EATS 2025: Aviation Training Innovation Takes Centre Stage in Cascais

The messages from the 23rd EATS were clear. Across the industry, organisations reported highly productive meetings, strengthened partnerships, and a surge in interest in new training technologies. From the exhibition floor to the conference streams, AI, VR/XR, CBTA/EBT, and data-driven training dominated conversations.

Many exhibitors highlighted how EATS continues to evolve as a strategic platform for launching new solutions. 

Several new products and upgrades were demonstrated for the first time in Cascais, ranging from VR abnormal procedure trainers to advanced performance analytics, next-generation grading interfaces, and digital training management tools.

Major Themes Shaping Aviation Training

1. AI and Digital Transformation

AI was the most referenced theme across the event.
The industry’s message was clear: before AI can reach its potential, organisations must digitise and automate their foundational processes. Once in place, AI enhances assessment, feedback, documentation, personalisation, and overall training quality. Attendees described EATS 2025 as a crucial space for understanding how AI will reshape both pilot and maintenance training in the coming years.

2. VR/XR and Immersive Learning

VR made one of its strongest showings yet at EATS:

• Abnormal procedure training
• Cabin safety scenarios
• Maintenance task environments
• Competency diagnostics and human performance insights
• Virtual Procedure Trainers
• VR simulators for early-stage training

Delegates noted that immersive technology is no longer “future-looking” but now a practical, rapidly expanding part of modern training pathways.

3. CBTA, EBT and Competency Transformation

Throughout the Pilot, Cabin Crew, and Maintenance streams, CBTA remained central:

• Harmonising CBTA frameworks
• Overcoming practical implementation challenges
• Refining assessment criteria
• Up-skilling and standardising instructors
• Building a resilient and future-ready training pipeline

The message was consistent: 

CBTA is essential for meeting operational realities and responding to industry-wide shortages.

4. Preparing for the Next Generation

A strong focus emerged around Gen Z learning behaviours, including:

• Digital-first expectations
• Simulation-rich learning environments
• Game-based training
• Self-directed pacing
• The need for new instructor profiles and new engagement strategies

EATS 2025 showed that the next generation requires new tools and the industry is ready to adapt.

Partnerships and Announcements Strengthening the Sector

Several companies chose EATS 2025 as the platform to announce major partnerships and strategic developments, a sign of the event’s credibility and influence. Highlights from industry sentiment included:

• New training partnerships
• Renewed long-term agreements
• New cadet programme delivery sites
• Technology integrations and collaborative innovation

These announcements reflect not only individual milestones but also the confidence organisations place in EATS as the venue where industry developments take centre stage.

Unprecedented Engagement Across the Exhibition Hall

Exhibitors repeatedly described their booths as “busy every minute,” with steady streams of visitors including:

• Airlines
• Regulators
• Training academies
• Simulator developers
• Tech providers
• Instructors and training managers

Many teams described their time in Cascais as “productive,” “energising,” and “exceptionally valuable,” with new connections formed and existing partnerships deepened.

A Powerful Affirmation for Halldale and the EATS Community

Throughout social channels and onsite feedback, EATS 2025 received extensive praise for:

• High-quality organisation
• A strong, diverse programme
• The relevance and urgency of conference themes
• Opportunities to network with decision-makers
• The overall atmosphere of collaboration and openness

Many attendees expressed gratitude to the Halldale team for creating an environment where the global aviation training community can come together to share ideas, tackle challenges, and advance safety and training standards.

Looking Ahead

EATS 2025 has reaffirmed that the aviation training community is entering a transformative era, one shaped by technology, demographic shifts, new safety expectations, and a deep commitment to building a skilled and resilient workforce.

As organisations continue to innovate, collaborate, and evolve, EATS will remain at the centre of these conversations.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Cascais. We look forward to welcoming you to EATS 2026 where progress continues.