Airways International will highlight a connected approach to ATC selection, training and simulation at Airspace World 2026, as air traffic growth, increasing complexity, and ongoing workforce constraints are reshaping how ANSPs think about training.
This is the central theme of Airways International’s presence at Airspace World in Lisbon, with insights to be shared on the Airways stand H1-A40 and by key speakers General Manager Commercial James Evans and Head of ATS Training Kelly de Lambert on the Airspace World stage.
The team will showcase how a more connected, data-led approach to ATC selection, training and simulation can improve outcomes for trainees, and support ANSPs responding to industry pressures around traffic growth and complexity and strain on training pipelines from workforce constraints.
“Our approach is built on more than 30 years of operational training experience,” Mr Evans says. “What we’ve learnt is that better training outcomes come when selection, training and operational development are connected, and supported by clear data throughout the lifecycle.”
A key focus is improving the quality of candidate selection. Data driven tools, such as Airways International’s SureSelect platform, are designed to identify candidates with the cognitive abilities and behavioural traits associated with ATC performance earlier in the process, supporting stronger intakes into training.
The organisation will also highlight its competency based training programmes, where progression is based on demonstrated performance against defined standards. This approach supports greater consistency in assessment and clearer expectations for both trainees and instructors.
Advances in simulation will also be a focus, particularly around the flexibility and portability of the TotalControl simulation platform. Airways International’s Sim-in-a-Suitcase offering enables training to be delivered closer to the operational environment, increasing training frequency while reducing roster disruption and travel.
In parallel, Airways International will demonstrate how training data can be brought together into a single view of performance through its new OnTrac system. This connected digital platform provides greater visibility of trainee progress and supports earlier identification of risks, helping to improve overall training consistency.
At Airspace World, these themes will underpin Airways International’s discussions with ANSPs, with a focus on how a connected approach to training can support scalability and operational resilience.
