Two Greek universities join forces to establish an innovative English-language Postgraduate Program. The MBA in Air Transport Management (MATBA) was created by the Department of Tourism Economics and Management of the University of the Aegean and the Department of Civil Engineering of the Democritus University of Thrace, with strategic partners Athens International Airport and the international Non-Governmental Organization Hermes – Air Transport Organization based in Montreal, Canada.
The program aims to develop specialized professionals in air transport through the acquisition of theoretical and applied knowledge and the enhancement of strategic skills. MATBA Graduates will be able to work as executives in businesses and organizations in the air transport sector in Greece and abroad, as policy and strategy experts in national and international organizations, as well as researchers in air transport–related fields.
MATBA brings together 23 lecturers (13 men and 10 women) from eight countries (Greece, Cyprus, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Switzerland, Slovakia, and Canada) and 13 institutions. The project is supported by an international external advisory board composed of distinguished personalities from across the air transport ecosystem.
The duration of the program is 1.5 years and provides 90 ECTS credits. At the beginning of the first semester, students will attend one week of in-person lectures on the island of Chios (February 1-5, 2026). The remainder of the program is based on distance learning, combining synchronous classes via the Zoom platform and asynchronous learning via the Moodle platform, where all study materials are uploaded. In the first semester, all students attend a common curriculum, while in the second semester they must choose one of three specializations: airports, airlines, or air navigation service providers (air traffic management). In the third semester, students complete their MBA Thesis.
The new postgraduate program was presented by Professor Andreas Papatheodorou, Head of the Department of Tourism Economics and Management of the University of the Aegean and Director of MATBA. As Professor Papatheodorou mentioned, “this is an innovative English-language postgraduate MBA—the first program in Greece (out of approximately 1,500 postgraduate programs) in the field of air transport management. The collaborating departments of MATBA are the Department of Tourism Economics and Management of the University of the Aegean (as lead institution) and the Department of Civil Engineering of the Democritus University of Thrace, while the strategic partners are Athens International Airport and the international NGO Hermes – Air Transport Organization. These partnerships clearly demonstrate the program’s direct connection with the market, as an MBA that ‘bridges’ disciplines, reduces geographical isolation, and enhances extroversion and internationalization”.
Professor Stylianos Xanthopoulos, Vice-Rector for Administrative and Academic Affairs at the University of the Aegean, noted: “With MATBA—the first MBA in Air Transport Management in Greece—our country gains a new point of reference for the education of air transport executives. The University of the Aegean reaffirms its international orientation and innovative approach in postgraduate education, creating this globally competitive program in collaboration with the Democritus University of Thrace and with the practical support of leading institutions such as Athens International Airport, combining academic quality, research evidence, and practical value.”
Associate Professor Petros Kavassalis, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at the University of the Aegean, stated: “The University of the Aegean has long collaborated with the Greek and international aviation industry. The new MBA in Air Transport Management is a direct outcome of this long-standing partnership. At the same time, the University of the Aegean leads research in this field, as evidenced by its relevant publications and the conferences it organises and participates in. Moreover, I would like to highlight our recent distinct participation in major European projects and consortia (Large Scale Pilots) that are driving the digitalisation of travel and related documents (DTC, boarding passes, invoices, etc.) at the European level – and potentially beyond – in conjunction with the new (pan-)European Digital Identity, which the European Commission and the EU Member States plan to make available to European citizens soon.”
Professor Vassileios Profyllidis, from the Department of Civil Engineering of the Democritus University of Thrace, highlighted the characteristics of the program that “unites almost all Greek scientists active in the aviation field, along with many distinguished European colleagues. It is market-oriented, allows differentiation within the aviation sector by addressing specific needs, and leverages the high scientific expertise and experience of its teaching staff. It will serve as a dynamic field of ongoing interaction between faculty and postgraduate researchers. The raison d’être of the program is to bring specialized knowledge together with the needs of the industry”.
The program is addressed to executives of airports, airlines, tourism, ministries, as well as graduates of economic, engineering, and tourism schools interested in pursuing careers in aviation. Its geographical focus extends beyond Greece to neighbouring regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, Central Europe, and potentially beyond.
“The online delivery of the program ensures compatibility with the professional obligations of postgraduate students”.
Dr. Ioannis Paraschis, Managing Director (CEO) of Athens International Airport, stated: “Athens International Airport has always placed investment in knowledge, young people, and the advancement of the air transport sector at the core of its strategy. The establishment of the first English-language MBA in Air Transport Management in Greece marks an essential step toward shaping the next generation of top professionals—with an international outlook and a strong contribution to the sector’s human capital development. Aware of our broader role in the economy and society, we are proud to participate as strategic partners in this initiative, which bridges academic knowledge with the real needs of the air transport industry.”
Dr. Kostas Iatrou, Director General of Hermes – Air Transport Organization, added: “MATBA aspires to shape the next generation of leaders in the air transport sector by providing a combination of academic knowledge and practical experience. Throughout the program, distinguished figures from the aviation industry will deliver lectures, offering students valuable insights and real-world perspectives.”
More information about MATBA, on the program’s website: http://matba.aero
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