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Let’s be honest—nobody’s lining up to do training. It's just another box to tick.
For the CFO, it’s another cost.
For operations, it’s one more thing to juggle.
For the training manager, it’s another deadline.
And for the crew, it’s something they squeeze in between everything else—often on autopilot.
But here’s the thing—we can’t keep doing things the same way.
A generational shift is happening right now, and it’s bringing bigger challenges we can’t ignore.
Something needs to change.
An Invitation to Rethink Aviation Training Together
Over the past 25 years, Scandlearn has seen many things change in aviation training—but the core challenges for training managers have often remained the same.
What we share here is shaped by our daily conversations with training managers, instructors, and operational leaders across the industry. It’s informed by research, experience, and our own observations about where aviation is heading.
This article isn’t based on regulations. It’s not a rulebook.
It’s an invitation.
An invitation to explore new ideas with us—ideas we believe can reshape the future of aviation training.
Because together, we can move beyond training as a tick-box exercise.
We can make it a powerful tool for building safer, smarter, and more resilient operations.
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For too long, the responsibility for training has rested solely on the learner.
But this isn’t just about them.
It’s about all of us.
Yes, the industry is moving forward—especially in adopting online and blended learning approaches.
But even with all this progress, it often feels like we’re forgetting something fundamental:
There’s a human being on the other side of the screen.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve spoken with many instructors and training managers who are all facing the same uphill battle. There’s relentless pressure from upper management to deliver successful training outcomes—while motivation is low, engagement is dropping, and budgets, time, and tools are limited.
They’re stuck between high expectations and limited resources.
And yet, many keep pushing forward. I’m relieved we still have dedicated professionals— in Sweden we call it eldsjälar—(pronounced “ELD-hyel”)—literally meaning “fire soul.” It describes someone driven by passion and purpose, who carries the flame when things get tough.
But we have a bigger problem.
And it’s not just about funding.
It’s about understanding.
It’s about an attitude shift that needs to happen across the entire industry. We need to rethink why we train and how we approach training if we want to transform it from what it is today to what it needs to be tomorrow.
“These shifts aren’t optional. They’re already happening. The real question is—will your organisation lead, or be forced to catch up?”
The next decade will redefine how we train aviation professionals—and how we maintain safety and performance standards in an increasingly complex industry. These shifts aren’t optional. They’re already happening. The real question is—will your organization lead, or be forced to catch up?
A great example of leadership in action is Portugália Airlines, operating as TAP Express within the TAP Air Portugal Group, offering valuable lessons the entire industry can learn from.
By building a culture of trust, aligning leadership with training teams, and embracing innovative solutions like CBTA, EBT, and VR, they’re proving that sustainable, forward-thinking training strategies aren’t just possible—they’re happening right now.
TAP Portugal’s approach isn’t about quick fixes or flashy solutions. It’s about building trust, and fostering alignment. They’re not choosing VR because it’s flashy. They’re choosing it because it’s a well-thought-out, strategic decision—one that puts both safety and the human experience at the center of their training programs.
At Scandlearn, we’re inspired by leaders like Hugo who are pushing for smarter, more sustainable approaches to aviation training. And we believe these are conversations the entire industry should be having—together.
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What we Believe Has to Change in Aviation Training Over the Next 5-10 Years
Based on insights from Hugo Oliveira, my research, and conversations with others in the industry, here’s what I believe will be the biggest changes in aviation training over the next decade:
1. CBTA and EBT Will Be the New Standard
Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) and Evidence-Based Training (EBT) aren’t future concepts—they’re becoming the global standard for aviation training. Regulatory bodies like ICAO are driving this shift, and more operators are aligning their programs to focus on actual competency, not just completed training hours.
CBTA and EBT emphasize real-world performance and data-driven decision-making, ensuring crews are trained for what they’ll face in actual operations, not just what’s in the manual.
👉 Why it matters:
Airlines that adopt CBTA and EBT are building safer, more resilient teams. Its more tailored to their role, focus on mission-critical skills, and create a performance culture rather than a compliance culture.
2. Training Will Be Smarter, Not Heavier
The future of training isn’t about adding more—it’s about making it smarter and lighter.
Instead of long, periodic training cycles that lead to fatigue, airlines are moving toward microlearning and microgamification: small, focused learning moments delivered at the right time.
Real-time performance data and AI insights can help deliver targeted, relevant content that sharpens key competencies—without overwhelming crews.
👉 Why it matters:
Microlearning helps crews stay sharp and confident, while reducing training fatigue. It respects their time and allows them to continuously improve without adding unnecessary pressure.
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3. Training Will Be Personalised and Data-Driven
Generic, one-size-fits-all programs are obsolete. AI and data analytics will tailor training to each and function, focusing on relevant, role-specific skills.
👉 Why it matters: Time is scarce. Crews want precision training—what they need, when they need it.
4. Human Factors Will Take Center Stage
Technology can’t replace human decision-making, communication, or teamwork. These soft skills will be a core focus, especially as automation increases in operations.
👉 Why it matters: Incidents often come down to human factors, not technical failures. Addressing this saves lives.
5. Immersive, Experiential Learning Will Become the Standard
VR, AR, and Mixed Reality will extend beyond simulators to create immersive, real-world scenarios that adapt in real-time.
👉 Why it matters: Experiential learning improves retention, decision-making, and confidence.
6. Time Efficiency Will Be the New Benchmark
Microlearning and on-demand modules will deliver high-impact training in short, efficient bursts, respecting operational realities.
👉 Why it matters: Training needs to fit seamlessly into already packed schedules, without sacrificing quality.
7. Compliance Will Be Automated—Competency Will Be the Focus
Systems will automate compliance tracking, freeing up training managers to focus on assessing real competencies, not ticking boxes.
👉 Why it matters: Airlines will be judged on what their people can do, not just whether they’ve completed a course.
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Conclusion: The Time to Act Is Now
The next decade of aviation safety and operational excellence starts with how you approach training today. CBTA offers a proven, future-ready framework—but it requires leadership commitment and strategic investment.
✅ Invest in competency-based programs.
✅ Automate compliance and shift to continuous training.
✅ Champion the cultural shift towards performance-driven learning.
“But Emelie!” you say. “We’re not magicians—we can’t conjure up money?!”
And you’re right. But here’s the thing: we can start thinking the box. We can challenge how we’ve always done things. Because whether we’re ready or not, change is coming.
