The scientific seminar „Turbulent Environment and Reaction to Change,” held on June 30, this year, proved to be a captivating exchange of views and opinions on aviation management, particularly the transformations brought about by the pandemic. As participants discussed the challenges and opportunities in the aviation sector, they also took the opportunity to express gratitude to Prof. Ulrich Desel, the visionary mind behind the Aviation Management course and the longstanding Director of the Institute of Aviation Management at UITM.
Addressing the consequences of the pandemic, Michał Wichrowski, acting director of UITM’s Institute of Aviation Management, emphasized the varying effects on different stakeholders in the aviation industry. While some emerged as winners, leveraging their advantages wisely, it became evident that a revitalization of the aviation sector is essential to stay competitive.
Prof. Hansjohen Ehmer brought the ethical context of sustainable development into focus, highlighting the complexities of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Although SAF shows promise in reducing exhaust emissions, it is not without substantial production and transmission costs, raising more questions than answers regarding aviation sustainability.
Louisa Desel, a Ph.D. student, drew attention to the challenges faced by companies in terms of environmental responsibility, innovation, and raw material shortages. Encouraging a regenerative orientation, she stressed the significance of restoring and improving the health of the population, surpassing mere resistance and durability. Thomas Haas, from a consulting company, underlined the importance of responding to changes with flexibility, openness, and an emphasis on both short- and long-term goals, benefiting both individuals and the collective group.
In his inspiring speech, Prof. Ulrich Desel delved into the history of aviation, discussing the evolution of airports, airlines, and airplanes. He also outlined crucial areas for future research and analysis, focusing on:
- How will the income of medium and regional airports develop in the future?
- What will the chain of processes at the airport look like in the era of digitization?
- How to reconcile the interests of various parties (profit-oriented airports, residents of the vicinity of airports exposed to noise and harmful emissions, passengers wanting to travel as cheaply as possible, and challenges of sustainable development)?
- The specificity of airports for the needs of low-cost air carriers.
Since 2010, Prof. Ulrich Desel has been instrumental in establishing the unique English-language Aviation Management education path at UITM, which continues to flourish to this day. Graduates from this program find fulfilling careers in the aviation industry, both in Poland and internationally. Additionally, the seminar provided an opportunity to express gratitude to Prof. Desel in connection with his retirement.
From 2012 to 2023, Professor Ulrich Desel served as the Director of the Institute of Aviation Management at UITM. To his students, he was not just a lecturer but also a supporter of scientific works and a mentor. He skillfully balanced his work in academics with practical involvement in the aviation sector, taking part in advisory projects related to air traffic forecasting, route planning, and ground handling. For Prof. Desel, the most significant achievement of his classes was the ability to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation, as Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach once said, „What we do today determines what the world will look like tomorrow.” His dedication to education and practical application has left a lasting impact on his students and the aviation industry as a whole.
