A Memorandum of Understanding on offering a specialized management program for the aeronautics industry in China was signed between School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University (Tsinghua SEM), Ecole Nationale de l'aviation Civile (ENAC) and Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussees, Paris (ENPC).

The ENPC School of International Management is a well-established and internationally recognized institution; it has been successfully running for the last ten years a part-time MBA program in Shanghai. ENAC has a long tradition of cooperation with ENPC. These two universities are part to the same Ministry in France: the Ministry of Transport, Energy and Environment.

The top executive aviation management program, jointly managed by SEM, its two academic partners and Airbus, covers a wide scope of subjects in both business management and air transportation. In addition to the traditional management courses, participants will have the opportunity to learn strategic management skills in the sectors of airline, airport, Air Traffic Control (ATC) and aircraft design and manufacturing. It will prepare high-potential Chinese professionals working in aeronautics for senior positions in the public or private air transportation sectors.

The program is to be launched in 2011. An 18-week curriculum is co-designed by Tsinghua SEM, ENAC and ENPC. The program will be delivered in 2 years through a highly interactive and participant-oriented learning process. The participants are expected to analyze real-world case studies, make in-class presentations, carry out applied projects and contribute to group work.

ENAC Director Marc Houalla said, "In view of the strong development of the aeronautics sector in China, we recognize the need for providing a specialized educational program in aeronautics and targeting top managers and executives working in this area. ENAC and ENPC are among the top aviation schools in France and we would like to share our expertise in aviation education with Tsinghua University, a unanimously acknowledged top university in China."

The top executive aviation management program will complement Airbus' existing programs and reaffirm Airbus' commitment to the development of the Chinese aviation industry. Airbus is carrying on a whole range of educational programs in cooperation with various Chinese partners, including the program with the Institute of Aviation Engineering in Tianjin for young Chinese students and the Master program in flight operation, airworthiness and maintenance with Civil Aviation University of China, and Airbus China is co-chairing with Edgewater College the "Marco Polo Sino-European Aviation Training Solutions" platform.

"Airbus will be fully involved in this program and offer our strong support", said Pierre Steffen, Airbus China Senior Vice President, "We attach great importance to the Chinese aviation market and commit ourselves to its long-term healthy growth. We believe talents are the key to the future and education is one of the best solutions to cope with the booming of China's aviation industry. Through this program, together with our partners in the academic areas, Airbus will help to nurture more Chinese aviation professionals with an international scope."