Research and PhD opportunities

Cranfield’s world-renowned Centre for Air Transport Management invites applications to study for a PhD.

The global aviation industry is always dynamic and developing. The development of sustainable aviation solutions requires significant focus. Meanwhile, the emerging digital and artificial intelligence technologies enable further development of ever-present operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience requirements.

The Cranfield Centre for Air Transport Management has an active research faculty with a broad range of research interests and experienced doctoral supervisors who welcome discussions with potential researchers. This page contains potential PhD research topics and project ideas which are relevant to the current research interests of our faculty. Each of the proposed research areas has immediate relevance to real-world industry issues. In most cases, a PhD project will result in publications in journals, the development of industry applicable tools, and possible opportunities to present at national and international conferences with academic and business networking. There may also be opportunities to support master’s-level teaching through lecturing and support to group and individual project work.

We are seeking applicants for PhD research who are interested in one or more of the following areas:

Airline strategy, economics, management, business models.
Airline/ aircraft operations (risk, resilience and on-time performance).
Airport planning, design, economics, management and operations.
Sustainable aviation and pathways to net zero.
Hydrogen as a zero emissions fuel.
Digital transformation and air transport.
Geopolitics, international relations, air law and regulation.
Development of advanced air mobility.
Social impacts and implications of air transport.
Improving the passenger experience for travellers with reduced mobility and non-visible disabilities.
Inter-modality and the integration of air transport with other transport systems.
Air traffic forecasting and market research.

Funding

These are currently self-funded opportunities, and candidates will be expected to identify their own sources of funding. Please see our Fees and Sources of Funding page for useful information. This opportunity is open to UK and international students.

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.