IATA - University of St Gallen Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in Global Air Transport Management

8 courses to be completed in 1-2 year cycle

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 and 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.

Course code: DIPL-126

Upon completion of this diploma you will be able to:

• 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

Key Topics

• Aviation system
• Business strategy
• Environmental sustainability
• Risk management
• Revenue management
• Cost management

Prerequisites

• 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 the classroom locations for in-person participation

Program structure

The program consists of 8 courses. Five courses are compulsory, 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.

2026 Schedule

Complete the 5 Required courses:

• Module 1: Accountable Aviation Management (HSG): 12-17 January 2026, in-person (St. Gallen, Switzerland)
• Module 2: Strategy and Business Models (HSG): 11-12 March 2026, in-person (St.Gallen/Laax, Switzerland)
• Module 3: Responsible Leadership, Integrated Management and Organization (HSG): 9-12 June 2026, in-person (St. Gallen, Switzerland)
• Module 4: Sustainable Risk and Safety Management (HSG): 9-12 September 2025 or 8-11 September 2026, in-person (St. Gallen, Switzerland)
• Module 5: Auditing in Aviation (HSG): 24-26 November or 23-25 November 2026, in-person (St. Gallen, Switzerland)

Choose 3 Elective courses from the list below:

• Elective 1: Airline Leading Practices and Cost Reduction Strategies (IATA)
• Elective 2: Revenue Management and Pricing with simulation (IATA)
• Elective 3: Airline Business Models and Competitive Strategy (IATA)
• Elective 4: Network, Fleet and Schedule Planning (IATA)
• Elective 5: Design a Sustainability Strategy (Advanced) (IATA)

• Executives and Accountable Managers
• Key Account and Corporate Development Managers
• Project Managers and Controllers
• Risk Managers, Auditors andSafety Managers
• Cockpit and Cabin Crews transitioning into corporate roles
• Regulators/Aviation Authorities

The total cost for the IATA - University of St Gallen Diploma of Advanced Studies (DAS) in Global Air Transport Management Program (8 courses) is from CHF22,900. The price is dependent on the number of course days of IATA Electives (CHF22,900 for 12 IATA course days; CHF23,450 for 13 IATA course days; CHF24,100 for 14 IATA course days)

If you have completed any IATA classes that are part of the DAS curriculum or other classes from the airline management portfolio, you may be eligible for a transfer credit of up to USD1,500 per class. Employees of airlines and civil aviation authorities in developing nations may be eligible for a DNA discount. Conditions apply. Please contact the Academic Program Manager for details.

A passing mark of 70% is required on all assignments and exams. A special distinction is awarded to candidates who obtain a distinction in all, or all but one, of all course exams and assignments that are incorporated in this program.

Need more information? Please contact Davit Mamulaishvili