Tzoi Kyriakidi

rethinking aerospace safety in the age of artificial intelligence

Tzoi, a 2025 graduate of the MSc Aerospace Management at TBS Education, was recognized by APEM as part of an artificial intelligence competition initially designed for students of the MSc Data Science & Artificial Intelligence. Although she did not take part in the hackathon itself, her master’s thesis – focused on the integration of artificial intelligence into Safety Management Systems – was selected and awarded among AI-related projects. An unexpected recognition that highlights both the relevance of her work and its practical value for the aerospace industry. She now works at Airbus in continued airworthiness, focusing on long-range operations.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey at TBS Education?

“My name is Tzoi, I’m 22 years old, and I joined the MSc Aerospace Management at TBS Education in September 2024.

Before that, I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering in Lebanon. After such a technical program, I wanted to continue my studies while staying connected to engineering but also explore another side of the industry: management.

That’s what led me to TBS Education. I came across the program online and saw it as an opportunity to bridge both worlds. Toulouse also played a key role in my decision: being based in Europe’s leading aerospace hub was a major advantage, especially since working at Airbus had already been one of my goals. Looking back, that choice was a real turning point in my journey.”

What inspired you to join the MSc Aerospace Management?

“What really appealed to me was the program’s positioning at the crossroads of aerospace and management.

At first, I hesitated because my background was entirely technical, and I knew I would be joining a business school. But I quickly realized it was an opportunity to broaden my perspective. I already had strong engineering foundations; this master’s allowed me to explore the business and strategic side of the industry.

In hindsight, that’s exactly what makes this program so valuable. It gave me a much broader understanding of the sector- supply chain, sustainability, digital transformation, finance, and even how to interact with airlines. Even in a technical role, having that wider perspective makes a real difference, because you understand how everything fits together.”

What is your thesis about and what are its main contributions?

“My thesis focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into Safety Management Systems (SMS).

An SMS is essentially a framework used to identify, manage, and prevent risks related to organizational processes. It’s not directly about the aircraft itself, but about everything within the system that could lead to errors and, ultimately, impact safety.

I chose this topic because it was directly connected to my internship at Airbus Protect, where I was involved in implementing a Safety Management System. At the same time, I was very interested in artificial intelligence and convinced it would play a major role in the future of the industry. My work sits at the intersection of those two areas.

My goal was not to produce purely academic research, but to develop practical recommendations that could actually be used. The thesis explores where and how AI could support an SMS, while considering the strict safety and confidentiality requirements of the aerospace sector.”

What led you to explore this topic and how did you conduct your research?

“The topic came quite naturally from my internship experience. I was directly involved in implementing a Safety Management System at Airbus Protect and wanted to work on something both relevant and applicable to what I was doing.

At the same time, I had a strong interest in artificial intelligence and wanted to understand how it could be applied in such a structured and sensitive environment.

I started by ensuring that the topic hadn’t already been widely covered. Then I conducted in-depth research on both SMS and AI. However, the core of my work is based on a qualitative approach: I conducted ten interviews with experts, including members of Airbus Protect’s top management.

These discussions were essential, as they allowed me to connect theoretical insights with real operational challenges and develop recommendations grounded in the company’s needs.”

In your opinion, what specific benefits does your research bring to the aerospace industry?

“I believe my work offers a practical perspective on how artificial intelligence can support systems that are already critical to how organizations operate, such as Safety Management Systems.

The idea is not to replace human expertise, but to explore how AI can help process information more efficiently, detect weak signals earlier, and enhance the analysis of incidents and risks.

In a sector as demanding as aerospace, where safety and reliability are essential, this approach opens up valuable opportunities—while also highlighting the need for careful and gradual integration of AI.”

How did you feel when you found out you had won this award? Were you expecting it?

“Not at all – it was a real surprise! After submitting my thesis, we received an email explaining that work related to artificial intelligence would automatically be considered for a competition linked to the datathon, in partnership with APEM. At the time, I didn’t really pay attention to it.

I actually found out by chance, when a professor congratulated me on LinkedIn. My first reaction was to wonder what award he was referring to.

Once I understood that my thesis, although written as part of the MSc Aerospace Management, had been selected and awarded by APEM among AI-related projects, I was really happy. It was very rewarding to see my work recognized, especially considering how much effort I had put into it.”

How have your thesis and this achievement influenced your professional path?

“I wouldn’t say that my thesis alone led me to my current role, since I later moved to a different team and topic. However, it clearly helped highlight my dedication during my internship.

It showed that I’m able to take ownership of a subject, go in-depth, and deliver meaningful work. That definitely influenced how my managers perceived me.

It also allowed me to develop expertise in a very specific area- Safety Management Systems. Even though I’m not working on it directly anymore, it remains a valuable asset I can build on in the future.”

Where are you now in your professsional journey since completing your MSc?

“I’m currently working at Airbus in continued airworthiness, focusing on long-range operations, particularly ETOPS flights.

My role involves monitoring in-flight events, providing technical support to airlines, contributing to certification topics, and analyzing aircraft systems. It’s a technical position, but it also includes a strong operational and coordination component.

I joined in January, so I’m still in the learning phase. It’s a new environment for me, different from both my bachelor’s and my thesis topic, but that’s also what makes it very rewarding. I really enjoy the balance between technical work, operational understanding, and interaction with different stakeholders.”

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to students who are just starting to write their thesis?

“First of all, don’t panic. Writing a thesis can feel overwhelming at the beginning, but it becomes much more manageable once you choose a topic you genuinely understand and are interested in.

For me, curiosity is key. When you’re interested in your subject, research becomes much easier- even when you have to go through a lot of material that you may not end up using. Nothing is really wasted; it all contributes to your personal knowledge.

I would also encourage students to ask for help. Your supervisor will guide you on structure and methodology, but colleagues and professionals can be just as valuable, especially for technical topics. Asking questions, surrounding yourself with the right people, and choosing a topic that truly matters to you makes all the difference.”