What Will Training Look Like in 2030?

As the aviation industry prepares for the next decade of growth, training leaders are already considering how programmes must evolve to meet increasing scale and complexity. 

Aviation training professionals from airlines, technology providers and training organisations share their views on what training could look like by 2030.

A recurring theme is integration. Panelists point to greater use of technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and adaptive learning systems, moving beyond standalone tools towards more connected training ecosystems. Rather than accelerating training for its own sake, contributors argue that technology should be used to make training more efficient, targeted and evidence‑based.

The discussion also highlights cultural change. Diana Marta Ruka, Chief ground Instructor, Line Trainer and Senior Cabin Crew in airBaltic suggests that traditional classroom lectures and PowerPoint‑driven instruction will continue to decline, with instructors increasingly acting as observers, facilitators and evaluators of competency rather than sole knowledge providers. Gamification and immersive learning methods are expected to play a larger role, particularly in maintaining engagement at scale.

Beyond technology, Penny McGrigor emphasises the need for stronger industry collaboration and a shift in mindset, with training viewed as a long‑term investment rather than a cost. As the pace of change accelerates, contributors agree that shared learning and community will be critical to preparing the workforce of 2030.

Thanks to Diana Marta Ruka, Chief ground Instructor, Line Trainer and Senior Cabin Crew in airBaltic.  Penny McGrigor, Head of Marketing at Halldale Group  Stuart Membrey, Just the Guy at Aerotrainingx  Thor Paulli Andersen, CTO & Partner at VRPilot and Brock Booher, President at Volant Systems for taking part.