Abstract:

The air transport industry, a vital catalyst for global connectivity and economic progress, is actively adapting to economic and technological trends, considering also the sustainability impact. This commitment reflects its significant role in shaping a resilient and eco-conscious future for global transportation systems.
This research is conducted within the Erasmus+ project "Creative Digital Teaching and Learning for Green Air Transport and Logistics (AVIONIC)", with partners from Finland, France, Romania, and Spain and having the constant support from representatives in higher education, training, air transport, international and national authorities. The project's activities includes: the identification of digital and green skills in air transport, sharing knowledge on innovative teaching and learning methods, developing new curricula and educational materials based on research findings on new jobs and qualifications, and creating new digital tools for interactive teaching and learning.
Through a comprehensive analysis of various documents and reports incorporating insights from prior research as well as our own investigations using questionnaires distributed to airport directors, air transport employees and educators, we have uncovered significant shifts and gaps in skills development in the industry. Recognizing the imperative to align with air transport labor market needs, our study has identified emerging occupations necessitating new or updated qualifications, driven by the digitalization and sustainable development in air transport.
Consequently, this paper advocates for the adaptation and reorientation of the entire educational process to effectively respond to these evolving trends. This necessitates a proactive approach involving a change in training requirements, course redesign and the incorporation of innovative teaching methods, integrating digital solutions for a comprehensive educational transformation.

Keywords:

Air transport, Sustainability, Skills shortages, Emerging occupations, Digitalization, Reskilling, Educational transformation, Course redesign.