Overview
The Aviation Management and Operations diploma program (formerly Airport Operations) will prepare future aviation professionals with the knowledge and skills to meet the dynamic nature of the aviation industry. The modernized curriculum focuses on both the airport and airline industry regulations, processes and management practices, new technology, data analytics and a workplace education (non-coop) course. The program continues to bring theory into practice through the active engagement of industry stakeholders in the capstone courses as well as the workplace education (non-coop) course.
Forecasts from the key players in the aviation industry, including Airbus, Boeing, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the BC Aviation Council, continues to expect human resource growth across all sectors of the aviation industry – both domestically and internationally. In the next ten years, this exciting industry is expected to see a major increase in capacity along with opportunities for skilled entry level aviation specialists.
Aviation Management and Operations students at the Aerospace Technology Campus receive interdisciplinary education in critical employability skills, aviation operations (including traditional and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems), aviation security, emergency preparedness, environmental, financial and economic sustainability, aviation regulatory processes and key management practices, data analytics and aviation modeling applications.
Graduates of the program are well prepared for careers in aviation management, wildlife control, airline and airport operations, airport safety, security, and emergency management.
The program
The two-year BCIT Diploma program in Aviation Management and Operations is fully supported and approved by the aviation industry and provides students with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program of study. This is a unique aviation program offered in Western Canada. To maintain a current, high-calibre standard, the program has an Program Advisory Committee made up of airport and airline managers, Transport Canada representatives and other aviation industry experts.
BCIT also offers an online Airport Operations Flexible Learning Associate Certificate.
For more information
Discover the answers to your burning questions by watching a recently recorded information session:
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Entrance Requirements
Application processing
Applications are accepted throughout the year.
Entrance requirements
Applicants must meet all entrance requirements and will be accepted on a first qualified basis as long as space remains. When available intakes are full, qualified applicants are wait-listed.
- English language proficiency: Category 2 – English Studies 12 (67%) or equivalent
- Math: one of the following:
- Pre-Calculus 11 (50%) or
- Foundations of Math 11 (50%) or
- Workplace Math 11 (60%) or
- Other acceptable BC and Yukon courses
Read more about how to meet BCIT’s entrance requirements
International Student Option
International students may want to consider the BCIT International Student Entry Program (ISEP) as an alternate mode of entry to this program.
Recommended for success
It is strongly recommended that applicants attend a program specific information session prior to applying to this program.
A good understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is highly recommended.
A driver's license valid in BC is an asset but not required.
An orientation session may be scheduled prior to the start date of the program.
International applicants
This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.
Students enrolled in this program must complete the mandatory work component to qualify for graduation. A co-op work permit is required prior to starting the work component.Apply to program
To submit your application:
- Include proof of meeting all entrance requirements.
- Convert all transcripts and supporting documents to PDF files.
- Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.
Apply Now
Scheduled Intakes
September each year.
*Scheduled intakes are subject to change.
myCommunication
Within two business days of submitting your completed application, BCIT will send a message to your personal and myBCIT email addresses. All correspondence regarding your application will be posted to your online myCommunication account at my.bcit.ca. We will send you an email when a new message is posted. It is important to watch for these emails or regularly check your account online.
You can expect to receive communication concerning the status of your application within four weeks.
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Costs & Supplies
Tuition fees
Use our tuition estimator to find tuition and fees for this program.
For more information on full-time tuition and fees, visit:
Books & supplies
Term 1: $600; Term 2: $500; Term 3: $200; Term 4: $200
(general estimated cost, subject to change)
Additional costs such as travel expenses for field trips and practicums are the responsibility of the student.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.
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Courses
Class hours
0800–1530, Monday through Friday.
Note: The start and end times may be subject to the discretion of the faculty member teaching the courses.
Program matrix
Term 1 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
---|---|---|---|
AIRC 1004 | Introduction to Airport and Airside Operations | 4.0 | |
AIRC 1005 | Air Navigation and Air Traffic Services | 3.0 | |
AIRC 1007 | Occupational Health and Safety in Aviation | 2.0 | |
AIRC 1009 | Introduction to the Airline Industry | 4.0 | |
AIRC 1100 | Aviation Communication Skills – Crew Resource Management | 2.0 | |
AIRC 1105 | Aviation Technical Writing | 2.0 | |
AIRC 1110 | Enhancing Student Success | 2.0 | |
AIRC 1115 | Introduction to Aviation Statistics | 2.0 | |
AIRC 1120 | Basics of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems | 3.0 | |
AIRC 1125 | Basics of Safety Management Systems | 4.0 | |
Term 2A (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
AIRC 1130 | Aviation Technology 1 | 2.0 | |
AIRC 1150 | Leadership in Aviation | 3.0 | |
AIRC 1200 | Applied Project 1 /Capstone | 4.0 | |
AIRC 2100 | Intro to Aviation/Cargo Logistics | 2.0 | |
AIRC 2105 | Aviation Sustainability | 3.0 | |
AIRC 2125 | Aviation Risk Assessment and Management | 3.0 | |
AIRC 2135 | Quality and Customer Service in Aviation | 3.0 | |
AVAO 2205 | Canadian Aviation Regulations/Standards | 4.0 | |
AVAO 2225 | Aviation Security Systems and Operations | 4.0 | |
Term 2B (12 weeks) | Credits | ||
AIRC 2300 | Workplace Education (non-coop) | 12.0 | |
Term 3 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
AIRC 2110 | Airport Planning and Design | 3.0 | |
AIRC 2130 | Aviation Technology 2 | 2.0 | |
AIRC 2140 | Airport Commercialization | 3.0 | |
AIRC 2145 | Aviation Marketing | 3.0 | |
AIRC 2150 | Aviation Finance | 4.0 | |
AIRC 2155 | Aviation Economics | 3.0 | |
AIRC 2200 | Applied Project 2/Capstone | 4.0 | |
AIRC 3105 | Community and Public Relations for Aviation | 3.0 | |
AVAO 3322 | Airport Emergency Management 1 | 3.0 | |
Term 4 (16 weeks) | Credits | ||
AIRC 2160 | Aviation Law | 2.0 | |
AIRC 2165 | Aviation Ground Operations | 3.0 | |
AIRC 2170 | Airport/Airside Services and Facilities | 3.0 | |
AIRC 3110 | Strategic Planning in Aviation | 4.0 | |
AIRC 3130 | Aviation Technology 3 | 2.0 | |
AIRC 3200 | Applied Project 3/Capstone | 5.0 | |
AIRC 4410 | Training Skills for Aviation | 3.0 | |
AVAO 4442 | Airport Emergency Management 2 | 3.0 | |
AVAO 4480 | People Resources at Airports | 3.0 | |
Total Credits: | 124.0 |
Transfer credit
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
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Program Details
Program length
This is a full-time studies program that spans two years with four terms of study.
- Term 1 - September to December with a winter break
- Term 2A - January to April with a spring term break to follow the end of the term
- Term 2B - May to August with a summer break to follow the end of the term
- Term 3 - September to December with a winter break
- Term 4 - January to April
Grading
A 70 percent passing grade is required for each course. Student learning is evaluated at the end of each course.
You must pass all courses each term to successfully complete the term. If you fail or withdraw from one or more courses, you may be required to apply for re-admission. If allowed to continue, you must provide the Registrar's Office with proof that failed courses have been completed before the end of the next term or before you can be issued a credential, whichever condition is specified.
Program delivery
Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.
The program delivers instructional content and learning activities fully in person, supplemented by online components that provide additional resources to help students learn. This includes lectures, demonstrations, and applied training, as well as industry-based activities assigned to be completed at local, regional, and national airports.
The Workplace Education (non-coop) course in Term 2B will provide students with the ability to apply the skills and knowledge with an aviation employer including but not limited to airports, airport businesses, airport suppliers, airline operators, aviation security providers, aviation transportation consulting and/or engineering firms, Transport Canada, Nav Canada, BC Aviation Council, fixed based operators and other aviation sector employers.
Program location
Aerospace Technology Campus
3800 Cessna Drive
Richmond, BC
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Graduating & Jobs
Continue your education
Graduates of this program may continue their studies to complete the BCIT Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Technology Management. The BTech program provides you with the flexibility to start your new career and complete your degree part-time within 3 to 5 years.
Job opportunities
Graduates are prepared for a wide range of entry-level positions in airports, airlines (commercial, charter, remotely piloted operations), aviation security providers, Transport Canada, fixed based operators and other aviation businesses, associations or suppliers. This could include positions such as: Ground Transportation Coordinator; Baggage/Gate Scheduler; Airline Operations Coordinators, Airside Operations, Project Coordinator; Communications Coordinator; Administrative Assistant; Airfield Operations Specialist; Emergency Response Specialist; Operations Specialists; Security Officer; Project Specialist; Pre-screening Security Supervisor; Airport or Airline Duty Officer, Noise Information Officer Terminal Operations (airline) and air navigation provider (Nav Canada).
Graduate employment outcomes
The BCIT student outcomes report presents summary findings from the annual survey of former students administered by BC Stats one to two years after graduation. These reports combine the last three years of available results for the 2021-2023 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2020-2022 graduates and for Degree 2019-2021 graduates. The reports are organized into three-page summaries containing information on graduates’ labour market experiences and opinions regarding their education. More detailed information can be accessed at the BC Student Outcomes website.
To view these results, you may need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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Faculty, Advisors & Staff
Faculty & staff
- Stephanie Bendickson, Faculty
- Cornelis “Hoefie” Haupt, Faculty
- Carol Liber, Faculty
- Agnes Ranoa, Program Assistant
Advisory committee
- Cuyler Green
- Raman Bindra
- Toke Adams
- Greg Cuneo
- Waylon Godden
- Tom Rattray
- Patrick Sihota
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Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.