Monday, May 26, 2025
In a landmark collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable aviation leadership, Airports Council International (ACI) World has partnered with Cranfield University — a globally recognized leader in aviation research and education — to introduce an innovative course titled “Airport Management in a Net Zero World.” This intensive, one-week professional development program is designed to equip airport executives and aviation professionals with the critical skills and insights needed to lead airports through the ongoing transformation toward net zero carbon emissions.
This new offering is part of the prestigious Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP), developed jointly by ACI and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which serves as the global benchmark for airport leadership training. Hosted on Cranfield’s campus in the United Kingdom, the course aims to blend theory and practice through an immersive curriculum emphasizing climate action, digital innovation, resilience, and strategic management.
Elevating Leadership in a Climate-Conscious Aviation Era
As international aviation intensifies efforts to curb its environmental impact, airports find themselves at the forefront of a pivotal transition. Airports must not only reduce their own carbon footprints but also support broader industry goals aligned with global climate targets such as those outlined by ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The course “Airport Management in a Net Zero World” addresses these challenges by equipping participants with advanced strategic leadership capabilities, enabling them to implement sustainable operational models, integrate emerging aviation technologies, and anticipate geopolitical and regulatory shifts impacting the sector.
Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World, emphasized the importance of the program:
“The challenges facing the airport industry today demand informed, forward-thinking leadership. This course provides a critical forum for senior professionals to engage deeply with emerging trends and their implications, building on the rigorous foundation of AMPAP. Partnering with Cranfield University reflects our shared commitment to cultivating the intellectual leadership needed to guide aviation through its most transformative era.”
Cranfield University: A Premier Aviation Education Hub
Cranfield University has earned international acclaim as a center of excellence in aerospace, aviation management, and environmental innovation. The university has contributed significantly to aviation education and research, positioning itself as a critical partner for global aviation initiatives.
The university’s Centre for Air Transport Management combines academic rigor with practical industry engagement, delivering cutting-edge insights that inform the future of sustainable aviation. Professor Anna Smallwood, Head of the Centre, stated:
“We are delighted to build on the growing partnership between Cranfield University and ACI and have crafted a new, transformative learning experience. This course offers a stimulating, immersive environment and invaluable collaboration with like-minded professionals. We welcome delegates to our unique campus to gain new perspectives to shape their thinking and strategy on a multi-dimensional development journey designed to inspire and elevate.”
Curriculum Designed for Sustainable and Innovative Airport Leadership
This pioneering AMPAP course is the first of its kind focused exclusively on the complexities and opportunities of net zero airport management. The curriculum offers a holistic approach combining policy understanding, operational strategy, and practical exposure to innovative aviation technologies.
Key course components include:
- Climate Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Deep dives into international and national policies shaping sustainable aviation, including ICAO regulations, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), and country-specific net zero commitments.
- Sustainable Operational Practices: Strategies for airports to reduce energy consumption, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement efficient waste and water management systems.
- Digital Transformation and Innovation: Exploration of emerging technologies such as digital twins, AI-driven operations, and smart airport infrastructure designed to enhance efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
- Resilience and Risk Management: Preparing airports to navigate geopolitical, economic, and environmental risks amid a rapidly evolving global aviation landscape.
- Leadership and Change Management: Developing skills to inspire and drive organizational change toward sustainability goals.
Hands-On Learning Through Unique Experiential Components
Participants will benefit from exclusive experiential learning opportunities that distinguish this course from traditional executive education programs:
- Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) Tour:
At Cranfield, DARTeC is a cutting-edge facility focused on developing digital solutions to optimize airport operations and reduce environmental impacts. Participants will gain firsthand exposure to innovative technologies such as autonomous vehicles, advanced sensors, and AI systems transforming airport management. - Cranfield Hydrogen Innovation Centre Visit:
Hydrogen technology is a key enabler of the aviation sector’s decarbonization efforts. The Hydrogen Innovation Centre showcases research and pilot projects aimed at integrating hydrogen as a clean energy source for ground operations and potentially aircraft propulsion. This visit offers insights into scalable sustainable energy solutions applicable to airports.
Supporting Global Aviation’s Net Zero Ambitions
This course directly supports international efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, consistent with ICAO’s goals and the Paris Agreement commitments ratified by countries worldwide.
By training a new generation of airport leaders with the skills and vision to innovate sustainably, the program strengthens the aviation industry’s capacity to reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and maintain resilience amid increasing passenger demand and operational complexity.
Aligning with Government and Industry Priorities
Governments worldwide have intensified their focus on sustainable aviation infrastructure, recognizing airports as vital hubs that must align with national climate strategies. The United Kingdom, host to Cranfield University, has outlined comprehensive aviation decarbonization policies, including the Jet Zero Council and significant investments in sustainable aviation fuels and green airport infrastructure.
Similarly, other countries collaborate with ICAO and industry partners to ensure airports contribute effectively to climate goals.
This course prepares leaders to navigate such policies, liaise with regulators, and integrate sustainability into long-term business strategies.
Conclusion: Investing in the Future of Sustainable Airport Leadership
The collaboration between ACI World and Cranfield University to launch the “Airport Management in a Net Zero World” course represents a strategic investment in the aviation sector’s sustainable future. By combining rigorous academic research, practical industry insights, and unique experiential learning, the program equips senior aviation professionals with the tools necessary to lead airports into a new era of environmental responsibility, innovation, and resilience.
As climate change increasingly shapes global travel and transport, this course embodies a proactive response to one of the most pressing challenges facing the aviation industry today.
