LICQual UK Level 6 Airport Management Diploma
The LICQual UK Level 6 Diploma in Airport Management is an advanced professional qualification designed for individuals seeking senior roles in the aviation and airport management sector. This programme equips learners with in-depth knowledge, strategic management skills, and practical expertise required to oversee airport operations, ensure passenger satisfaction, and maintain regulatory compliance.
The course focuses on the complexities of modern airport management, including operational planning, resource management, safety and security protocols, customer service excellence, and compliance with national and international aviation regulations. Learners gain the ability to analyse operational challenges, develop efficient management strategies, and make informed decisions to optimise airport performance.
Ideal for experienced professionals, aspiring managers, and career changers, this qualification prepares learners for leadership roles within airports, aviation authorities, and ground service providers. It also provides a strong foundation for progression to higher-level academic qualifications, including postgraduate studies in aviation or airport management.
By combining theoretical frameworks with practical insights, the LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Airport Management ensures learners are fully prepared to meet industry standards, lead teams effectively, and enhance their career prospects in the competitive global aviation sector
Program Outline
The LICQual UK Level 6 Diploma in Airport Management is a 120-credit professional qualification designed for learners aiming to take on senior or managerial roles in the aviation and airport sector. Structured across 6 comprehensive units, this diploma equips students with the knowledge, strategic skills, and practical expertise required to manage airport operations efficiently while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Core Areas of Study
Learners gain in-depth understanding of airport operations, passenger services, resource and staff management, safety and security procedures, and aviation regulations. This ensures they are well-prepared to handle complex operational challenges within airports.
Professional Practices
The programme emphasises leadership, effective communication, teamwork, ethical practices, and strategic decision-making, helping learners develop essential managerial and professional competencies required in senior roles.
Practical Application
Through scenario-based learning, case studies, and applied exercises, learners gain hands-on experience in planning and managing airport operations, improving passenger experience, and ensuring smooth day-to-day activities.
This qualification prepares learners for leadership positions in airports, aviation authorities, and ground service providers, while also offering a pathway to higher-level academic studies in airport or aviation management.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201245-1 | Strategic Airport Planning & Development | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201245-2 | Global Aviation Policy, Law & Regulation | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201245-3 | Aviation Safety & Risk Management | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201245-4 | Airport Finance & Revenue Management | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201245-5 | Leadership & Human Resource Management in Aviation | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201245-6 | Innovation & Sustainability in Airport Management | 20 | 80 |
Who Can Benefit
- Aviation professionals seeking promotion to senior or managerial roles in airports or airlines.
- Airport operations staff who want to enhance their strategic management and operational skills.
- Ground handling and airport services personnel aiming to progress into leadership positions.
- Career changers who wish to enter the aviation sector in supervisory or management roles.
- Customer service and passenger operations staff looking to improve efficiency and passenger experience.
- Aspiring airport managers or supervisors seeking practical and professional skills in aviation management.
- Learners planning further studies in aviation, airport management, or related postgraduate programmes
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Strategic Airport Planning & Development
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the principles of airport master planning and long-term infrastructure development.
- Analyze the impact of capacity management, slot allocation, and traffic forecasting on airport growth.
- Apply knowledge of land use planning, environmental assessment, and sustainability frameworks in airport development.
- Assess the role of public–private partnerships and investment models in airport expansion projects.
- Develop strategies for integrating smart airport technologies into future planning.
- Evaluate case studies of major international airport development projects to identify best practices.
Unit 2: Global Aviation Policy, Law & Regulation
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced understanding of ICAO conventions, IATA regulations, and bilateral or multilateral agreements.
- Critically assess the impact of aviation law, competition policy, and consumer protection regulations on airport operations.
- Apply knowledge of air service agreements, open skies policies, and international trade frameworks to aviation management.
- Evaluate the role of national civil aviation authorities in regulating safety, security, and compliance.
- Analyze the implications of emerging legal issues such as cybersecurity, data protection, and unmanned aircraft systems.
- Compare and contrast regional aviation regulatory frameworks and their global influence.
Unit 3: Aviation Safety & Risk Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Apply advanced principles of Safety Management Systems in airport and airline environments.
- Conduct risk assessments and hazard identification using international aviation safety methodologies.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of crisis management and emergency response plans in aviation operations.
- Analyze case studies of aviation accidents and incidents to identify systemic failures and corrective actions.
- Demonstrate understanding of human factors, fatigue management, and crew resource management in aviation safety.
- Assess the role of regulatory oversight and safety audits in maintaining international aviation standards.
Unit 4: Airport Finance & Revenue Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate airport financial models, including aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue streams.
- Apply principles of airport pricing, slot valuation, and concession management to maximize profitability.
- Analyze the role of public–private financing, privatization, and investment strategies in airport development.
- Demonstrate understanding of financial risk management, cost control, and performance benchmarking in aviation.
- Assess the impact of global economic trends, fuel prices, and passenger demand on airport financial performance.
- Develop strategies for revenue diversification and commercial growth in competitive aviation markets.
Unit 5: Leadership & Human Resource Management in Aviation
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of leadership theories and practices in the aviation industry.
- Apply strategic human resource management to workforce planning, recruitment, and retention in airports.
- Evaluate the impact of labor relations, unions, and multicultural workforce dynamics on aviation operations.
- Develop strategies for talent management, training, and succession planning in aviation organizations.
- Analyze the role of leadership in crisis management, change management, and organizational culture.
- Assess the importance of ethical leadership and corporate governance in global aviation management.
Unit 6: Innovation & Sustainability in Airport Management
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the role of digital transformation and smart airport technologies in modern aviation.
- Apply knowledge of sustainability frameworks, carbon reduction strategies, and green airport initiatives.
- Assess the impact of climate change, environmental regulations, and ESG compliance on airport operations.
- Analyze the role of innovation in passenger experience, biometrics, and automation in airport competitiveness.
- Develop strategies for sustainable airport growth balancing economic, social, and environmental objectives.
- Evaluate global case studies of innovative and sustainable airport projects to identify transferable best practices.
