University Aviation Association

UAA Launches Air Service Development Certification Course

-- Ryan Leick, Ph.D., UAA President 

UAA will launch a 15-week Air Service Development certification course beginning in Fall 2026, designed in collaboration with the Airports Council International, North America (ACI-NA) Air Service Development Committee. 

This non-credit certification is designed to provide both academic students and industry professionals with a practical, applied understanding of air service development. The course will be jointly taught by industry professionals and UAA academic members, ensuring that participants benefit from both real-world experience and academic rigor. Throughout the course, participants will explore current industry challenges, develop data-driven strategies, and build the communication skills necessary to work effectively with airline partners and community stakeholders.

A key component of the course is hands-on access to Cirium’s Diio flight data platform. Registration includes three months of access to Diio, allowing participants to work directly with the same data and analytical tools used across the industry. This integration of software and curriculum is intended to provide immediate, practical value that extends beyond the classroom.

The course will be offered at a registration cost of $1,000, with a discounted rate of $900 available to UAA members, including student members. In addition, the curriculum and software access will be made available to all UAA member institutions that wish to offer the course locally. UAA will also work with member institutions to support recognition of the certification as experiential credit toward degree completion, further aligning academic pathways with industry-relevant skill development.

Beyond the classroom, we are also expanding opportunities for students to engage with the industry directly. UAA will begin accepting designated donations for student scholarships aimed at supporting student participation in aviation conferences and other professional development activities. These funds are intended to help offset travel and registration costs, enabling more students to explore career pathways and build professional networks. Students will be able to apply for scholarships through UAA, creating a targeted and meaningful way to invest in the next generation of aviation professionals.

These initiatives represents an important step forward in how we prepare students and professionals for careers in aviation. By combining industry partnership, applied learning, and expanded access to professional experiences, we are continuing to build a stronger, more connected aviation community.