What to Expect at EATS 2023!

Improving training to improve safety, in addition to improving resilience and sustainability in a period of increasing momentum and growth, while managing technology, regulatory and demographic change? The 21st European Airline Training Symposium (EATS)takes place from 8-9 November 2023 in Cascais, Portugal.

Meeting this multi-faceted challenge will require an increasingly connected community, able to offer a coordinated response from all sectors of the training industry, airlines, OEMs, EASA, ATPG and those charged at the national regulators with ensuring delivery.

In a competitive industry, it is our training teams that help raise the safety bar for all, and after an unprecedented shutdown we face multiple challenges in enabling the return of our industry to full operations.

EATS typically attracts 900 attendees from more than 50 countries – all focused on best training practices. EATS 2023 is Europe’s largest aviation training event, designed by and for aviation professionals.

Pilot and Cabin Crew Conferences

The two EATS conference streams - Pilot Training and Cabin Crew Training - will feature presentations and moderated discussions led by industry experts which will focus on promoting safety and sharing best practice.

The Pilot Conference will kick off with opening remarks from Jesper Rasmussen, Flight Standards Director, EASA, Captain Marió Chavez, Chief Operations Officer, TAP Air Portugal and Captain Andy Mitchell, Chair, Aircrew Training Policy Group (ATPG).

Captain Jean-Michel Bigarré, Founder & President, Aircraft Manufacturer Flight Training Association (AMFTA), and the EASA Aircrew and Medical team , will deliver an update from the OEM and regulators perspectives.

Two full sessions, the afternoon of 8th November and the morning of 9th November, will address the challenges of aviation training, led by representatives from Boeing, Brussels Airlines, Airbus, and easyJet.

Speakers from Emirates Airline, alongside independent aviation instructors and consultants will explore pilot mental health and the connection to training performance.

The popular joint training technology session will include the latest developments in virtual reality, game engines for flight simulation, taking a look at use cases, challenges and successes.

A combined session on Inclusion will close day 2 of the program, focussed on boosting gender equality, the compromise of achieving diversity and looking ahead at female leadership with Brussels Airlines.

The Cabin Crew Conference will kick off, following the joint sessions with the pilot conference, with presentations from John Franklin, EASA, Emily Hooker, Skypeople training and Adam Rowland and Claire Webster, Easyjet.

As typical, the cabin stream will feature a variety of panels and interactive group sessions. Topics will range from evidence-based training to embracing digital technologies, self defence and restraint training and evolving concepts in cabin crew training.

Speakers come from a wide swath of the global industry, including Brussels Airlines, Nova Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Aer Lingus, Inflight Institute, Ryanair DAC, L3 Harris, University of Helsinki and more.

Sold-Out Exhibition

The EATS exhibition space is a sell-out with the leading suppliers in the training industry demonstrating their latest products and services. With over 80+ exhibiting companies there will never be a better opportunity to do three month’s business in only two days.

ATOs at EATS

Returning for 2023, the ATO at EATS stream recognises the role Flight Academy ATOs have in providing future pilots in sufficient numbers and of a quality suitable to move on to commercial multi-engine jet operations.

The programme is designed for key staff from ATOs by providing relevant content in the pilot conference, a dedicated ATO breakout session stream running alongside the main conference and a discounted delegate rate, providing full access to EATS 2023.

The ATO stream will take place on 8th November with:

Thomas Leoff, Chair, International Association of Aviation Personnel Schools (IAAPS)
Nuno Nogueira, Deputy Head of Training, Bartolini Air
Captain Andy O’Shea, CEO, The Airline Pilot Club
Toni Vallès-Català, Head of Research, CESDA
Mark Soodeen, Director Innovation & Technology, CAE
Captain Salvador Costa Pereira, Chief Operating Officer & Head of Training, Sevenair Academy

NEW: Women in Aviation Training

This year we are hosting a new Women in Aviation Training breakout session, looking at practical ways we can support women in aviation training specifically.  Working in partnership with Women in Aviation International and the CAE Women’s Professional Network program, we welcome inspiring speakers Evey Cormican, VTR, Captain Diana Gomes da Silva, Easyjet, Tim Schoenauer, CAE and Kristina Tervo, WAI.  Everyone is welcome to join the session on Thursday 9th November.