Digital and sustainable transformations in Australian aviation industry: How do passengers perceive and receive?

About the project

Help shape the future of sustainability in the aviation sector 

If you are keen to develop a career in the commercial and professional services sector and passionate about sustainability in the aviation industry, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based PhD within the Centre for Enterprise Dynamics in Global Economies (C-EDGE), in partnership with Adelaide Airport and Singapore Airlines, Adelaide. 

The EU has proposed the concept of “twin transformation” in its policy framework, acknowledging the need to pursue both digitalisation and climate neutrality goals simultaneously.  The combination of the two related but distinct goals has become a vital pathway and strategy for all businesses to succeed in the coming decades. 

Inevitably the airline industry will embark on the twin transformation journey which will pose significant challenges to both airlines and passengers. The two elements can strengthen and reinforce each other, but also contradict and challenge each other.

Working closely with airlines and airports, our project will explore the twin transformation roadmap and process in Australia’s aviation sector. We will also employ focus groups and large-scale surveys to investigate how passengers perceive and receive the changes brought about by the twin transformation. 

Our aim is to engage with the Australian airline industry to develop a twin transformation roadmap, including overarching strategic objectives, major milestones, and the resources needed to achieve the desired outcomes. 

We will then identify major twin transformation initiatives and generate knowledge for airlines and airports to develop the skills and capabilities needed to work with new digital and sustainable approaches. 

Our project will investigate the relationship between digital technology, green practices, and customer perception in the context of the Australian aviation industry to accelerate the twin transformation without compromising service quality and consumer welfare.

Our aim is to help Australian airlines and airports excel in providing digitalised and sustainable services and products that meet the needs of Australian consumers. 

You will join the vibrant cohort within C-EDGE. Our multidisciplinary Centre offers you access to outstanding facilities, resources and expertise. Collaborating with our partners, you will gain hands-on experience and build your communication and networking skills and abilities, putting you in a prime position in the job market. 

What you’ll do

In this project-based research degree, you will undertake quantitative and qualitative research via administering focus groups and large-scale surveys. 

Your goal is to understand how twin transformation will affect passengers’ experience and their satisfaction and loyalty and how we can design a comprehensive and coordinated twin transformation process for the Australian aviation industry. We also want to delineate the government’s role in the twin transformation process. 

We will support you to develop and submit articles to high impact journals, helping you establish a strong publishing track record upon completion of your studies. 

Where you’ll be based

You will be based in the C-EDGE, which was formed in 2021. C-EDGE brings together world-class researchers across several of the university’s academic units. It has 38 active researchers and 29 affiliate members from a range of UniSA research disciplines. This diverse group provide expert advice on the challenges of dynamic markets, support the growth and development of business and government, and provide research students with real-world experience.

Our research is clustered across five themes that intertwine, reflecting the complexity and diversity of innovation, transformation and growth across enterprise, industry, and regions. Financial Support  

This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 (2025 rate) per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $50,291 per annum. A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Eligibility and Selection 

This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.

The successful applicant is expected to study full-time and to be based at our Mawson Lakes Campus in the north of Adelaide. 

Essential Dates 

Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Friday 10 January 2025.