The start of my aviation career journey.
Kevin Ngan, Graduate, 2022, Diploma in Aviation Operations, shared how the programme helped him enter the aviation field he has long aspired to join.
Kevin had always been interested in aviation, but he wasn’t sure how to take the first step toward developing a career in the industry. It wasn’t until he joined HKIAA’s online briefing session that he gained a clearer understanding of the opportunities available and discovered how the Diploma in Aviation Operations (DAO) could help him begin his journey.
Through the DAO programme, Kevin first acquired fundamental industry knowledge during the one-month classroom study, followed by a 12-month industry placement in one of the aviation professions. He ultimately chose ramp and flight operations as his preferred placement. “I wanted to work close to aircraft and learn more about how everything operates behind the scenes,” he shared.
The programme not only helped Kevin enter the aviation field he had long aspired to join, but also equipped him with essential workplace skills, particularly communication and time management. These abilities became crucial in his current role. “I need to coordinate the operations of each unit and help aircraft maintain their schedule for on-time departure.” He also found the CV writing workshop especially practical, as it taught him how to present his experience clearly and professionally as a fresh secondary school graduate — a skill he believes will benefit him throughout his career. “The career and academic supervisors assigned by HKIAA encouraged me a lot, too. They checked in on me regularly to see how they could support my academic and career planning.”
Today, Kevin works as an Airport Services Agent at Emirates, responsible for check-in, customer services at the gates and administrative duties. He is grateful for the knowledge, exposure and support he gained through the DAO programme, which gave him the confidence to grow in the aviation industry and set clear goals for his future.
Understanding the importance of further academic qualifications for career advancement, Kevin has enrolled in the Professional Diploma in Aviation Management (PDAM) and successfully graduated in 2025. “I am currently studying a Bachelor of Science (Honour) Aviation Management at HKIAA to further equip myself, with the aspiration of advancing to a management role. With HKIAA conveniently located at Hong Kong International Airport, it’s very easy for industry practitioners like us to attend classes after work.”
