Air Transport Management and Strategy Research Group

Research areas

Key research areas

Air connectivity and regional development

Examining route networks, accessibility, market links and the economic and social value of aviation, with particular attention to Australia, Asia and the South Pacific. Research explores how air connectivity contributes to regional economic development, tourism, trade, employment, investment and community accessibility. It considers changes in international and domestic routes, frequencies, seat capacity, airline participation and network structures, as well as the factors influencing the sustainability of regional air services. The research also investigates connectivity inequalities between metropolitan, regional, remote and island communities and develops evidence-based strategies to strengthen resilient and sustainable air links.

Airline strategy, competition and coopetition

Investigating competitive behaviour, alliances, partnerships, business models and coopetition strategies that influence airline performance and market development. Research examines how airlines balance competition and collaboration when making strategic decisions relating to networks, capacity, pricing, market entry, alliances, codeshare arrangements and resource sharing. Particular attention is given to full-service carriers, low-cost carriers and regional airlines, as well as the impact of market concentration, regulatory environments and changing competitive conditions. The research applies strategic management, economics and game-theoretical perspectives to understand airline behaviour and long-term competitive advantage.

Aviation digital transformation

Exploring aviation strategy, planning, digital maturity, innovation and the use of emerging technologies to improve operations and passenger experience. Research investigates how artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, digital platforms and other emerging technologies are transforming airline, airport and broader aviation management. It examines organisational readiness for digital transformation, technology adoption, investment priorities and the integration of digital capabilities into strategic and operational decision-making. Research also considers the opportunities, organisational challenges and workforce implications associated with aviation digitalisation.

Airline operations and performance

Analysing operational planning, passenger demand, capacity, service quality, productivity, resilience and financial and non-financial performance. Research examines airline network and schedule planning, fleet and capacity decisions, passenger demand forecasting, operational efficiency and service delivery. It evaluates airline performance using financial, operational, commercial and customer-related indicators and investigates relationships between operational decisions and business performance. Particular attention is given to disruption management, operational resilience, recovery strategies and the ability of airlines to adapt to changing market, economic and environmental conditions.

Inclusive aviation and workforce development

Advancing accessible aviation systems, inclusive education, neurodiversity, workforce capability and industry-integrated learning for the future aviation workforce. Research examines barriers to participation in aviation education and employment and investigates approaches for creating more accessible and inclusive learning and professional environments. It explores changing aviation workforce requirements, graduate capabilities, digital skills, professional competencies and emerging occupational needs. The research also promotes stronger university–industry collaboration, experiential learning and educational practices that prepare diverse graduates for the evolving needs of the global aviation sector.

Airline marketing and passenger behaviour

Studying segmentation, positioning, digital engagement, social media, passenger choice and changing expectations across airline markets. Research examines how airlines identify and communicate with different passenger segments, develop competitive market positions and use digital channels to build customer relationships. It investigates passenger decision-making, airline choice, willingness to pay, service expectations, loyalty and perceptions of airline brands. Particular attention is given to social media strategies, digital marketing, regional differences in online engagement and the influence of changing consumer behaviour on airline commercial and marketing strategies.

Airport digital maturity and transformation

Research developing and applying approaches to assess airport digital maturity, identify transformation priorities and understand how digital capability supports operational performance, passenger experience and strategic decision-making. Research examines different dimensions of airport digital maturity, including digital strategy, governance, infrastructure, data management, technology integration, organisational capability and workforce readiness. It investigates how airports progress through different stages of digital transformation and how technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, biometrics, Internet of Things and advanced analytics can support airport operations. The research also considers the relationship between digital maturity, airport competitiveness, resilience, sustainability and passenger experience.

Collaborations and opportunities

Ways to collaboration with us

The Air Transport Management and Strategy Research Group facilitates structured collaboration that aligns academic expertise, student learning and industry priorities.

The group welcomes collaboration with airlines, airports, aviation authorities, government agencies, tourism organisations, air navigation service providers, industry associations, technology organisations and universities.

Opportunities include collaborative research, policy and industry reports, data partnerships, student projects, seminars, visiting researchers and grant applications.

Collaborative research projects

Academic researchers and industry partners may jointly identify research questions, design projects and develop evidence-based responses to contemporary challenges in airline and airport management, regional connectivity, aviation operations, marketing, competition, sustainability and digital transformation.

Research outputs and data partnerships

Collaborative projects may produce peer-reviewed publications, industry reports, policy briefs, strategic frameworks and practical recommendations for airlines, airports, government agencies, aviation authorities and regional communities. Data partnerships may enable participating organisations to provide appropriate operational, market or passenger information, subject to confidentiality, data governance and research ethics requirements.

Data analysis and strategic insights

Researchers and students may analyse industry and public datasets to generate insights that inform organisational strategy, policy development, operational planning and evidence-based decision-making.

Student engagement and experiential learning

Students may contribute through capstone projects, industry placements, research assistantships and academic exchange programs. These opportunities enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to authentic aviation challenges while developing analytical, communication and project management capabilities. Industry partners may support these activities by proposing project topics, providing appropriate data, mentoring students and evaluating recommendations.

Collaborative research funding

The Research Group supports joint applications for university, government and industry research funding. Partners may contribute specialist expertise, project resources, access to research settings and practical pathways for implementing and evaluating research outcomes.

Knowledge exchange and professional engagement

Knowledge exchange is promoted through seminars, workshops, guest lectures, industry roundtables, professional mentoring and site visits. These activities provide a forum for examining emerging aviation challenges and sharing academic, industry and policy perspectives

International research networks

Visiting researcher and industry practitioner programs may facilitate short-term exchanges, collaborative teaching and the development of international research networks. Research findings may be disseminated through co-authored journal articles, conference presentations, professional publications, policy engagement and public outreach, strengthening the scholarly, practical and societal impact of the Research Group.

Current industry collaborations

International Air transport Association (IATA)

Odric Ong – Senior Manager, Airline Engagement, Global Aviation Data Manager (Singapore)

Drives global airline engagement and partnerships to support the adoption of IATA’s Global Aviation Data Management (GADM) programs, including FDX, IDX and MCX. Focuses on advancing data-driven decision-making to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen aviation safety and security, and support effective cost management across the global airline industry.

Qantas Airways

Mr. Rohan W. Garnett - Executive Manager Commercial Airports & Property at Qantas Airways (Australia)

Rohan Garnett is an aviation executive and economist with 25 years of international leadership experience. He currently serves as Executive Manager, Government, Industry and International Affairs at Qantas Airways. His previous senior roles span strategy, operations, sales, marketing, government relations, corporate communications and human resources, including significant appointments at Qantas, Jetstar Airways and British Airways. Rohan contributed to the establishment of Jetstar Airways and has led aviation activities across multiple global regions. He holds a First Class Honours degree in Economics from the University of Sydney and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Student Engagement and Development Opportunities

IATA Airline Management Challenge

The inaugural IATA Airline Management Challenge offered a unique opportunity for university students and recent graduates worldwide to dive into airline management. Throughout the challenge, participants engaged in a global exchange of ideas, competing to achieve greater market share and profitability, while preparing for the complexities of the airline industry

Academic Conferences and Publication Opportunities

Journal Aerospace - Special Issue “Sustainable Air Transport Management and Operations

This Special Issue also welcomes research examining regulatory frameworks, market strategies, and stakeholder collaboration contributing to sustainable development across the aviation ecosystem. By bringing together interdisciplinary perspectives, this Special Issue will advance knowledge and support evidence-based decision-making for achieving a more sustainable, resilient, and adaptive global air transport system.

Feature projects

Australia-South Pacific air connectivity

A regional research program examining airline networks, traffic, capacity, competition, infrastructure and stakeholder perspectives to identify practical strategies for stronger and more resilient links between Australia and South Pacific communities.

Publications

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2026

La, D., & Heiets, I. (2026). Mapping Airport 5.0: A conceptual digital maturity model and the application to Australian airports. Aerospace, 13(5), Article 463. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace13050463
Polous, O., Polous, B., & Havrylko, S. (2026). Adaptability of international marketing strategies of innovative companies: Risk management and anticrisis communications. Investytsiyi: Praktyka ta Dosvid, (2), 122–129. https://doi.org/10.32702/2306-6814.2026.2.122
Itoh, E., Haba, T., & Suzuki, H. (2026). Geoeconomics in air transport: A network-based interpretation of global air transport systems. Aerospace, 13(2), Article 162. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace13020162
Ding, W., & Itoh, E. (2026). Revealing the functional roles of global airports through passenger flow: A higher-order network perspective. Journal of Transport Geography, 133, Article 104635. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2026.104635
Liu, C., & Itoh, E. (2026). Stochastic departure metering with machine-learning taxi-time predictors. Aerospace, 13(8), Article 684. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace13080684

2025

Heiets, I., & La, D. (2025). Digital technology for sustainable air transport: The impact on older passengers in China. Future Transportation, 5(4), Article 140. https://doi.org/10.3390/futuretransp5040140
Dubnytskyi, V., Polous, O., Radchenko, H., & Horiunova, K. (2025). Comprehensive characteristics of the sales funnel levels transformation under the influence of digital trends in the marketing sphere. Management Theory and Studies for Rural Business and Infrastructure Development, 47(4), 607–620. https://doi.org/10.15544/mts.2025.48
Ostroumov, I., Ivannikova, V., Kuzmenko, N., & Zaliskyi, M. (2025). Impact analysis of Russian-Ukrainian war on airspace. Journal of Air Transport Management, 124, Article 102742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2025.102742
Iwata, D., Nonaka, Y., & Itoh, E. (2025). Air traffic control method for more fuel efficient arrivals in terminal airspace. Journal of Air Transport Management, 128, Article 102799. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2025.102799
Şengür, F. K. (2025). Airport governance in the age of disruption. In Research handbook on air transport leadership and governance (pp. 235–256). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781803926988.00023
Şengür, F. K. (2025). Female leadership in aviation. In Research handbook on air transport leadership and governance (pp. 138–158). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781803926988.00017
Rishan, M., Heiets, I., Wiedemann, M., & Gerasymchuk, Y. (2025). Evaluating air transport barriers to tourism development in island states: A case study of an air service subsidy scheme in the Maldives. Journal of the Air Transport Research Society, 4, Article 100054. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jatrs.2024.100054

2024

Heiets, I., Ng, S., Singh, N., Farrell, J., & Kumar, A. (2024). Social media activities of airlines: What makes them successful? Journal of the Air Transport Research Society, 2, Article 100017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jatrs.2024.100017

Polous, O., & Lyshylenko, Y. (2024). Analysis of the airline’s service complex potential for diversification. Entrepreneurship and Innovation, (32), 21–26. https://doi.org/10.32782/2415-3583/32.3

Marintseva, K., & Athousaki, R. (2024). Assessment of aircraft leasing efficiency: An airline perspective. Journal of the Air Transport Research Society, 3, Article 100039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jatrs.2024.100039
Marintseva, K., Dixon, S., & Yun, T. (2024). The concept of creating a UAV cargo delivery centre on the South Coast of England. Transportation Research Procedia, 81, 44–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2024.11.006

2023

Heiets, I., Kuo, Y. W., La, J., Yeun, R. C., & Verhagen, W. J. C. (2023). Future trends in UAV applications in the Australian market. Aerospace, 10(6), Article 555. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace10060555
Cherednichenko, K., Ivannikova, V., Sokolova, O., & Yanchuk, M. (2023). Model of transport safety assessment in multimodal transportation systems. Transport, 38(4), 204–213. https://doi.org/10.3846/transport.2023.20865
Kabashkin, I., Misnevs, B., & Zervina, O. (2023). Artificial intelligence in aviation: New professionals for new technologies. Applied Sciences, 13(21), Article 11660. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132111660
Şengür, F. K., Lapçın, H. T., & Hamutoğlu, N. B. (2023). Women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship education: A case from aviation. In Women’s empowerment within the tourism industry (pp. 64–76). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-8417-3.ch005

2022

Heiets, I., La, J., Zhou, W., Xu, S., Wang, X., & Xu, Y. (2022). Digital transformation of airline industry. Research in Transportation Economics, 92, Article 101186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.retrec.2022.101186
Heiets, I., Yeun, R. C., Verhagen, W. J. C., & La, J. (2022). Analysis of bilateral air services agreement liberalization in Australia. Aerospace, 9(7), Article 371. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace9070371
Heiets, I., Polous, O., Mykhalchenko, I., & Krapko, O. (2022). Personnel marketing in the system of airline anti-crisis management. Marketing and Management of Innovations, 13(4), 20–29. https://doi.org/10.21272/mmi.2022.4-03
Marintseva, K., Mahanecs, A., Pandey, M., & Wilson, N. (2022). Factors influencing low female representation in pilot training recruitment. Transport Policy, 115, 141–151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2021.11.010
Şengür, F. K., Aldemir, H. O., & Akınet, M. (2022). Competitive strategies in the airline industry. In Global air transport management and reshaping business models for the new era (pp. 148–163). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-4615-7.ch007
Şengür, F. K., Kılıç, D., & Erdoğan, B. (2022). Corporate strategies in the airline industry. In Global air transport management and reshaping business models for the new era (pp. 39–63). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-4615-7.ch003

2021

Heiets, I., Oleshko, T., & Leshchinsky, O. (2021). Airline-within-airline business model and strategy: Case study of Qantas Group. Transportation Research Procedia, 56, 96–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2021.09.012
Sher, F., Hazafa, A., Marintseva, K., Rasheed, T., Ali, U., Rashid, T., Babu, A., & Khzouz, M. (2021). Fully solar powered Doncaster Sheffield Airport: Energy evaluation, glare analysis and CO₂ mitigation. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, 45, Article 101122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2021.101122
Sher, F., Raore, D., Klemeš, J. J., Rafi-ul-Shan, P. M., Khzouz, M., Marintseva, K., & Razmkhah, O. (2021). Unprecedented impacts of aviation emissions on global environmental and climate change scenario. Current Pollution Reports, 7(4), 549–564. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40726-021-00206-3

2020

Yudin, O., Ziubina, R., Buchyk, S., Matviichuk-Yudina, O., Suprun, O., & Ivannikova, V. (2020). Development of methods for identification of information-controlling signals of unmanned aircraft complex operator. Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, 2(9[104]), 104–116. https://doi.org/10.15587/1729-4061.2020.195510
Itoh, E., & Mitici, M. (2020). Analyzing tactical control strategies for aircraft arrivals at an airport using a queuing model. Journal of Air Transport Management, 89, Article 101938. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2020.101938

2019

Peksatici, Ö., & Ergun, H. S. (2019). The gap between academy and industry: A qualitative study in the Turkish aviation context. Journal of Air Transport Management, 79, Article 101687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jairtraman.2019.101687
Peksatici, Ö., & Ucler, C. (2019). Institutional logic and its impact on interorganizational collaboration and innovation. In D. B. Sarı, I. B. Yenihan, & V. Franca (Eds.), A new perspective in social sciences. FrontPage Publications.
Stevenson, I., & Marintseva, K. (2019). A review of corporate social responsibility assessment and reporting techniques in the aviation industry. Transportation Research Procedia, 43, 93–103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2019.12.023

2018

Peksatici, Ö. (2018). Crew resource management (CRM) and cultural differences among cockpit crew: The case of Turkey. Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research, 27(2), 1–39. https://doi.org/10.15394/jaaer.2018.1742

2016

Peksatıcı, Ö. (2016). Ancillary revenue opportunities in the Turkish domestic aviation market. International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 4(1), 175–206.

2024

Sokolova, O., Ivannikova, V., & Cherednichenko, K. (2024). Fundamentals of a sustainable supply chain designing with the involvement of air transport. In 2024 IEEE 7th International Conference on Actual Problems of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Development (APUAVD) (pp. 140–145). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/APUAVD64488.2024.10765912

2023

Itoh, E., & Schultz, M. (2023). Designing a framework of integrated aircraft departure and surface traffic operation via queuing network models. In Proceedings of the Fifteenth USA/Europe Air Traffic Management Research and Development Seminar (ATM2023).
Oleshko, T., Heiets, I., Leshchinsky, O., Popyk, N., & Kvashuk, D. (2023). Financial and reputation loss after an aircraft accident: A case study. In AIAC 2023: 20th Australian International Aerospace Congress (pp. 348–353). Engineers Australia.
Zervina, O., & Rubens, N. (2023). Value proposition benchmarking: Case study of Middle East airlines. In Reliability and statistics in transportation and communication (pp. 191–200). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-53598-7_17

2022

La, J., Bil, C., Heiets, I., & Lau, K. (2022). Door-to-door travel planner for improved traveler experience using digital twin concept. In Proceedings of the 33rd Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (pp. 1–15). International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences.
Zervina, O., Stukalina, Y., & Pavlyuk, D. (2022). Value entity recognition task in air transportation based on e-text analysis. In Reliability and statistics in transportation and communication (pp. 75–88). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-26655-3_7
Zervina, O., & Stukalina, Y. (2022). Factors influencing value proposition in the aviation industry in the context of a customer-centric digital economy. In Reliability and statistics in transportation and communication (pp. 50–60). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-26655-3_5

2021

Kotenko, S., Shvindina, H., & Heiets, I. (2021). The impact of migration on the competitiveness of the region and industry development. E3S Web of Conferences, 307, Article 02003. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202130702003
La, J., Bil, C., Heiets, I., & Lau, K. A. (2021). Digital technology in passenger door-to-door air travel. In AIAC 2021: 19th Australian International Aerospace Congress (pp. 223–228). Engineers Australia.
La, J., Bil, C., Heiets, I., Ciesielski, V., Lau, K. A., Tang, X., Wong, R. D. O., Senevirathna, S. L., & Tang, R. (2021). Digital transformation in air travel at the pre-flight stage. In AIAC 2021: 19th Australian International Aerospace Congress (pp. 20–34). Engineers Australia.
Zervina, O., Stukalina, Y., Pavlyuk, D., & Rubens, N. (2021). Value creation in air transportation: Beyond price, quality, and speed. In Reliability and statistics in transportation and communication (pp. 119–129). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68476-1_11

2019

Heiets, I., & Oleshko, T. (2019). Coopetition strategies for the airline industry based on game theory. In Proceedings of the 27th International Symposium on Space Flight Dynamics (pp. 204–209). Engineers Australia and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

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Aviation Innovation Conference for Asia-Pacific 2027

The inaugural Aviation Innovation Conference for Asia-Pacific (AICAP 2027) will be held from 27 to 29 January 2027 at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore.

AICAP will bring together researchers, industry professionals and policymakers to discuss emerging developments and help shape the future of aviation innovation across the Asia-Pacific region. Key themes include air traffic management, artificial intelligence, aviation sustainability and integrated airspace operations. Researchers working in relevant fields are invited to submit their papers by 15 October 2026.

View the AICAP 2027 Call for Papers

Academic Publication Opportunity in Sustainable Aviation

Researchers are invited to submit their work to the Aerospace Special Issue, “Sustainable Air Transport Management and Operations.”

The Special Issue welcomes interdisciplinary research addressing the transition towards a more sustainable, resilient and adaptive global air transport system. Relevant areas include sustainable airline and airport operations, environmental performance, regulatory frameworks, market strategies, technological innovation and stakeholder collaboration across the aviation ecosystem.

By bringing together perspectives from aviation management, operations, policy, economics and sustainability, the Special Issue aims to advance academic knowledge and support evidence-based decision-making throughout the aviation sector.

View the Special Issue and submission information

Air Transport Management and Strategy Research Group