WATS 2026 Heads of Training Report Highlights Key Priorities for Aviation Training

Halldale Group has published its WATS 2026 Heads of Training Meeting Report, capturing insights from a series of invitation-only executive roundtables held during the World Aviation Training Summit (WATS) 2026.

The closed-door discussions brought together senior airline Heads of Training, regulators, aircraft manufacturers, training providers and academic experts to examine the key issues shaping the future of aviation training. Held under Chatham House Rules, the sessions explored topics including artificial intelligence, competency-based training, instructor development, cadet readiness, resilience and regulatory alignment.

The report identifies broad industry consensus that aviation training is entering a period of significant transformation. Participants agreed that while technologies such as AI and extended reality offer significant opportunities to enhance training, successful implementation will depend on robust governance, instructor capability and evidence-based decision-making.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening alignment between airlines and flight schools, accelerating the implementation of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) and Evidence-Based Training (EBT), investing in instructor development, and improving collaboration between industry and regulators.

"The Heads of Training roundtables provide a unique opportunity for senior training leaders to openly discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our industry," said Andy Smith, President of Halldale Group. "This year's discussions demonstrated strong alignment on both the priorities and the actions needed to support the next generation of aviation training."

The report provides a high-level overview of the themes that emerged across the roundtables while preserving the confidentiality that enables participants to speak openly. 

The Heads of Training community will reconvene at APATS 2026 in Bangkok on 31 August 2026 to continue discussions. Attendance is by invitation only. For details, contact Fiona.Greenyer@halldale.com.