110051 - AIR TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT AND AIRPORT MANAGEMENT

Subject type: Mandatory

Coordinator: Valeria Bernardo

Trimester: Third term

Credits: 4

Academic year: 2026

Teaching course: 3

• Catalan
• Spanish

Learning objectives

The subject aims to provide students with a global vision of air freight transport and its role within the international logistics chain, providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to understand the organization, operation and regulatory framework that governs this mode of transport.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand the structure, organization and operation of the air freight transport system at the national and international level.

• Identify the main agents involved in the air logistics chain and understand their functions and responsibilities.

• Interpret the basic regulations applicable to the international air transport of goods.

• Understand the operational functioning of cargo airports, airlines, freight forwarders and other operators involved.

• Apply the fundamental concepts related to the planning, contracting and management of air transport in practical situations typical of logistics activity.

• Value the importance of air transport as a strategic element for international trade, especially in operations that require speed, safety and reliability.

Learning environment

The classroom, both in person and virtual, is a space of respect, inclusion and participation, where equal opportunities and coexistence are promoted among all the people who are part of the educational community.

Discriminatory attitudes or behaviors based on gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, origin, ethnicity, religion, disability or any other personal or social circumstance will not be tolerated.

A climate of trust will be fostered that favors the exchange of ideas, critical thinking and collaborative learning, understanding errors as a natural and necessary part of the learning process.

The subject offers a comprehensive view of international air freight transport, addressing the operational, commercial and technological aspects involved in the air logistics chain. The student will acquire the necessary knowledge to understand the functioning of the sector, its main actors, airport infrastructures, documentation, costs and management tools used in professional activity.

0. Origins of air transport

The historical evolution of air transport and its development until it became a strategic element of international trade are introduced.

• Historical evolution of air transport.

• Development of air freight transport.

1. The air transport sector

The structure and operation of the air cargo transport sector is analyzed.

• Organizations and institutions in the sector.

• Importance of air transport in international trade.

• Characteristics of air freight transport.

• Air transport conditioning factors.

• Actors involved in the air logistics chain.

• Organization and functions of the air department.

• Technology applied to air freight transport.

2. Airport infrastructures

The main facilities involved in airport operations are studied.

• Concept and structure of an airport.

• Airport ownership and management models.

• International airport coding.

• Charging terminals.

• Border Inspection Points (BIPs) and other control services.

3. Aircraft and cargo equipment

The characteristics of the main means used in air freight transport are analyzed.

• Technical characteristics of aircraft.

• Types of cargo and mixed aircraft.

• Cargo compartments (hold).

• Air Cargo Units (ULD).

4. Air transport operators

The different operators that participate in the air logistics chain are described.

• Airlines.

• Integrating companies.

• International alliances.

• Services of , airport.

5. Incoterms® 2020

The international rules that regulate the distribution of responsibilities between buyer and seller are studied.

• Definition and objectives of Incoterms®.

• Rules applicable to international transport.

• Distribution of risks, costs and responsibilities.

6. Goods in air transport

The operational organization of air expeditions is analyzed.

• Operational environment of the freight forwarding company.

• Information flow between departments.

• Operational process of air freight transport.

• Complete and consolidated expeditions (full loaded and grouping).

7. Transport documents in the logistics chain

The main documents used in international air transport are studied.

• Master Air Waybill (MAWB).

• House Air Waybill (HAWB).

• Cargo manifest and other associated documents.

• e-Freight and document digitalization.

8. Rates and costs of international air transport

The criteria for calculating air transport costs are analyzed.

• IATA rates.

• Taxable weight (Chargeable Weight).

• Air freight (Air Freight).

• Surcharges and additional costs.

9. Information technologies applied to air transport

The digitalization of logistics processes and management support tools are studied.

• Importance of ICT in the air transport sector.

• ERP systems applied to logistics.

• Technological solutions available in the national market.

• Information systems selection criteria.

• Key performance indicators (KPIs) applied to the air transport business.

The assessment of the subject is continuous and combines practical activities with knowledge tests, according to the following distribution:

Each of the assessment activities will be graded on a scale of 0 to 10 pointsThe final grade for the subject will be obtained by weighting the results obtained in each of the sections according to the percentages indicated.

Academic integrity

Students must respect the principles of honesty and academic integrity throughout the assessment process. Any conduct constituting academic fraud will be dealt with in accordance with the school's current assessment regulations.

In the event that signs of fraud are detected, including the inappropriate or unauthorized use of generative artificial intelligence tools, the teaching staff may require the student to carry out an interview or an individual test in order to verify the authorship of the work presented and the mastery of the content being evaluated.

Arán Iglesia, J. (2003). "The air cargo." Madrid: Aena.

Díaz Rafael, R. (2000). "Aeronautical law." Madrid: Aena

Isidoro Carmona, A. (2000). "Airport Operations". Madrid: F. Aena

ICAO. (2016): "Global air freight transport". Montreal: ICAO

Salazar de la Cruz, F. (2006). "Introduction to the economic management of airports". Madrid: F. Aena

Salazar de la Cruz, F. (2013). "Airport Industry". Almería: Ed. Red Circle

Vila, C. (2003), "Air cargo logistics". Valencia: Logis Book