WATS 2026 Conference Programme Now Live

The conference programme for the World Aviation Training Summit 2026 is now available, with early-bird registration open across four dedicated streams covering pilot training, cabin crew operations, maintenance training, and ab initio development.

Taking place at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, from May 5-7th, the event returns with a programme structured around regulatory developments, competency-based training evolution, and emerging technology implementation, areas consistently identified as strategic priorities by training leaders across commercial aviation and military sectors.

Pilot Training Conference

The pilot stream addresses artificial intelligence integration, CBTA methodology advancement, and regulatory harmonisation challenges. Sessions include an interactive panel examining EASA's FSTD Capability Signature and its FAA counterpart, exploring implications for cross-border training acceptance and multi-jurisdiction ATO operations.

A dedicated seminar led by easyJet's training team will detail instructor standardisation approaches underpinning successful Evidence-Based Training implementation. Additional sessions cover AI-enabled CBTA deployment, automated syllabus development, and VR/XR applications in pre-simulator preparation and procedural training.

The programme targets Chief Training Officers, Training Managers, Standards Captains, and ATO Directors responsible for implementing next-generation training frameworks.

Cabin Crew Conference

The cabin crew stream focuses on safety-critical training culture, moving beyond regulatory compliance toward behaviour-change methodologies. Sessions address CRM effectiveness, scenario-based training design, and post-incident wellbeing frameworks.

Interactive workshops include disruptive passenger response scenarios and Mayday, a CRM learning simulation. The programme examines instructor selection criteria, structured debriefing frameworks, and AI adoption within CBTA-compliant training environments.

Maintenance Training Conference

Maintenance training leaders will receive regulatory updates directly from EAMTC, FAA, A4A, ATEC, and AWAM representatives. The stream introduces instructor calibration as a dedicated focus area, addressing assessment consistency across distributed training operations.

Sessions cover CBTA implementation in maintenance contexts, VR applications for troubleshooting and safety-critical procedures, and remote learning delivery models. Live technology demonstrations will be available in the exhibition hall.

Ab Initio Training Conference

The ab initio stream examines recruitment, selection, and progression frameworks supporting entry-level training scalability. Sessions explore regulatory developments affecting programme design, technology integration including VR and AI-enabled assessment, and airline-ATO partnership models.

The programme serves senior leaders, programme managers, and training partners building long-term pilot supply pipelines.

Registration and Format

Early-bird pricing is available for a limited period. The 2026 programme introduces enhanced session formats including interactive panels, operator-led case studies, and focused deep-dive seminars designed to maximise practical takeaways and peer exchange.