Building Strategic Leadership for a Resilient and Sustainable Aviation Sector

What is SALE?

Strategic Aviation Leadership Essentials (SALE) is a professional certificate course delivered by Airports Council International Africa, designed to equip senior aviation leaders with the strategic insight, policy awareness, and leadership tools required to navigate the evolving global aviation environment.

The course provides a structured understanding of aviation's economic, regulatory, operational, and sustainability dimensions, with a strong focus on airport leadership and performance.

Why SALE?

Airport leaders today operate in an increasingly complex environment shaped by:

• Regulatory and policy evolution
• Market liberalisation and competition
• Sustainability and ESG requirements
• Technological change and innovation
• Growing expectations from governments, communities, and users

SALE helps senior leaders strengthen strategic decision-making, align airport development with global aviation frameworks, and lead their organisations through change.

What SALE delivers

SALE provides participants with:

• A strategic understanding of the global air transport system
• Practical tools for airport business and operational optimisation
• Insight into aviation economics, regulation, and governance
• Integration of safety, security, sustainability, and ESG principles
• Applied learning through case studies and airport-focused exercises

Who is it for?

SALE is designed for:

• Senior leadership of airports
• Executives and managers of aviation organisations
• Public and private aviation stakeholders involved in policy, planning, and airport management

Key outcomes for participants

Participants completing SALE will be able to:

• Formulate and optimise strategic decisions in complex environments
• Understand the impact of international conventions, deregulation, and economic policy on airports
• Analyse aviation's contribution to economic and social development
• Strengthen airport operational performance
• Integrate safety, security, and ESG considerations into leadership decisions

How the course is delivered

SALE is delivered over 5 days and can be offered as:

• Virtual / Online course (on demand)
• Onsite / Classroom course (on demand)

The course combines:

• Interactive lectures and expert-led discussions
• Group work and practical airport-based exercises
• Case studies tailored to the host airport or airport group

Strategic value for airports

Airports participating in SALE will:

• Strengthen executive leadership and strategic capability
• Improve alignment with ICAO policies and international best practice
• Enhance long-term resilience, sustainability, and performance
• Support succession planning and executive development