An initiative by London Metropolitan University, designed to inspire and engage the next generation targeting 16-18 year olds passionate about pursuing an aviation career.
Connecting Learners to Opportunities in Unifor and Diverse Aviation
Project CLOUD is an initiative by the 'Aviation Management' team at London Metropolitan University, designed to inspire and engage the next generation of aviation professionals. It aims to raise awareness of the vast career opportunities in aviation while providing valuable resources and insights for those interested in the industry. The project primarily focuses on underrepresented groups, targeting 16- to 18-year-old students in post-school and technical colleges across England. However, the information and opportunities are available to anyone passionate about pursuing an aviation career.
Through interactive face-to-face sessions, students will explore career pathways in aviation, guided by industry experts and university student mentors. At Project CLOUD, our mission is to break barriers, foster inclusivity, and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation to thrive in the aviation industry.
Aviation offers a diverse range of career opportunities, from airline operations and airport management to safety regulation. Project CLOUD provides valuable insights and resources to help students explore the industry, guided by expert professionals from London Metropolitan University.
Explore the different paths
Airline operations encompass all activities required to ensure the smooth, safe, and efficient functioning of an airline. This includes flight planning, aircraft management, passenger services, ground handling, and cargo logistics. From pilots navigating flights to ground staff coordinating aircraft turnaround, every role plays a crucial part in maintaining punctuality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
- Pilot (Captain, First Officer) – Operates commercial, cargo, or private aircraft.
- Cabin crew (Flight attendant) – Ensures passenger safety and comfort.
- Airline customer service agent – Assists passengers with check-in, boarding, and inquiries.
- Airline dispatcher – Coordinates flight plans, ensuring efficiency and safety.
- Loadmaster – Manages cargo placement for weight balance and safety.
- Ground operations coordinator – Oversees baggage handling and aircraft turnaround.
Airport Management and operations involve overseeing an airport's day-to-day functions, including airside and landside operations, security, facility management, and regulatory compliance. Professionals in this field coordinate everything from aircraft movements and terminal services to emergency planning and airline partnerships.
- Airport Manager – Oversees the entire airport’s daily operations.
- Ramp Agent (Baggage Handler) – Loads and unloads luggage, ensuring aircraft balance.
- Airport Security Officer – Maintains safety and compliance with regulations.
- Air Traffic Controller (ATC) – Directs aircraft for safe take-offs, landings, and en-route navigation.
Aircraft maintenance and engineering ensures the aircraft's airworthiness, safety, and reliability through inspections, repairs, and technical upgrades. This field involves maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving aircraft systems, structures, and avionics to comply with aviation regulations and industry standards.
- Aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) – Inspects, repairs, and maintains aircraft.
- Avionics technician – Specialises in electronic systems within aircraft.
- Aerospace engineer – Designs and improves aircraft structures and systems.
- Ground support equipment technician – Maintains airport machinery and vehicles.
Aviation safety and regulation focuses on establishing and enforcing standards to ensure safe air travel for passengers, crew, and cargo. This field involves monitoring compliance with national and international aviation laws, conducting safety audits, investigating incidents, and implementing risk management strategies. Professionals in this sector work with regulatory bodies, airlines, and airports to uphold safety protocols and continuously improve aviation security and operational standards.
- Aviation safety inspector – Ensures compliance with aviation laws and safety regulations.
- Airworthiness engineer – Certifies aircraft safety for flight.
- Accident investigator – Analyses air incidents to improve safety measures.
- Compliance officer – Ensures airlines and airports meet aviation regulations.
Aviation business and administration focuses on management, strategy, and financial operations. This sector encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including managing airline finances, marketing, customer relations, and strategic planning.
- Aviation consultant – Advises airlines and airports on operations and strategy.
- Revenue manager – Oversees airline ticket pricing and profitability.
- Marketing and sales executive – Promotes airline services and aviation businesses.
- Human resources specialist – Manages aviation workforce recruitment and development.
Cargo and freight operations manage the transportation of goods via air. This includes everything from logistics planning, handling, and packaging to compliance with international regulations for shipping goods. Professionals in this area work with freight forwarders, airlines, and customs agencies to streamline operations, optimise routes, and manage inventory. Their role is essential in maintaining the flow of global trade and ensuring that cargo reaches its destination safely and on time.
- Cargo agent – Manages logistics and shipment coordination for air freight.
- Cargo sales representative – Works with businesses to arrange air cargo transport.
- Freight forwarder – Coordinates shipping logistics between air, land, and sea.
- Customs officer – Regulates the movement of goods across borders.
Private and corporate aviation involves the use of aircraft for personal, business, or corporate travel, offering a more flexible, personalised, and time-efficient alternative to commercial flights. This sector includes managing private jets, charter services, and executive aviation fleets. Professionals in this field handle flight planning, maintenance, crew management, and compliance with aviation regulations specific to private and corporate flights.
- Corporate jet pilot – Flies private jets for business or luxury clients.
- VIP flight attendant – Provides high-end service on private aircraft.
- FBO (Fixed-base operator) manager – Manages private aviation services at airports.
Aerospace research and manufacturing focuses on the design, development, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. This field encompasses a wide range of activities, from research and innovation to the actual manufacturing of cutting-edge aviation technologies. Professionals in this sector work on the creation of new materials, propulsion systems, avionics, and design concepts that improve the performance, safety, and efficiency of aviation and space travel.
- Aerospace engineer – Develops new aircraft technologies.
- Aircraft designer – Works on aerodynamics and efficiency improvements.
- Spaceflight operations specialist – Supports commercial spaceflight initiatives.
Aviation education and training is focused on developing the next generation of aviation professionals by providing specialised programs that cover all aspects of the industry. This includes pilot training, flight safety, air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, and airport management.
- Flight instructor – Trains aspiring pilots for certification.
- Aviation lecturer – Teaches aviation management, safety, or engineering courses.
- Simulations specialist – Develops and operates flight simulators for training.
London Metropolitan University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in aviation management, including: BSc Airport, Airline, and Aviation management and MSc Airline and Airport corporate management.
We are happy to provide more information about our courses or answer any inquiries related to this field. Please see the contact options below for personalised assistance.
For event-related inquiries:
Name: Erika Duenas
Email: e.duenaschacha@londonmet.ac.uk
