The aviation sector cannot rely on yesterday’s classrooms to meet tomorrow’s challenges. With demand for air travel growing, technologies evolving at lightning speed, and a new generation of learners expecting flexibility and innovation, the way aviation professionals are trained must change just as rapidly. Innovation in training is no longer optional — it is essential for safety, sustainability, and competitiveness.
At the same time, training is more than a technical exercise — it is how aviation passes on its culture of safety, professionalism, and service to the next generation. The methods chosen today will shape not just individual careers, but the values, confidence, and adaptability of the global aviation workforce for decades to come.
During the ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Global Summit, held in Durban, South Africa from 12 to 14 August 2025, Session 6 focused squarely on this challenge: Innovating How We Teach and Train in Aviation. Co-hosted by ICAO and the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), with the support of South Africa’s Department of Transport, the Summit convened over 1,100 participants from across the global aviation community.
Moderated by Rodney Subramany, Head of Learning & Development at the Aviation Training Academy (ATNS, South Africa), the panel featured:
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Gilad Scherpf, Senior Director, Aviation Training Development, Lufthansa Group
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Liu Yongxin, Deputy Dean of Air Traffic Management, College CAUC
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David Studden, Global Sales and Partnerships Manager, Etihad Aviation Training
Together, they explored how technology, pedagogy, and partnerships can transform the aviation workforce pipeline.
Key insights
Speakers stressed that traditional training models are no longer enough to prepare future aviation professionals. With roles shifting rapidly and skill demands changing, innovation in how we teach is a matter of urgency.
Technology emerged as the key catalyst. AI, simulators, virtual reality, and digital platforms were highlighted as tools that can revolutionize how training is delivered. These approaches not only improve efficiency but also expand access for learners in underserved regions — making aviation careers more attainable to a broader and more diverse pool of candidates.
Panelists also emphasized the need for closer alignment between education and industry. Too often, academic curricula fail to reflect real-world requirements. The way forward, they argued, lies in co-designed programmes developed in partnership between regulators, training organizations, and industry leaders — ensuring graduates are truly work-ready.
Flexibility and modularity were underscored as vital. Hybrid training models, regional training hubs, and online delivery can break down geographic barriers, opening aviation careers to communities far from traditional training centres. Integrating sustainability and digital skills into these models can also help attract and inspire a new generation of learners who want meaningful, future-oriented careers.
Calls to Action
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Leverage technology — from VR and AI to hybrid delivery — to make aviation training more inclusive, flexible, and cost-effective.
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Strengthen partnerships across governments, regulators, academia, and industry to pool resources and accelerate adoption of new approaches.
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Adopt data-driven practices to validate innovative models, ensuring regulatory confidence and measurable outcomes.
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Expand access globally, using digital platforms and regional hubs to reach underserved areas and reduce infrastructure gaps.
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Integrate innovation incrementally, ensuring smooth adoption and cultural acceptance while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Why this matters
Session 6 made clear that modernizing aviation training is about more than updating classrooms — it is about ensuring the future workforce is prepared, diverse, and resilient. By embedding innovation into training systems, aviation can keep pace with technological change, inspire the next generation, and close critical workforce gaps. As the Summit emphasized, rethinking how we teach and train is fundamental to achieving ICAO’s long-term goals: a global aviation sector that is safe, inclusive, and sustainable.
To watch the full recording of this Summit session, click here. To access all other sessions from the 2025 NGAP Global Summit, and hear directly from the panelists and explore their insights in greater depth, click on the link below.
