Airport Planning, Operations and Management
Overview
This unit aims to provide the student with a sound understanding of the principles and practices relating to airport planning, operation and management. Students are introduced to the airport industry, ways in which airports are planned and developed, methods of obtaining revenue and identifying and controlling costs. The theory is enhanced through participation in a sophisticated dynamic airport simulation. The simulation requires analysis and decision-making skills in order to creatively formulate and test appropriate airport models and operating environments.
Requisites
02-November-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Explain the regulatory framework within which airports operate
- Describe passenger behaviour in airport terminals and its influence on airport design
- Explain the economic impact of airports
- Describe models of airport ownership and management
- Identify numerous ways in which airports gain revenues and incur costs
- Identify key aspects of airport master planning in terms of design issues, ground and air services, navigation aids and noise factors
- Conduct individual critical analysis into an airport-related issue and deliver the findings in an oral and written presentation
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Tutorial | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Face to Face Contact (Phasing out) Presentation | 0.25 | 12 weeks | 3 |
| Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out) Independent Learning | 9.25 | 12 weeks | 111 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 35 - 55% | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
| Presentation | Group | 25 - 35% | 2,3,4,5,6,7 |
| Report | Group | 25 - 35% | 3,4,5,6,7 |
Content
• Introduction to the airport industry
• Passenger behaviour in the terminal
• Customer relations and marketing
• Management of small/undeveloped airports
• Airport ownership models
• Airport fees and charges
• Economic impact of airports
• Airport master planning
• Terminal layout
• Standard and busy rate
• Airport security
• Customs, immigration and quarantine
• Choice and location of navigation aids
• Aircraft noise
• Overview of pavement design
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.