Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Aviation Economics

AVTN 4020-30I

Course: AVTN 4020-30I
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: AVTN
CRN: 33387

Course Description

Examines the economic aspects of the air transportation industry. Includes airline service, corporate aviation, types of aircraft, airports, types of airports, airport problems, consumer interests, and competitive practices. Introduces foundational principles of free enterprise, private and social implications of profit maximization, market structure and market share, resource markets, economic and industry cycles, and the effects of inflation and deflation on short- and long-term economic growth. Introduces competitive advantage, air transport demand, pricing, break even analysis, revenue and capacity management, cost drivers, supply and demand, profit and loss, profit vs. cash flow, political influences, and regulatory issues. This course may be offered online. (Spring, As Needed) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Equivalent Course(s): AVTN 6020

Required Texts

Required References:
Vasigh, Bijan and Pearce, Brian. (2024). Air transport Economics From Theory to Applications (4th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. ISBN 9781032482538 (paperback).

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:
  1. relate the economic development of the air transport industry to the current status of aviation economics
  2. use the principles of supply and demand and market equilibrium to assess the economic status of aviation operations
  3. apply the principles of product costs and economics of scale to conduct break even analyses of aviation operations
  4. apply the principles of international aviation economics to assess the economic condition of international airline operators
  5. intelligently discuss monopolistic markets and other market structures common to aviation business design
  6. use the principles of cost-based pricing, markup, and price elasticity of demand to analyze the economic status of aviation operations
  7. employ the economics of aviation safety and security to airline and other aviation operations

Course Requirements

Student performance in the course will be measured by ten (10) discussion boards, five (5) written assignments, five (5) quizzes, one (1) research paper, and one (1) comprehensive final exam.
Course Activity Groups Group Weights Points
| 10 Discussion Boards  | 20%  | 200 (20 points each)
| 5 Written Assignments  | 20%  | 200 (40 points each)
| 5 Quizzes  | 20%  | 200 (40 points each)
| 1 Research Paper  | 20%  | 200 (20 points topic, 180 points paper)
| Final Exam  | 20%  | 200
| Total  | 100%  | 1,000 points
Letter grades will be calculated as follows:
 | 93.5% and above = A  | 82.5-86.5% = B  | 72.5-76.5% = C  | 60-66.5% = D
 | 89.5-93.5% = A-  | 79.5-82.5% = B-  | 69.5-72.5% = C-  | below 60% = F
 | 86.5-89.5% = B+  | 76.5-79.5% = C+  | 66.5-69.5% = D+  | 
Discussion Boards
The ten (10) discussion boards combined are worth 20% of the course grade (20 points each). Each student will post one (1) original response to the question and post two (2) additional responses to two (2) different fellow student’s discussion posts. For the possibility of full discussion points, you must submit the original post prior to 11:59 pm on Thursday and you must post the three (3) discussion posts required for each discussion on at least two different days of the week. The goal is to have an active and timely discussion. I expect substantive comments that indicate that you have given some thought to the issue(s). A post must be a minimum of three sentences long and add value to the discussion to be considered a substantive post. See grading rubrics for additional scoring details.

Written Assignments
The five (5) written assignments combined are worth 20% of the course grade (40 points each). The written assignments require at least one-and-a-half (1 1/2) typed double spaced pages (not including a Title Page or the References page) on the topic given with at least one (1) cited reference which may include the course text. No particular format is required but good ideas, grammar, and spelling are expected. Note: If you plan to pursue education beyond a bachelor’s degree you will probably be using APA format for your papers. You can use it here for practice if you choose but it is not required and APA format issues will not be graded. Grading rubric: grammar - 5 points, citations - 5 points, length - 5 points, content - 25 points.

Quizzes
The five (5) quizzes combined are worth 20% of the course grade (40 points each). Each quiz will include mathematical computations of economic principles and may involve answering multiple choice and/or short answer questions on the material covered.

Research Paper
The research paper (1) is worth 20% of the course grade (200 points). There are two (2) graded components of this paper: 1) a proposed topic for the research paper is due by the end of Module 8 (20 points); 2) the research paper submission is due by the end of Module 13 (180 points). The topic of the paper may be on an issue of your choice related to aviation economics. Note: The paper topic must be approved in advance by the instructor. Please present your proposed topic to the instructor using the course activity Research Paper Topic Approval, email, or Canvas messaging. The paper (1) must be at least four (4) pages typed (The Title Page and References page are not included in the minimum paper length), no greater than 12 point font, and double spaced with at least two (2) cited references in addition to the course text. Note: If you planning to pursue education beyond a bachelor’s degree you will probably be using APA format for your papers. You can use it here for practice if you choose but it is not required and APA format issues will not be graded. Grading rubric: topic proposal - 20 points, grammar - 20 points, citations - 20 points, content - 140 points.

Final Exam
The final exam (1) is worth 20% of the course grade (200 points). The final exam will involve answering multiple choice and/or short answer type questions, mathematical computations of economic principles, and an analysis of a case study related to aviation economics. The final exam will cover material from the entire course.

Course Outline


Module 1

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 1: Evolution of the Air Transport Industry, pages 1-26
    • Chapter 2: Principles of Economics with Applications in Air Transport, pages 27-39
  •  Activities: 
    • Student and instructor introductions - Discussion Board 1
    • Commenced Attendance Quiz
    • Syllabus review

Module 2

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 2: Principles of Economics with Applications in Air Transport, pages 40-52
    • Chapter 3: Supply, Demand, and Elasticity: Analysis in the Airline Industry, pages 53-81
  • Activities: 
    • Discussion Board 2
    • Educational Videos Chapter 3

Module 3

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 3: Supply, Demand, and Elasticity: Analysis in the Airline Industry, pages 81-116
  • Activities: 
    • Discussion Board 3
    • Written Assignment 1
    • Educational Videos Chapter 3

Module 4

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 4: Cost and Production Analysis: The General Concepts, pages 117-159
  • Activity: 
    • Discussion Board 4
    • Study Guide Quiz 1
  •  Quiz: 
    • Quiz 1

Module 5

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 5: Competitive Market Structure and Monopolistic Markets, pages 160-193
  • Activities: 
    • Discussion Board 5

Module 6

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 6: Hybrid Market Structure and the Aviation Industry, pages 194-234
  • Activities: 
    • Discussion Board 6
    • Written Assignment 2
    • Study Guide Quiz 2
  • Quiz: 
    • Quiz 2

Module 7

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 7: Forecasting in the Air Transport Industry, pages 235-292
  • Activities: 
    • Educational Videos Chapter 7
    • Derivative Calculator Study Guide
    • Discussion Board 7
    • Study Guide Quiz 3
  • Quiz: 
    • Quiz 3

Module 8

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 8: Dynamic Pricing Policy and Revenue Management, pages 293-340
  • Activities: 
    • Discussion Board 8
    • Written Assignment 3
    • Research Paper Topic Approval

Module 9

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 9: Ultra-low-cost and Low-cost Airlines: Paradigm Shifts, pages 341-368
  • Activities: 
    • Derivative Calculator Study Guide
    • Study Guide Quiz 4
  • Quiz: 
    • Quiz 4

Module 10

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 11: International Economics and Aviation, pages 395-429
  • Activity: 
    • Discussion Board 9

Module 11

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 12: Air Traffic Liberalization and Global Alliances, pages 430-455
  • Activities: 
    • Discussion Board 10
    • Written Assignment 4

Module 12

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 13: Aviation Infrastructure: Operations and Ownership, pages 456-480
  • Activities: 
    • Discussion Board 11
    • Written Assignment 5
    • Study Guide Quiz 5
  • Quiz: 
    • Quiz 5

Module 13

  • Reading: 
    • Chapter 10: Economics of Aviation Safety and Security, pages 369-394
    • Chapter 14: Climate Change and the Contribution of Transport, pages 481-498
  • Activities: 
    • Submit research paper
    • Study for Final Exam

Module 14

  • Final Exam: 
    • Complete Final Exam

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Online Course Netiquette and Discussion Expectations
During this course you will have the opportunity to view and comment on several discussion board posts. Making these comments is an integral part of the learning process. You must satisfy the posting requirements with each post made during this course. Each of your posts must exhibit the following characteristics: Respect, Integrity, and Professionalism. Please note that any post that is deemed inappropriate by the instructor WILL BE DELETED.

Late Assignments
Late assignments are strongly discouraged and acceptance of late work will be at the discretion of the instructor.  Late work will only be accepted up to two weeks after the original due date, or the last day of classes, whichever comes first. Late work may be docked as much as 50% of the assignment grade.

Makeup Work
Makeup work will be considered late work and will be subject to the stipulations of the Late Assignments section.

Attendance Policy

Attendance
Each student must participate in online course activities a minimum of three days each week to be considered active in the course. Each student must participate in course activities in Canvas as necessary to complete course requirements.

Course Fees

The college and department fee schedule is available online by following this link:

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.