Zheng Lei

Professor Zheng Lei is a Professor of Aviation at Swinburne University of Technology, School of Engineering, where he serves as Chair of the Department of Aviation within the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology. He holds a PhD in Air Transport and Tourism Management from the University of Surrey and has previously held academic roles at the University of Surrey and Cranfield University. He also serves as a Visiting Professor at the Civil Aviation University of China and is the founder and President of the Institute for Aviation Research, a think tank focusing on aviation in China.

His research expertise lies in airline business models, air transport market analysis, regulation and policy, and aviation’s role in regional competitiveness. His work emphasizes real-world impact, advising airlines, airports, regulators, and aviation authorities globally. His fields of research include transportation, logistics, supply chains, and urban and regional planning.

The 15 most recent publications reflect a consistent focus on aviation economics, policy, and digital transformation. Key themes include aviation resilience during the pandemic, market liberalization, airline competition, digital technologies like AI and blockchain, service quality assessment via NLP, and sustainable connectivity. His work employs advanced econometric, modeling, and data analytics methods to inform policy and industry practice.

Professor Lei has secured significant external research funding from government and industry, including grants from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Department of Infrastructure, and Civil Aviation Safety Authority, focusing on hydrogen in aviation, alternative fuels, and advanced air mobility.

He actively supervises PhD and Master’s students on topics such as hydrogen adoption, autopilot liability, advanced air mobility, airport security, and pilot success prediction, demonstrating a strong commitment to training the next generation of aviation professionals.

He has led or contributed to numerous research projects and contracts, including 'Hydrogen to the Skies' and 'Regional AAM Surrogate Trial,' working with partners such as Textron Systems and government agencies. His leadership in both academic and applied research underscores his role as a key figure in contemporary aviation studies.