Global Aviation Body IATA Harvard Partner to Boost Customer Service Leadership

This course, a collaboration between IATA and Harvard Business School, combines aviation customer service knowledge with leadership management skills. It aims to enhance participants' customer communication, cross-cultural communication, stress management, and leadership abilities, contributing to the development of exceptional airline service teams. Upon successful completion of the course and exams, participants will receive an IATA certificate of completion and a diploma in leadership and management.
Global Aviation Body IATA Harvard Partner to Boost Customer Service Leadership

What distinguishes an ordinary flight experience from an unforgettable one? The answer often lies in meticulous attention to service details, underpinned by the expertise, refined skills, and proactive attitudes of service personnel. Recognizing this, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has partnered with Harvard Business School to launch the "Aviation Customer Service Leadership and Management Training Program," designed to equip professionals with tools to excel in this competitive industry.

Beyond Mediocrity: The Path to Service Excellence

Imagine a team capable of confidently addressing diverse passenger needs, gracefully resolving unexpected challenges, and earning trust through professionalism. This vision becomes attainable through structured learning. The program merges IATA's established "Aviation Customer Service" curriculum with Harvard ManageMentor© (HMM), a cutting-edge multimedia learning platform, offering a comprehensive skill-building framework.

Dual Expertise: IATA and Harvard ManageMentor© Synergy

  • IATA Aviation Customer Service Course: This self-paced foundation covers core competencies like communication techniques, cross-cultural interactions, and stress management. Participants require approximately 45 study hours, with electronic materials accessible for 12 months.
  • Harvard ManageMentor© Modules: Developed by Harvard faculty and global leaders, these 10 interactive modules (2-4 hours each) focus on leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. The platform remains accessible for six months post-activation.

Program Structure

Course Code: ALC008EBEN01

IATA Component

  • Format: Self-study with electronic materials
  • Duration: ~45 hours (flexible scheduling)
  • Access Period: 12 months from enrollment
  • Assessment: Proctored online exam (100 multiple-choice questions, 3-hour limit)

Harvard ManageMentor© Component

  • Format: 10 interactive leadership modules
  • Duration: 20-40 total hours
  • Access Period: 6 months from activation
  • Assessment: Module-specific quizzes (70% passing score required)

Target Audience

This program benefits:

  • Frontline staff (check-in, baggage services, information desks)
  • Cargo handling personnel
  • Public relations and sales teams
  • Flight attendants

Certification

Participants passing both IATA's final exam (60% minimum score) and HMM© module assessments receive dual certificates acknowledging their competency in aviation service and management leadership.

Key Learning Outcomes

  • Mastery of advanced customer interaction methodologies
  • Cultural sensitivity training for global passenger demographics
  • Contemporary service trend analysis
  • Leadership strategy development
  • Operational crisis management techniques

Curriculum Highlights

IATA Topics HMM© Focus Areas
Service standard enhancement Team motivation strategies
Verbal/nonverbal communication Decision-making frameworks
Passenger engagement tactics Conflict resolution models
Stress resilience training Performance evaluation systems

Technical Specifications

The HMM© platform features:

  • Concise, action-oriented learning units
  • Expert video commentaries
  • Curated Harvard Business Review articles
  • Customizable skill implementation tools