History & Heritage：The Department of Air Transport and Systems Engineering evolved from the Institute of Systems Engineering and Control (Department of Civil Aviation Transport). Its origins trace back to the Transportation Systems Analysis Research Lab established in 1982. As a team with a profound history in comprehensive transport system planning and intelligent transportation in China, we have made outstanding contributions to the development of the nation's transportation industry. The department’s disciplinary foundation was laid by Professor Zhang Guo, a renowned scholar, the founder of the Transportation Systems Engineering discipline in China, and the founder of the journal Traffic and Transportation Systems Engineering and Information.
Evolution & Development：To meet the urgent demand for specialized talent in National Comprehensive Transport Network, the university established the Civil Aviation Transport specialization in 2017 and began student recruitment. In December 2020, the Department of Civil Aviation Transport was formally established, implementing an integrated development model with the Institute of Systems Engineering and Control. In 2025, it was renamed the "Department of Air Transport and Systems Engineering", marking a new stage in the cultivation of high-quality civil aviation talent.
Academic Programs：The Department focuses on the construction of the undergraduate program in Civil Aviation Transport. It also undertakes graduate training in several key disciplines, including Transportation Planning and Management, Low-Altitude Technology and Engineering, Control Science and Engineering, and Logistics Engineering.
Research & Impact：In recent years, leveraging the research platforms of the Institute of Systems Engineering and Control and the Research Center of Smart Civil Aviation Development, our team has undertaken over 100 projects commissioned by the National Key R&D Program, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, various ministries, and enterprises. We have published over 200 high-level papers and obtained more than 50 authorized invention patents and software copyrights. We have formed distinct research characteristics centered on the collaborative planning and operation of "Airport-Airline-ATC" systems, while expanding into frontier areas such as the Low-Altitude Economy and multimodal transport. Our smart operation technologies and systems have been widely adopted by airports and urban public transit authorities. Many of our achievements have been reported by mainstream media such as CCTV, Xinhua News Agency, and the Economic Daily, demonstrating significant social influence.
Collaboration & Internationalization：In terms of industry-academia collaboration, the Department has established multi-faceted strategic partnerships with leading entities including the Air Traffic Management Bureau of China Civilaviation Administration, Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport, Guangdong Airport Authority, and China Southern Airlines, providing students with high-quality practical training conditions. In terms of internationalization, we promote joint Bachelor-Master programs with Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Monash University. We also maintain continuous research exchange and cooperation with institutions such as the MIT International Center for Air Transportation, Purdue University, and Cranfield University, helping students broaden their international horizons and expand their channels for further study.
Future Outlook：Looking ahead, the Department remains committed to cultivating interdisciplinary civil aviation professionals capable of adapting to the industry trends of smart, sustainable, and integrated development. We strive to provide our students with a distinct competitive advantage in emerging frontiers, particularly in low-altitude intelligent operations technology and engineering.
