Montreal -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Stanford Center of Professional Development at Stanford University have partnered to launch a new distance-learning aviation certification program for industry professionals around the world.

“Constant development of professional management skills is critical to strengthening the aviation industry today and to building a sustainable future. This partnership will create a new globally recognized certification for aviation management professionals. We are doing this by combining Stanford University’s globally recognized expertise in management training with the world’s best aviation curriculum developed by the IATA Training and Development Institute (ITDI). Effective distance learning tools will provide the accessibility and flexibility needed to serve aviation professionals around the world,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA’s Director General and CEO.

The curriculum will be accessible on-demand, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in electronic format, offering participants flexibility to learn at their own pace while acquiring internationally-recognized academic and professional credentials. The aviation component of the program, delivered by the ITDI, will provide in-depth coverage of the global air transport system through three courses focused on industry fundamentals airport operations and the essentials of revenue management and pricing.

The management component of the program, delivered by California-based Stanford University, includes three courses on strategic execution, leadership and project management. This is Stanford's first aviation management program. “The Stanford Center for Professional Development-IATA collaboration upholds our mission to extend faculty research and teaching to industry worldwide while leveraging both organizations’ leadership in distance learning,” said James Plummer, Dean of Stanford’s School of Engineering and head of professional development. Stanford’s graduate business program is ranked fourth in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2010.

After successful completion of the six course program, participants will be awarded a Stanford-IATA Aviation Management Certificate and will automatically be registered with IATA as a Certified Aviation Management Professional (AvMP). To demonstrate professionalism and excellence, the certification holders can use the AvMP designation after their name. This new partnership creates the first global aviation certification program that combines an extensive curriculum and certification of competence. AvMP holders are required to renew their certification every three years with additional courses from IATA and Stanford.

Each year, ITDI provides training and learning to over 30,000 air transport professionals. These courses are delivered in the six ITDI centers worldwide and at the 200 associated training institutions around the world.

For more information, please contact:

Corporate Communications
Tel: + 41 22 770 2967
Email: corpcomms@iata.org

Notes for Editors:

  • IATA (International Air Transport Association) represents some 230 airlines comprising 93% of scheduled international air traffic.
  • The IATA Training and Development Institute (ITDI) currently offers over 200 courses and a wide range of diplomas in the fields of Airlines, Airports, Civil Aviation, Air Navigation Services, Cargo, Safety and Security, as well as Management and Training Skills for every level - from entry level to senior managers.