The AVIONIC project aimed to improve the quality, innovation and labour-market relevance of higher education in aviation by modernising study programmes and strengthening cooperation between universities and industry. Its purpose was to ensure that students and professionals acquire the competences needed for the digital and sustainable transformation of the air transport sector. The project pursued four specific objectives: • to equip learners with digital, green and interdisciplinary skills required by emerging aviation occupations; • to promote innovative and interactive teaching methods, including online, blended and simulation-based learning; • to develop digital tools and an international learning platform supporting flexible, collaborative and industry-aligned education; • to reinforce partnerships between higher education institutions, VET providers and aviation stakeholders to ensure that curricula reflect evolving professional needs.
The AVIONIC project was launched to address urgent skill gaps in the aviation sector, driven by rapid digitalisation, sustainability requirements and major changes in labour market demands. Higher education institutions and industry partners observed that existing study programmes no longer reflected the competencies needed for modern air transport operations, especially in areas such as automation, data-driven processes, environmental performance and interdisciplinary work. There was a clear need to integrate digital and green skills into aviation qualifications, to modernise learning outcomes and to introduce innovative, interactive teaching methods aligned with real operational practices. The project therefore aimed to bridge the gap between education and industry by updating curricula, analysing emerging occupations and developing digital tools capable of supporting international, flexible and industry-relevant learning.