Kazimieras Simonavicius University (KSU) launches a new International Master’s Degree programme in Aviation Management, starting September 2024. This initiative extends our existing bachelor’s degree in aviation management, broadening the academic horizon and offering an advanced educational path in this dynamic field. Enrolment is now open, welcoming students from across the globe.
Building on a legacy of excellence
Under the guidance of KSU Rector Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė, the addition of the master’s programme is a testament to KSU’s longstanding expertise and commitment to aviation management. “The introduction of the master’s degree in aviation management signifies a key advancement for KSU and demonstrates our deep roots and continuous innovation in the aviation sector,” says Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė. This development is not only a stride forward for the university but also for Lithuania, enhancing the country’s standing in the international educational arena.
A closer look at the master’s programme
The programme is crafted to cater to the evolving needs of the aviation industry, preparing students to become professional aviation specialists and managers. With a curriculum delivered in English and designed around the requirements of the global market, the programme includes a robust lineup of expert lecturers and industry practitioners from around the world.
Curriculum and learning approach
The master’s programme focuses on developing managerial and leadership skills tailored for the aviation industry. Courses are designed to address the latest trends and practices, equipping students with knowledge and skills relevant to their future careers.
Flexible learning for professionals
The bachelor’s degree programme in Aviation Management at Kazimieras Simonavicius University is among Europe’s most sought-after choices in this field. Each year, it draws students not only from Lithuania but also from other European and Asian countries. “The exceptional academic and professional achievements of our students underscore the programme’s effectiveness, with many alumni quickly advancing in their careers. This success can be attributed to the programme’s global approach, which includes instruction from world-renowned aviation experts and practitioners and fosters a network of like-minded professionals who collaborate and grow together. Recognizing the demands of professional life, the programme offers a continuous distance learning format, allowing students to manage their studies alongside work commitments. Our programme is specially designed for those who are already part of the industry and are looking to elevate their careers without sacrificing their current roles,” explains Deimantė Žilinskienė, Head of KSU’s School of Business Innovation and Communication.
Career opportunities and industry connections
As highlighted by Aleksandras Nemunaitis, Chairman of the Board of the National Aviation Association LAVIA, the aviation industry extends far beyond the traditional roles of pilots and cabin crew.
“Despite the absence of national airlines, Lithuania boasts a robust aviation network with Lithuanian-owned companies managing approximately 250 aircraft globally. These operations are primarily based on the Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) model, which enhances efficiency by allowing airlines to share resources and optimize flight operations. This model is pivotal in a country like Lithuania, where the aviation landscape is shaped by these unique operational strategies,” states Nemunaitis.
According to him, “the significance of KSU’s specialized studies in Aviation Management is evident as thousands of professionals’ work from Lithuanian offices to manage and operate flights across the world. This industry-specific education ensures that aviation companies have access to well-trained professionals, fostering a workforce capable of meeting international standards and demands. The master’s programme at KSU, therefore, is not just an educational pathway but a vital component in supporting the aviation industry’s infrastructure and operational needs in Lithuania and beyond.”
Graduates of the programme are well-prepared for high-level positions such as middle or senior managers, team leaders, and supervisors in various sectors of the aviation industry. The course also lays a foundation for students interested in launching startups within the aviation field.
Collaboration and networking
KSU’s programme emphasizes networking, bringing together like-minded professionals and building a community that supports career and personal growth. Our partnerships with leading aviation companies and associations ensure that our curriculum remains industry-relevant and provides our students with unmatched professional opportunities.
We invite aspiring aviation managers and professionals looking to advance their careers to apply to this innovative master’s programme. At KSU, you will gain not just an education but a stepping stone into a promising future in the aviation industry.
For more details about the programme and to apply, please visit our website: Aviation Management Master
Baltic Ground Services (BGS), a leading name in international ground handling, aircraft refueling, and logistics, has announced a significant collaboration with Kazimieras Simonavicius University (KSU) to deliver IATA Authorized Training. This partnership aims to blend academic rigor with practical expertise, preparing students for promising careers in aviation.
The training, which is recognized as the gold standard in the aviation industry by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), will be conducted by seasoned BGS experts alongside KSU’s academic team. Together, they will offer comprehensive theoretical and practical sessions. This initiative is set to enhance the training of future aviation professionals by integrating real-world applications with classroom learning.
Kazimieras Simonavičius University has been conducting introductory Aviation Safety, Airline Finance and Revenue Management, and Cargo Transportation courses for several years.
In partnership with BGS, it will add courses in Passenger Ground Handling and Airport Ramp Services with IATA Ground Handling Operations Manual (IGOM).
The development of these new courses involves meticulous planning and input from both BGS and KSU experts, utilizing IATA’s comprehensive training materials. Vytautas Čekanavičius, CEO of BGS, highlights the company’s commitment to quality education: “We bring a wealth of practical experience from diverse markets and projects. Our goal is to pass this knowledge on to the next generation, ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of the aviation sector.”
Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaitė, Rector of KSU, sees the collaboration with BGS as a strategic move to enhance the university’s educational offerings. “This partnership not only broadens our training portfolio but also enriches our students’ learning experience with invaluable practical knowledge,” she remarks. “Our aim is to equip students with skills that are directly applicable in the job market, which is crucial in today’s competitive environment.”
The alliance between BGS and KSU represents a forward-thinking approach to aviation education, emphasizing the importance of blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience to forge a well-rounded and job-ready workforce in the aviation industry.
At Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU), dreams take flight, and for Augustė Starkutė, the sky was never the limit. From watching rocket launches in her backyard to earning a prestigious Fulbright scholarship, her journey embodies the spirit of exploration and ambition.
Augustė’s odyssey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management at KSU, where she was nurtured by expert guidance from luminaries like Dr. Konstantinos Kalligiannis. Inspired by her mentor, she set her sights on furthering her education abroad, driven by the scarcity of aviation studies in Lithuania. With determination as her compass, she embarked on a quest for excellence.
Her destination? Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the United States, a beacon of innovation in aviation education. Here, Augustė found herself not only equipped with the knowledge gleaned from her undergraduate studies but also enriched by her hands-on experience in airport operations and travel agencies. The transition from KSU to Embry-Riddle felt seamless, a testament to the quality of education she received back home.
“Studying for a Master’s degree in the United States is entirely up to the student,“Augustė reflects. “It’s about the pace of learning and the resources at hand.” Armed with a Fulbright scholarship, she seized the opportunity to delve deeper into her passion for aviation, aspiring to specialize in safety, security, and sustainability management.
The Fulbright Scholarship, a symbol of academic excellence and cultural exchange, became her ticket to realizing her dreams. Initiated by the US Embassy in Lithuania, this prestigious award empowers scholars to pursue their chosen fields of study in the United States. Augustė’s application in the spring of 2022 paved the way for her to join the academic cohort of 2023/2024, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.
As she prepares to immerse herself in her studies, Augustė remains steadfast in her commitment to her homeland. “According to the Fulbright scholarship requirements, it is mandatory to return to your home country,” she affirms. Her sights set on contributing to the aviation landscape in Lithuania, she embraces the opportunity to pay it forward, nurturing the aspirations of future aviators.
To those who dare to dream of soaring to new heights, Augustė offers sage advice: “Be brave, seize every opportunity, and never give up. Your journey may have turbulence, but perseverance will always be your copilot.“
KSU representatives attended the “Vantaa Business Day 2023” in Finland. On November 9–10, the Rector of Kazimieras Simonavicius University, Prof. Dr. Jolanta Bieliauskaite, and the Head of the School of Business Innovation and Communication, Doc. Deimantė Žilinskienė, participated in the Aviation Industry and Future Insights Researchers Meeting in Helsinki.
The meeting focused on trends in aviation city development, collaboration between cities and universities in education, research, and development, and the future needs of aviation training. Discussions also centered on leveraging artificial intelligence and big data for the Tourism, Aviation, and Hospitality Experiences Cluster (THE Cluster), as well as exploring entrepreneurial and service opportunities at airports.
Additionally, KSU representatives were actively involved in “Vantaa Business Day 2023.” The event’s theme this year was “Digitalization, artificial intelligence, and evolving competency requirements in business”. The Business Day stands as one of Vantaa’s largest business seminars, annually attracting around 300 business professionals from the region and beyond.
On November 9th, Chancellor Gabija Skučaitė of Kazimieras Simonavicius University, along with representatives from the International Relations and Strategic Development Department, met with a delegation from the Civil Aviation Academy of Kazakhstan (CAA). The CAA delegation included Chairman of the Board and Rector Beken K. Seidakhmetov, Vice-Rector for Science and Digitalization Prof. Dr. Kairant T. Koshekov, and the Director of the Simulation Flight Center, Daulet Tureakhmetov.
During the meeting, Rector B. K. Seidakhmetov presented the activities of the Academy and the extensive collaboration opportunities in various areas, such as science, mobility, double degree programs, information exchange, internships, professional development, and joint science and technical projects. The Rector also emphasized the Kazakh government’s commitment to supporting science and education in the fields of transportation and logistics, allocating funds accordingly.
It is worth mentioning that in March of this year, KSU signed a cooperation agreement with the Civil Aviation Academy. CAA is the only higher education institution in the Republic of Kazakhstan that trains aviation specialists according to international ICAO, EASA, and IATA requirements.
On Tuesday, a conference titled “Implementation of the Unmanned Aircraft Regulations: Opportunities and Challenges” was organized by Air Navigation to share experiences and discuss how unmanned aircraft (drone) traffic will be managed with the introduction of the U-Space management system.
“The U-Space service system will be deployed and tested in the summer of 2024 and will allow drone pilots to monitor the airspace in real time and air traffic controllers to receive information about and manage drone flights to authorize them to fly.
During the conference, we learned about countries’ experiences in providing U-Space services to ensure safe drone flights.
Presentations were made by Air Navigation, the Agency for Transport Excellence, U-Space system manufacturer Frequentis AG, drone operators, and manufacturers.
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Let’s meet online on the 26th of April at 13:00 and talk about internship and career opportunities at GetJet Airlines.
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Date: 21st of April, 2022
Time: 17:00 – 18:00 LT Time
Duration: 1 hour
Price: Free
Format: online
Language: English
Speaker: Jack Romero
Organizer: Kazimieras Simonavičius University
Registration:
https://forms.office.com/r/K1UtJS0reJKazimieras Simonavicius University kindly invite you to Series of Talks on the Aviation Industry “Aviation in The Making”!
The topic “Entrepreneurship in Aviation: Outlook into the Air Transport Industry’s Future Prospects” will be host by Global Entrepreneur in Air Transport Jack Romero on 21st of April, 5 PM via Zoom.
About the speaker:
Jack Romero – Global Entrepreneur in Air Transport, also advisor to entrepreneurship & business start-ups at universities and business Schools in the EU. Mentor and Seed Investor to SMEs as well as an Inspirational Public Speaker and TEDx contributor, KSU’s guest lecturer in Aviation Management study programm
We are happy to announce virtual KSU OPEN DAY, May 5, 2022 at 13:00-15:00 (UTC +3).
It’s a great opportunity to learn about KSU university, Bachelor and Master study programmes, meet International office staff and to know about admission process.
Be now! Questions: admission@ksu.lt
Vladislav Kežun
Vladislav Kežun is a distance-learning bachelor’s student in Aviation Management study program and living in sunny Bangkok, where he is working in the sales department for FL Technics: MRO Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Services company for the past few years. Vladislav talks about his career in aviation and the peculiarities of this sector.
How did you decide to start your career in the aviation sector? What makes this job interesting and how did you find yourself in Bangkok?
Before working in the aviation sector, I worked in sales for a while with industrialists. However, very quickly I realized that the industrial sector in Lithuania is not very large and there are few prospects. I looked at different sectors and by chance saw an advertisement that an airline was looking for employees. My job interview took place at the Lithuanian airport, and I still remember some conversation word for word “If you have already got into aviation, it is unlikely that you will get out of it.” The words seemed fateful for me.
I have been working for the FL Technics for 4 years. Our market is very large: the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, so I have been living and working in one of the company’s divisions based in Bangkok.
What does your workday look like?
If the day starts in the office in the morning, I first spend a few hours reading and replying to emails, finishing up my meetings, and getting ready for new ones.
There is no monotony in my work, I have to spend a lot of time flying for meetings with clients. My responsibility is to develop the Asian market, and of course, to make as many successful sales transactions as possible.
Do you sell aircraft parts? what amounts we are talking about and who are your buyers? In what circumstances may a buyer need, for example, an aircraft engine?
The sums are really impressive – we are talking about millions of transactions. The main customers are airlines from different countries. Aircraft engines are one of the most expensive parts of an aircraft. In terms of demand, it occurs when an old engine wears out. Airplanes are designed to last for a long time (e.g., American airplanes have a lifespan of about 30 years), but engine life is fairly perpetual, much like a car’s engine condition is determined by mileage. Therefore, the engines need to be replaced or repaired after some time.
The work is fun, doing well, so what inspired you and why did you decide to start studying Aviation Management?
I studied business management at another high school, but the studies did not live up to my expectations. I studied many different disciplines, but nothing specific. When working with classic sales, such knowledge may be sufficient, but in my case, the chosen field of aviation is very specific and such general knowledge is not enough.
The FL Technics pays a lot of attention to their staff development: I had more than 10 different types of trainings during my first year at work. Those trainings made me realize, how big the industry is and how much space is available for the growth and expansion. This probably had the biggest impact on my decision to study Aviation Management and earn a bachelor’s degree in this niche field.
How do you rate such a choice today? How do you manage to combine work with studies?
Reconciling work with studies is great, Thailand is 4 hours ahead of Lithuania, after work I can listen to all the lectures. In my studies, I highly appreciate the skills and dedication of the teachers. They are not only strong in theoretical knowledge but also practitioners, who are experts in aviation and understand the size, importance, and scale of the market. This form of study is very convenient for a working person, for example, if I have an important meeting with a client in China and I can’t miss it, so I can deliver my homework a few days later, or if I can’t attend lectures remotely “live”, I have the possibility to view the uploaded lecture later. Such understanding, convenience, and individual attention are immensely valuable.
Who would you recommend distance Aviation Management studies?
This is a very specific area, so I recommend distance learning Aviation Management studies for those who already working in the sector and have the basic knowledge to understand the subjects or the terminology. It is also better for students if they are from the same industry. Hence, they can speak the same aviation language, grow their network and share their diverse work experiences of domestic or international airlines.
Read more about Aviation Management Online Study Programme.
Since last September, Kazimieras Simonavičius University offers not only the full-time form of Aviation Management studies, but also full-time online studies. Online Studies allows lectures and consultations to be held remotely. Kazimieras Simonavičius University is the only university in Lithuania that provides Aviation Management studies onsite and online. Online learning is tailored to working people – students can study wherever they are and when they are able to.
Working in aviation requires industry-specific knowledge, both if the employee works in an administrative field or in an aircraft crew. Some employees start their work without knowing the peculiarities of the sector, so they have to deepen their knowledge not only by working, but also by studying.
Those who want to know better what online learning is, we invite to participate in the open online lecture “Aviation and COVID-19: The Path to Recovery” which is going to be held by KSU Aviation Management lecturer Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anil Padhra on the 5th of May at 6 PM.
More information and registration: https://bit.ly/2yVTw0e
More information about Aviation Management online studies: https://bit.ly/2WdqyRn
An open lecture, named “Aviation and COVID-19: The path to recovery”, by Dr. Anil Padhra, associate professor at Business School of Kazimieras Simonavičius University, will be held on May 5 at 18 PM.
The lecture is intended for aviation professionals, partners lecturers, students, graduates of Kazimieras Simonavičius University and for all who is interested.
Duration of the lecture – 45 min.
Anil Padhra – KSU Aviation Management bachelor’s study programme visiting associate professor for International Aviation and Aviation Finance modules, Head of Aviation at the University of West London. Anil is a Member of Royal Aeronautical Society, a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
He previously held positions as a Senior Lecturer and Principal Lecturer in Aviation at universities in the UK. Anil has experience in developing and designing aviation courses for managers, commercial airline pilots and air traffic controllers. Prior to joining Higher Education, Dr. Padhra held operational roles with NATS (Air Traffic Management), easyJet airline (Operations Research) and British Airways (Aerodrome and Aircraft Performance).
Lecturer holds an Aerospace Engineering degree from the University of Liverpool, a Master’s degree in Aeronautics from Imperial College London and a PhD in Meteorology from University of Reading.
Registration will be held here up to May 4.
Kazimieras Simonavičius University is accepting applications for its Aviation Management Online Studies Programme.
Read more on it at: https://bit.ly/2Sbh9ZJ
