Published on
November 12, 2025
Greece is taking a bold step in revolutionizing the air transport industry with the launch of its pioneering MBA in Air Transport Management. This innovative program aims to blend global expertise, drawing on the knowledge and experience from leading countries such as the UK, Canada, and Germany, among others. By incorporating best practices from these aviation hubs, Greece is positioning itself as a key player in the future of air transport education, providing students with world-class insights and skills to excel in this rapidly evolving field.
Two prominent Greek universities have joined forces to offer a groundbreaking Master’s Degree program in Air Transport Management, a first of its kind in Greece. The MBA in Air Transport Management (MATBA) is a collaborative initiative between the University of the Aegean’s Department of Tourism Economics and Management and the Democritus University of Thrace’s Department of Civil Engineering. In addition to these institutions, the program also has strategic partnerships with Athens International Airport and an international non-governmental organization based in Montreal, Canada. Together, these entities aim to create an academic program that bridges the gap between the aviation industry and academia, providing students with a unique opportunity to specialize in air transport management.
The core objective of the MATBA program is to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in the air transport industry. This combination of academic rigor and real-world application will enable students to develop the strategic skills necessary to excel in the global aviation sector. The program is designed for individuals who wish to pursue careers in air transport management and related fields, including roles in strategic planning, policy development, and research. Graduates will be well-prepared to take on leadership positions within airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and other related organizations, both in Greece and internationally.
One of the unique aspects of the MATBA program is its international approach. In total, 23 instructors from eight countries—including Greece, Cyprus, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Canada—will be involved in teaching. These instructors come from 13 different academic institutions, further enhancing the program’s global perspective. The involvement of such a diverse range of faculty members ensures that students will receive an education that is both academically rigorous and deeply connected to the real-world challenges facing the aviation industry.
To further strengthen its international ties, the program benefits from the support of an external advisory board, which is composed of distinguished figures from the air transport industry. This advisory board provides ongoing guidance and ensures that the program remains aligned with the latest industry developments and trends. This level of industry engagement is designed to make the MATBA program highly relevant to both current and future leaders in air transport management.
The MBA in Air Transport Management is structured to be completed over a period of 1.5 years and is worth 90 ECTS credits. Students will begin the program with an intensive one-week in-person teaching session, which will take place on a Greek island in early February 2026 for the current academic year. This on-campus experience will allow students to immerse themselves in the program and begin building valuable connections with their peers and faculty members. After this initial in-person session, the program transitions to an online format, which includes synchronous classes delivered through Zoom, as well as asynchronous learning via the Moodle platform. This flexible approach makes the MATBA program accessible to students from around the world while allowing them to balance their studies with professional obligations.
The structure of the MATBA program is divided into three semesters. In the first semester, students follow a common curriculum, which provides them with foundational knowledge in air transport management. During the second semester, students will choose one of three specializations: Airports, Airlines, or Air Navigation Service Providers (Air Traffic Control). These specialized tracks allow students to tailor their education to their specific career interests and aspirations within the aviation sector. In the third semester, students will be required to complete an MBA Thesis, which will allow them to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout the program to a real-world air transport challenge.
The MATBA program is specifically designed to cater to the needs of professionals working in the aviation industry, as well as individuals looking to transition into the sector. It is aimed at executives from a variety of fields, including airports, airlines, tourism, and government ministries. Additionally, the program is open to graduates from economics, engineering, and tourism schools who are interested in pursuing a career in air transport management. The geographic scope of the program extends far beyond Greece and its neighboring countries. In addition to serving students from the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Europe, the program welcomes applicants from across the globe. The online format of the MATBA program ensures that students from diverse geographic regions can participate without needing to relocate.
The program’s innovative design reflects the growing importance of the air transport industry as a key driver of global economic activity. The aviation sector is one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving industries in the world, and the MATBA program is designed to equip future leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate this complex and ever-changing landscape. With the support of prominent academic institutions, industry leaders, and strategic partners, the MBA in Air Transport Management offers a unique opportunity for students to gain the expertise needed to succeed in one of the world’s most critical and fast-paced sectors.
Greece is launching a groundbreaking MBA in Air Transport Management, leveraging expertise from the UK, Canada, Germany, and other global leaders to offer students world-class education and prepare them for the evolving aviation industry.
By combining high-quality academic instruction with practical, industry-oriented training, the MATBA program offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to advance their careers in air transport management. The program’s international partnerships and diverse faculty ensure that students receive an education that is both globally relevant and deeply rooted in the needs of the aviation industry. With its flexible, online format and rigorous academic framework, the MATBA program is poised to become a leading educational offering in the field of air transport management, benefiting students and the aviation industry as a whole.
