Mohammed Saifuddin
If you’re considering the MSc in Air Transport Management at Surrey, my advice is simple: go for it and enjoy every moment!
Course
Air Transport Management MScEntry year
2024Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?
The MSc Air Transport Management at the University of Surrey stood out for its stellar reputation and dynamic learning experience.
From the moment I set my sights on advancing my career in aviation, I sought a programme that would deepen my industry knowledge and challenge me strategically. The MSc Air Transport Management at the University of Surrey stood out for its stellar reputation and dynamic learning experience.
My passion for aviation goes beyond interest, it is a commitment to shaping the industry’s future. With a business background and aviation-focused certifications, I wanted a programme that refined my expertise and equipped me with essential analytical and managerial skills. Surrey’s expert-designed curriculum and industry engagement offered exactly that.
This course is a life-changing experience. Surrey is the UK’s best university for aviation, and the stand-out factor for me was the incredible faculty and guest speakers who bring real-world insights into airline and airport management. Learning from industry leaders like Dr Frankie O’Connell, Dr Nadine Itani, Professor Anne Graham and Paul Clark has been invaluable. Dr Itani’s module on Aviation Market Analysis and Forecasting was particularly transformative, while lectures from Dr David Birch and Patrick R Schmidt highlighted the future of sustainable aviation.
Surrey’s integration of industry tools like Sabre MIDT, OAG, and Cirium provided hands on experience in airline operations and strategic planning. Engaging with data driven insights and exploring fleet options has strengthened my analytical skills.
Beyond coursework, Surrey fosters industry engagement. Attending sessions with aviation leaders like Alex Cruz and Rob Britton expanded my perspectives on airline strategy and innovation. These experiences have reinforced my passion for tackling industry challenges.
Choosing Surrey was about more than earning a degree, it was about joining a community that encourages critical thinking and professional growth.
Choosing Surrey was about more than earning a degree, it was about joining a community that encourages critical thinking and professional growth. This programme has exceeded my expectations, equipping me with the tools, connections, and insights to shape the future of aviation.
What are the best things about Surrey and your course?
Surrey feels like home from the moment you arrive, with its beautiful campus, vibrant student spaces, and strong sense of community. Living in Cathedral Court has been an incredible experience, keeping me at the heart of university life. Beyond the university, the charming town of Guildford adds to the experience, with its historic cobbled streets, picturesque riverside walks, and lush green countryside. The stunning Surrey Hills, just a short distance away, offer a perfect escape into nature, with scenic trails and breathtaking views.
The MSc Air Transport Management course goes beyond theory to connect students with the real aviation world. Learning from experts has been invaluable, making complex topics engaging and relevant. A highlight has been engaging with industry leaders like Alex Cruz, Paul Clark, and Rob Britton, gaining first-hand insights into airline operations, fleet-planning, revenue management, sustainability and market analysis. Using industry tools like Sabre MIDT, OAG, and Cirium has provided practical experience in market analysis and fleet-planning.
Surrey has offered a perfect balance of learning, industry exposure, and community. The combination of world class teaching, hands on experience, and the natural beauty of Guildford has made my time here truly special.
Beyond academics, Surrey has offered a perfect balance of learning, industry exposure, and community. The combination of world class teaching, hands on experience, and the natural beauty of Guildford has made my time here truly special.
What are the best things about life here as a postgraduate student?
Life as a postgraduate at Surrey has been an incredible experience. Living in Cathedral Court, I’ve enjoyed the convenience of being close to study spaces, the library, and the beautiful lake, which is perfect for unwinding. I was surrounded by like-minded students, whether studying together, grabbing coffee, or unwinding by the lake. The campus blends modern facilities with green spaces, creating an inspiring place to study.
What makes Surrey special is its strong sense of community. From engaging faculty discussions to late night study sessions and coffee chats at Hillside, there’s always support and camaraderie. It’s a place to grow academically and personally while enjoying student life.
With its vibrant campus, social spaces, and friendly atmosphere, Surrey truly feels like a home away from home.
One of the best parts of my journey has been meeting incredible people from different postgraduate programmes. Sharing experiences, ideas, and aspirations with like-minded peers has enriched my time at Surrey, making it even more memorable.
With its vibrant campus, social spaces, and friendly atmosphere, Surrey truly feels like a home away from home.
What are your career plans?
Aviation has always been my passion, and as I near the end of my MSc at Surrey, I’m excited about where this journey is taking me, right into the heart of the Middle East’s thriving aviation sector.
With the rapid expansion of airlines like Saudia, Flyadeal, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, alongside major airport developments in Jeddah, Dubai, Doha, and Muscat, the region is shaping the future of global aviation. The energy and innovation here are impossible to ignore.
At Surrey, I’ve deepened my expertise in airport management, fleet-planning, and market analysis, skills that are crucial in an industry evolving at an incredible pace. With major investments in infrastructure, passenger experience, and sustainability, I’m eager to contribute to this transformation, whether in airport operations, airline strategy, or market expansion.
Looking ahead, I see myself playing a role in shaping this dynamic industry. The idea of walking through a major airport not just as a traveller, but as part of its future truly motivates me. The journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next!
What advice do you have for students thinking of doing this course?
The MSc in Air Transport Management at Surrey is more than just a course, it’s an experience that transforms your understanding of aviation. My advice? Immerse yourself in everything, ask questions, and embrace the journey. Time flies, and this programme will leave you with knowledge, connections, and memories that last a lifetime.
If you’re considering the MSc in Air Transport Management at Surrey, my advice is simple: go for it and enjoy every moment!
