Dr. Dimitrios Ziakkas
Assistant Professor
School of Engineering
About
Dr Dimitrios Ziakkas is an aviation human factors researcher, airline captain and accident incident investigator with more than 35 years of experience in military and civil aviation operations. He works as an Assistant Professor at Coventry University Human Factors and collaborates internationally with academic institutions and aviation organisations on safety and technology research initiatives.
His teaching and research focus on aviation safety, human factors, artificial intelligence applications in aviation, competency-based training and assessment (CBTA), evidence-based training (EBT), and future operational concepts such as single-pilot operations (SiPO). His work also explores how emerging technologies, including immersive simulation and digital systems are transforming aviation training, safety management and operational decision-making.
Dr Ziakkas holds a PhD in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He also holds an MSc in Human Factors in Aviation from Coventry University, an MBA from the University of Birmingham, and an MSc in Human Resource Management and Development from the University of Salford. BSc in Aviation Science (Hellenic Air Force Academy) and BSc in Economics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Short Course -Technical Pilot from National Test Pilot School (NTPS-USA) and Performance Engineer - Airbus.
Alongside his academic career, he remains actively engaged in aviation operations as an Airbus captain, instructor and examiner.
Career overview
Dr Ziakkas began his aviation career in the Hellenic Air Force (1990), where he served as a fighter and transport pilot, electronic warfare officer and flight safety investigator. He later transitioned to commercial aviation, flying with Olympic Air (2009-2011) and Qatar Airways (2011-2021) participating in senior training, recruitment and operational roles in international airline operations.
He has extensive flight experience across multiple aircraft types including the Airbus A320, A330, A340, and A-380, as well as military aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom, C-130 Hercules and Gulfstream V.
He worked as an Assistant Professor at Purdue University’s School of Aviation and Transportation Technology (2021-2025) and collaborates internationally with academic institutions and aviation organizations on safety and technology research initiatives.
Research
His research focuses on:
- Artificial intelligence applications in aviation systems
- Human factors and aviation safety management
- Competency-based training and assessment (CBTA)
- Aviation workforce development and manpower planning
- Single-pilot operations and future flight deck concepts
- Immersive technologies and simulation in aviation training
External activities
Dr Ziakkas is a member of several international professional organisations including:
- European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
- European Association for Aviation Psychology (EAAP)
- Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
- Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF)
- International Society of Air Safety Investigators (ISASI)
- Royal Aeronautical Society (Fellow)
