Mebban International Institute Experience Training Unusual
Professional Diploma · IATA Aligned

Aviation Operations
Professional

36 Months · The Most Advanced Aviation Qualification at Mebban

Comprehensive training covering airport operations, airline management, ramp services, emergency planning, load control, safety management systems, and regulatory compliance — for professionals who want to lead in aviation, not just work in it.

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Diploma at a Glance
36Months
6Pillars
18+Modules
DiplomaQualification
IATA-Aligned Standards
ICAO & CAA Regulatory Coverage
IGOM / AHM Operational Standards
SMS & SeMS Safety Management
Career-Ready Diploma Qualification
Aviation Operations Professional -->

For professionals who want to run aviation,
not just work in it.

Airport operations · Airline management · Ramp services · Safety systems · Regulatory compliance

Programme Overview

The Definitive Aviation
Operations Diploma

The Aviation Operations Professional diploma is Mebban's most advanced qualification — a 36-month programme designed for those who want to move beyond frontline roles and into the management, operational leadership, and regulatory compliance levels of the aviation industry.

The programme covers the full operational ecosystem: airport ground handling (IGOM/AHM standards), ramp services, load control and aircraft weight & balance, flight operations and emergency response planning, Security Management Systems (SeMS), Safety Management Systems (SMS), passenger ground services, and airline management — all aligned to IATA, ICAO, and CAA regulatory frameworks.

Graduates are equipped for senior roles across ground handling companies, airlines, airport operators, and aviation regulatory bodies.

Qualification Level

Professional Diploma in Aviation Operations — the most advanced aviation qualification Mebban offers. IATA-aligned and recognised by the TVET Authority of Kenya.

Apply Now Admissions Info
Aviation Operations Training
36 months
Professional Diploma
All grades welcome
TVET Registered
Six Training Pillars

What This Diploma Covers

The programme is structured around six interconnected operational domains — every one essential to leading in modern aviation.

01

Airport Operations & Ramp Services

IGOM and AHM standards covering ground handling, ramp operations, aircraft turnaround, fuelling, pushback, and FOD prevention. The operational backbone of any airport.

  • IGOM / AHM Ground Handling Standards
  • Aircraft Turnaround Management
  • Ramp Safety & FOD Prevention
  • Fuelling Procedures & Oversight
02

Flight Operations & Emergency Response

Flight operations control, Operational Control Centre (OCC) functions, emergency response planning (ERP), Accident & Incident Investigation, and crisis communications.

  • Operational Control Centre (OCC) Functions
  • Emergency Response Planning (ERP)
  • Accident & Incident Investigation (ICAO Annex 13)
  • Crisis Communication Protocols
03

Aircraft Weight & Balance — Load Control

Load planning, load sheet preparation, weight & balance calculations, trim and CG management, ULD loading, and NOTOC (Notification to Captain) documentation.

  • Load Sheet Preparation & Sign-off
  • Weight & Balance Calculations
  • ULD Loading & Compatibility
  • NOTOC & Special Load Documentation
04

Safety & Security Management Systems

SMS (Safety Management System) per ICAO Annex 19, SeMS (Security Management System), hazard identification, risk assessment, safety reporting culture, and IATA ISAGO standards.

  • SMS — ICAO Annex 19 Framework
  • SeMS — Security Risk Management
  • Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment
  • IATA ISAGO Audit Standards
05

Passenger Ground Services & CX

Passenger experience management, special handling, accessibility services, CRS/DCS operations at management level, SLA compliance, and customer experience strategy.

  • Passenger Experience Strategy
  • Special Handling & Accessibility (PAXLST)
  • SLA Management & Ground Handler KPIs
  • CRS/DCS at Supervisory Level
06

Airline Management & Regulatory Compliance

Airline business models, ICAO/IATA/CAA regulatory frameworks, Air Service Agreements (ASAs), slot allocation (IATA WSG), airport charges, and aviation law fundamentals.

  • Airline Business Models & Strategy
  • ICAO, IATA & CAA Regulatory Frameworks
  • Slot Allocation (IATA WSG) & Scheduling
  • Airport Charges & Bilateral Agreements
Full Module List

Complete Curriculum

All 18 modules across the 36-month programme — taught in integrated phases that mirror real aviation operational environments.

01
Airport Operations Fundamentals
Airport structure, ownership models, aerodrome certification (ICAO Annex 14), and the airport ecosystem
02
Ground Handling Operations (IGOM)
IATA Ground Operations Manual — ramp services, aircraft handling, and turnaround coordination
03
Ramp Safety & Airside Driving
FOD prevention, vehicle control in restricted zones, aircraft proximity procedures, and ramp incident prevention
04
Aircraft Weight & Balance
Load sheet preparation, CG calculations, trim correction, and weight limits by aircraft type
05
ULD Management & Cargo Loading
Unit Load Device types, compatibility, loading patterns, NOTOC, and cargo acceptance procedures
06
Dangerous Goods — Operational Level
IATA DGR Category 6 — acceptance checks, storage, loading, NOTOC, and emergency response
07
Flight Operations & OCC
Operational Control Centre functions, flight watch, fuel planning, MEL/CDL, and crew management basics
08
Emergency Response Planning
ICAO-compliant ERP structure, aircraft accident response, mass casualty procedures, and tabletop exercises
09
Safety Management Systems (SMS)
ICAO Annex 19 SMS framework — hazard identification, risk assessment matrix, safety assurance, and safety promotion
10
Security Management Systems (SeMS)
ICAO Annex 17 security framework, threat and risk assessment, security culture, and IATA TACT rules
11
IATA ISAGO Standards
IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations — preparation, audit process, corrective actions, and accreditation
12
Passenger Ground Services
Check-in management, special handling (PRM, UMR, DEPA), CRS/DCS supervisory operations, and SLA management
13
Customer Experience Strategy
CX measurement, NPS, service recovery, accessibility standards (IATA RP 1700), and passenger journey mapping
14
Airline Business Models & Strategy
FSC vs LCC vs ULCC models, alliance membership, network planning, slot coordination, and codeshare agreements
15
ICAO, IATA & CAA Regulatory Frameworks
Convention on International Civil Aviation, SARPs, KCAA regulatory structure, and bilateral air service agreements
16
Airport Charges & Economics
Landing fees, handling tariffs, AIP Kenya, ICAO charging policy, and airline-airport commercial relationships
17
Accident & Incident Investigation
ICAO Annex 13 investigation principles, KAIA (Kenya Accident Investigation Authority), occurrence reporting, and Just Culture
18
Aviation Leadership & Career Development
Leadership in aviation operations, Kenya aviation industry structure (KCAA, JKIA, KQ), and professional development pathways
Learning Outcomes

What Graduates Know & Can Do

Upon completion of this 36-month diploma, you will be qualified for senior operational roles across the aviation industry.

  • Plan and oversee aircraft ground handling operations to IGOM/AHM standards
  • Prepare load sheets, calculate weight & balance, and manage aircraft loading safely
  • Implement and audit a Safety Management System (SMS) per ICAO Annex 19
  • Manage a Security Management System (SeMS) and conduct threat & risk assessments
  • Develop and exercise an Airport Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
  • Navigate ICAO, IATA, and KCAA regulatory frameworks and apply them operationally
  • Manage passenger ground service operations including special handling and SLA compliance
  • Lead operational teams in an airline or ground handler environment with confidence
  • Apply aviation law fundamentals including bilateral agreements, slot rules, and airport charges
Where This Takes You

Career Pathways

Diploma graduates are qualified for the following roles across Kenya's aviation industry and internationally.

Aviation Operations Careers

Entry to mid-management roles, with clear progression to senior operational leadership.

  • Ground Handling Supervisor / Station Manager
  • Load Controller / Load Planning Officer
  • Airport Operations Officer (JKIA / Wilson / Kisumu)
  • Airline Operations Control Coordinator (OCC)
  • Safety Officer / SMS Coordinator
  • Security Operations Supervisor (SeMS)
  • Passenger Services Manager
  • KCAA Aviation Inspector (with further qualifications)
Apply for This Diploma
The Most Advanced Aviation Qualification at Mebban

Ready to Lead Aviation?

The Aviation Operations Professional diploma is 36 months of serious, structured, career-defining training. Applications for the April 2026 intake are open now.

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