That is what 120 students from across 17 top aviation universities around the world will find out when they undertake the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Airline Management Challenge.
The challenge—which launches 8 April and ends in early May—is simple. Using IATA’s Air Mercury software, students simulate the creation of a new airline. Using real-world data, they are able to select their business model, fleet, routes and strategy. Then over a series of simulation rounds they will be able to tweak their business model around elements such as network design, schedule, pricing and fuel management, each impacting the overall profitability of their fledging airline.
The winner is the team managing the most profitable airline. But the real victory is the skills the students gain along the way.
“The challenge aims to deliver practical skills and bridge the divide between theoretical knowledge and real-world experience. Participants gain invaluable insights on what to expect prior to starting their careers,” says Tanja Schmidt, Director of IATA Training.
“There is a strong demand for commercial professionals not only in the airline industry but across numerous industries. The commercial skills these students develop and will use in their careers are in high demand and highly transferable. Working with the best aviation universities around the world, this program is just one of the ways that we can continue to encourage more students to join the airline industry in a fun and innovative way.”
This is the second year that the challenge is taking place and has grown from strength to strength. IATA launched the pilot version of the Challenge in 2024, attracting participants from six universities in the field of aviation, with guest participation from Transport Canada.
This year’s participating institutions include Embry Riddle and Purdue University in the US, across to Cranfield University in the UK and University Prince Sultan University in Saudi Arabia, to New York University Shanghai in China.
> Find out more about the 2025 IATA Airline Management Challenge
