargo handling, you will gain a deep understanding of how these sectors connect to create seamless travel experiences. This cross-domain perspective makes you highly valuable to employers.

How can I qualify for admission?

To be admitted to the two-year Transformative Airlines and Airport Management specialisation, you must have obtained a propaedeutic certificate in one of the following programmes: Tourism Management, Facility Management, Logistics Engineering, or Logistics Management. After completing your first year in one of these bachelor’s programmes at BUas, you can choose this specialisation starting in your second year.

Please note: places are limited to ensure personalised attention for all students.
 

How can I apply?

Please submit a motivational letter to [email protected] by the end of March. After that, you will be invited for an interview. Within four weeks of your interview, you will hear whether you’ve been accepted.

Where can I do my work placement?

Placement opportunities span major national and international airports and airlines; airlines including KLM and Transavia; global logistics leaders like DHL and FedEx; and facility management organisations such as Sodexo. You could also work with tourism boards, destination management organisations, hospitality groups, or airport commercial partners in retail, food and beverage, or ground transport. This extensive placement experience lets you explore your career interests and build a strong professional network.

Interested in this specialisation?

About this specialisation

Studying Tourism Management, Logistics Management, Logistics Engineering, or Facility Management at BUas? From year two, you can specialise in aviation through the Transformative Airlines and Airport Management programme, which is taught entirely in English. 

Do you have question about the specialisation? Please send an email to [email protected]