Published on
November 19, 2025
Greece has set a new educational benchmark with the launch of its groundbreaking Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Air Transport Management. This innovative program, a collaborative effort between leading academic institutions and strategic international partners, is designed to develop skilled professionals capable of addressing the evolving challenges in the aviation industry. The initiative is supported by experts from Cyprus, the UK, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Canada, ensuring a comprehensive, globally-relevant curriculum. With its strategic partnerships, the program is set to equip graduates with the expertise needed to lead in the rapidly advancing global air transport sector.
Greece has officially launched its first-ever Master of Business Administration in Air Transport Management (MATBA), a significant step forward for the country’s aviation education sector. This postgraduate program, offered in English, represents a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering highly skilled professionals in the aviation industry. The program is the result of a collaboration between the Department of Tourism Economics and Management at a prominent Greek university and the Department of Civil Engineering at another respected institution. Strategic partners include a leading international airport in Greece and a global air transport organization based in Montreal.
The MATBA program is designed to address the growing need for qualified professionals in the air transport industry. As the global aviation sector continues to evolve, there is an increasing demand for individuals who can manage the complex dynamics of airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and aviation-related organizations. The program combines a strong theoretical foundation with practical knowledge, equipping students with the strategic competencies necessary for managerial careers in these sectors. Graduates will be prepared to pursue roles in airlines, airports, air navigation service providers, and aviation-related companies worldwide. In addition, the program prepares students for careers in aviation policy, strategy, and research, ensuring that they are well-rounded professionals capable of contributing to the global aviation landscape.
One of the defining features of MATBA is its international faculty. The program brings together 23 lecturers from eight different countries, including Greece, Cyprus, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Canada. These lecturers represent 13 prestigious academic institutions, offering students a diverse range of perspectives and expertise. In addition to the faculty, MATBA benefits from the guidance of an international advisory board, which includes senior figures from across the global air transport ecosystem. This advisory board helps ensure that the program remains aligned with industry trends and best practices, providing students with the latest knowledge and skills to succeed in a competitive global market.
The MATBA program is structured as a 1.5-year course that offers a total of 90 ECTS credits. Students will begin their studies with a one-week, in-person session held on a Greek island, specifically Chios, from February 1 to 5, 2026. This week will serve as an introduction to the program and allow students to meet their peers and instructors in person. Following the initial session, the remainder of the program will be conducted online, combining synchronous lectures via Zoom with asynchronous learning modules on the Moodle platform. This flexible format allows students to continue working while pursuing their studies, making it ideal for both current professionals and aspiring individuals in the aviation sector.
The first semester of MATBA focuses on a common curriculum, providing students with a broad understanding of the key concepts and issues in air transport management. In the second semester, students are given the opportunity to specialize in one of three areas: airports, airlines, or air navigation service providers. This specialization enables students to gain in-depth knowledge in their chosen field and tailor their education to their career aspirations. The third semester is dedicated to the completion of the MBA thesis, where students will apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the program to a research project or case study.
MATBA is designed to cater to a wide range of professionals, both current and aspiring, who are looking to advance their careers in the aviation industry. The program is ideal for individuals working in airports, airlines, tourism organizations, government authorities, and other aviation-related sectors. It also welcomes graduates from economics, engineering, tourism, and other related fields who are interested in pursuing a career in aviation management. The program’s international outreach extends beyond Greece, with a particular focus on markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Europe, where the demand for aviation professionals is on the rise.
The launch of MATBA represents a broader trend in Greece to strengthen its aviation education and workforce development. With the aviation industry being a vital contributor to the country’s economy, particularly in the context of tourism, the introduction of this program aligns Greece’s capabilities with international industry standards. As the global aviation sector continues to grow, there is a pressing need for highly qualified professionals who can navigate the complexities of modern air transport. MATBA’s innovative approach to education ensures that Greece is well-positioned to meet these demands, providing students with the necessary tools to succeed in the fast-paced and ever-changing aviation industry.
In addition to its educational benefits, MATBA also reflects Greece’s commitment to enhancing its reputation as a hub for global air transport management education. The program is designed to attract international students, contributing to the country’s global standing in the field of aviation education. By offering a world-class MBA program tailored to the needs of the aviation industry, Greece is positioning itself as a leader in shaping the next generation of aviation professionals.
Greece has raised the bar in aviation education with the launch of its MBA in Air Transport Management, supported by experts from Cyprus, the UK, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Canada. This program aims to address the industry’s evolving challenges by providing globally relevant, specialized expertise for future leaders in air transport.
the MATBA program represents a significant milestone for Greece’s aviation education sector. By offering a comprehensive, flexible, and internationally recognized MBA in Air Transport Management, Greece is not only addressing the growing need for skilled professionals in the aviation industry but also strengthening its position as a global leader in aviation education. This initiative will play a key role in shaping the future of aviation management, both in Greece and internationally, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective they need to succeed in one of the world’s most dynamic industries.
