Certified Airline Operations Professional/Manager (CAOP)™/(CAOM)™

The Certified Airline Operations Professional/Manager (CAOP)™/(CAOM)™ certification program is a prestigious and globally recognized qualification designed for aviation professionals responsible for the smooth, safe, and efficient management of airline operations. In today’s highly competitive aviation industry, operational excellence is essential for ensuring passenger satisfaction, regulatory compliance, cost efficiency, and sustainable growth. This program equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and strategic insight to manage flight operations, ground handling, crew scheduling, safety procedures, and customer service within a dynamic and complex airline environment.

Airline operations go beyond managing flights—they encompass coordination between multiple departments, adherence to international aviation regulations, optimization of turnaround times, and effective management of resources. Participants will explore topics such as airline scheduling, load control, route planning, aircraft maintenance coordination, operational safety management systems (SMS), and the integration of advanced technologies for real-time decision-making. The curriculum emphasizes industry best practices, operational risk management, and aligning operational efficiency with profitability.

Whether working for a commercial airline, charter service, or cargo carrier, graduates of the CAOP™/CAOM™ program will be prepared to lead operational teams and processes that deliver exceptional reliability, safety, and customer experience.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Airline Operations Professional/Manager (CAOP)™/(CAOM)™ program, participants will be able to:

  • Understand Core Airline Operations Principles – Gain a deep understanding of flight operations, ground services, and crew management.
  • Enhance Operational Efficiency – Optimize scheduling, turnaround times, and resource allocation.
  • Ensure Regulatory Compliance and Safety – Implement and maintain compliance with ICAO, IATA, and local aviation regulations.
  • Leverage Technology for Airline Management – Use advanced systems for scheduling, communication, and operational monitoring.
  • Improve Passenger Experience – Align operational performance with service quality standards.
  • Manage Risks and Disruptions – Apply contingency planning for weather, technical, and logistical challenges.

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for certification from The Operations Management Institute (OMI), candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

And/or

  • 0–4.9 years relevant experience for Professional level (CAOP)™, or 5+ years for Manager level (CAOM)™.

Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the OMI evaluation committee.

Certifying Examination:

  • To be certified as CAOP™/CAOM™, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by OMI.
  • The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
  • Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

  • Module 1: Fundamentals of Airline Operations and Industry Regulations
  • Module 2: Flight Operations, Scheduling, and Crew Management
  • Module 3: Ground Handling, Turnaround Coordination, and Load Control
  • Module 4: Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Risk Mitigation
  • Module 5: Technology and Real-Time Decision Support in Airline Operations
  • Module 6: Customer Service, Disruption Management, and Performance Optimization

* The Certification Title and its modules are regularly reviewed, updated and may change in alignment with evolving industry needs and regulatory standards.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The CAOP™/CAOM™ certification is ideal for professionals working in or aspiring to work in airline operations, including:

  • Flight Operations Coordinators and Managers – Overseeing day-to-day airline operations.
  • Ground Operations Managers – Managing airport turnaround and ramp services.
  • Crew Schedulers and Planners – Allocating crew efficiently while meeting regulatory limits.
  • Aviation Safety Officers – Ensuring compliance with global safety standards.
  • Airline Customer Experience Managers – Enhancing passenger satisfaction through operational excellence.
  • Consultants and Advisors – Providing operational optimization solutions to airlines.

Key Benefits of CAOP / CAOM Certification:

  • Professional Recognition – Validates your expertise in airline operations and management.
  • Career Growth – Opens opportunities in operational leadership across passenger, cargo, and charter airlines.
  • Global Relevance – Skills applicable in domestic and international airline environments.
  • Practical Learning – Based on real-world airline operations challenges and solutions.
  • Professional Network – Connect with aviation operations professionals worldwide.
  • Measurable Impact – Improve on-time performance, reduce costs, and enhance safety and service.
  • Best Practice Alignment – Built on ICAO, IATA, and global aviation industry standards.

The CAOP™/CAOM™ certification prepares professionals to lead airline operations that are safe, efficient, and customer-focused. Whether your goal is to improve operational efficiency, ensure compliance, or enhance the passenger experience, this program provides the expertise to succeed in a competitive global aviation market.