Back to the future for Aviation English training
| WHEN: | Mon 6 – Wed 8 October, 2025 |
| VENUE: | Holiday Inn Dali Airport, Mexico City |
| HOST: | Colegio de Controladores de Transito Aéreo de México (COCTAM) |
ICAEA’s next conference will be hosted by Colegio de Controladores de Transito Aéreo de México (COCTAM).
In this conference we will review concepts and training methodologies that are accepted as effective in the provision of training for aviation personnel, taking account of established best practices and the incorporation of technological developments that affect training. Aviation language training needs to provide flexibility, catering personnel availability and geographical location. We will consider how established training material and learning platforms address these needs and what developments are emerging in an era where the demands for learning and training are constantly evolving.
We will investigate how blended, as well as asynchronous and synchronous learning can support training objectives and work schedules of organisations that take into account the demands and flexible needs of personnel. We will also reflect on how attitudes to training have changed in response to LPR testing practices and consider strategies that can enhance training outcomes.
The event will also explore the role of emerging technologies and tools that can assist in the development of materials and delivery of training, including the use of AI tools, software and online delivery platforms. We will consider the advantages and disadvantages of technology (including AI) in the development of content and tasks and how AI may support and hinder learning, in the provision of content and instruction. This will include how language training curriculum developers, operational experts and instructional designers need to work together when making use of AI tools to ensure the content, tasks and learning experience and outcomes are effective.
Who should attend?
- Aviation English instructors
- Curriculum developers
- Instructional designers
- Test developers
- Airline and ANSP training managers
- Pilots, Cabin crew, Engineers, Ground staff involved in the provision of training
This conference will bring together stakeholders from airlines, ANSPs, CAAs, training providers, researchers and educational institutions to share and exchange ideas from operations, research, training and assessment. We will focus on the practical application of knowledge and experience, enabling participants to reflect and apply ideas to their own context, addressing the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s aviation English and communications learning and testing environment.
| hosted by |
 |
Invitation
Submissions are invited for either:
1. Workshop (90 minutes)
Workshops will be based on practical experience or research developments related to one of the conference topics (see Topics & Questions). Workshops will encourage participants to engage in interactive tasks that relate to practical applications in training and assessment.
Presenters will have 10 minutes to deliver a short introductory presentation prior to their workshop.
2. Presentation (30 minutes) + Q&A panel (10 minutes)
Presenters are encouraged to share research or experience related to a current or future practice, idea and/or theory related to one or more of the conference topics (see Topics & Questions). Presentations will be delivered in the main auditorium.
Presenters will be invited to join Q&A panels at the end of sessions.
Important Dates
| Proposal submission deadline: | 28 February 2025 |
| Speaker acceptance notifications: | 14 March 2025 |
| Finalisation of provisional programme: | 4 April 2025 |
| Release of provisional programme: | 15 April 2025 |
Guidance, Requirements and Submission Form
For more information including submission guidance, requirements and the application form to submit a proposal.
MORE INFO
Topics
The conference will include presentations and practical, hands-on workshop sessions that will cover a range of topics including:
1) Training methodology
- Training for developing communicative competence and language proficiency
- Maintaining established good practice for specific purpose language in aviation
- Enhancing course curriculum and content to best reflect discrete skills for real-world communication needs
- Teacher training – the role of content knowledge and effective teaching skills
- Exploring optimal scheduling of training for aviation personnel
- Materials development and adaptation in the classroom and online learning for aviation English lessons
- Washback and the effect of LPR testing practices on training and learner motivation
- Language attrition (loss) and the role of practice and training in maintaining proficiency
- Collaboration between language and subject matter experts in the development of curricula
2) Technology-mediated language learning and assessment
- Technology and its evolution in aviation language course delivery
- The changing role of the instructor in both onsite and online training delivery
- Synchronous, asynchronous, blended, virtual, and face-to-face learning formats: the trade-offs of different formats, and how different contexts can influence course engagement, learner-attitudes and learning outcomes
- The use of AI tools in developing training materials – from raw content through to online activities
- The role of operational (SME) and language (ELE) experts in checking and vetting AI-generated learning content
- The future role and use of AI in aviation language training
- The social nature of language learning and the impact of technology on traditional training practices and values
- The impact of AI and online platforms in the development and delivery of LPR assessments
Questions
The conference will cover these topics by addressing the following questions:
1) Established best practices
- Considering instructors, learners and organisations, what elements of established best practice lead to successful aviation English lessons?
- How can instructors and organisations contribute to the promotion and enhancement of effective training programmes for learners?
- What factors can affect language attrition (loss) among operational personnel and how best can this be addressed?
- What are the considerations when designing and delivering training to address the requirements of assessment under the ICAO LPRs?
- What are the emerging trends with respect to how LPR testing practices have influenced language training?
- How can training best address the real-world operational needs of language and communication for aviation personnel?
2) The evolution of technology – current and emerging
- What features of traditional language training can and should be transposed into technology-mediated learning?
- How can training materials and methods developed for face-to-face classes be redeveloped and adapted for virtual training contexts?
- What are the emerging trends in technology that have impacted on language training lessons for aviation personnel?
- How can teacher training for aviation personnel adapt to technological and logistical changes which will enhance the experience for learners?
- What models of blended learning are the most effective for learners in the aviation domain?
- How can asynchronous and synchronous language training delivery be implemented for effective aviation language training?
- In what ways can assessment and testing practices be adapted for online delivery?
- What are the emerging trends in AI tools used to create and enhance language lessons for aviation personnel?
- What role can AI-mediated translation tools play in language training and developing language proficiency and communication skills?
- How might AI shape aviation language curricula, materials development and course delivery in the coming years?
- How should curriculum developers and instructors work together with operational experts (SMEs) in the development and delivery of training materials which incorporate AI tools?
- What factors do we need to consider when introducing AI to enhance language training and the development of communicative competence of aviation personnel?
Programme
The conference will be 6-8 October 2025, finishing at midday on Wed 8 October.
A provisional programme is planned for release in mid April 2025.
Conference Venue & Recommended Hotel
| Name: | Holiday Inn Dali Airport, Mexico City |
| Address: | Viaducto Rio de la Piedad 260 Ciudad de Mexico Ciudad de México 15850 Mexico |
| Website: | Holiday Inn Dali Airport |
| Location: | Google Maps |
Special Room Rates
Information coming soon
Meals
Information coming soon
Visa Requirements
For information about visa requirements, check:
Airport Transfers
Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (IATA: MEX) is approximately 7km from the conference venue/hotel.
The Holiday Inn provides shuttle service to/from Terminal 2 for hotel guests.
For more information: reservas@himexdalaieropuerto.mx
Social Events
Information coming soon
Individual Registration Fees
Earlybird Rate – until 30 June 2025
| ICAEA Members | US $300 |
| Non-Members | US $400 |
Standard Fees – from 1 July 2025
| ICAEA Members | US $400 |
| Non-Members | US $500 |
ICAEA MembershipMembers receive US $100 discount on the registration fee. Other membership benefits include:
|
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Group Registration Fees
Back to the future for Aviation English training
Current best practices and emerging technologies
| WHEN: | Mon 6 – Wed 8 October, 2025 |
| VENUE: | Holiday Inn Dali Airport Mexico City |
| HOST: | Colegio de Controladores de Transito Aéreo de México (COCTAM) |
ICAEA’s next conference will be hosted by Colegio de Controladores de Transito Aéreo de México (COCTAM).
In this conference we will review concepts and training methodologies that are accepted as effective in the provision of training for aviation personnel, taking account of established best practices and the incorporation of technological developments that affect training. Aviation language training needs to provide flexibility, catering personnel availability and geographical location. We will consider how established training material and learning platforms address these needs and what developments are emerging in an era where the demands for learning and training are constantly evolving.
We will investigate how blended, as well as asynchronous and synchronous learning can support training objectives and work schedules of organisations that take into account the demands and flexible needs of personnel. We will also reflect on how attitudes to training have changed in response to LPR testing practices and consider strategies that can enhance training outcomes.
The event will also explore the role of emerging technologies and tools that can assist in the development of materials and delivery of training, including the use of AI tools, software and online delivery platforms. We will consider the advantages and disadvantages of technology (including AI) in the development of content and tasks and how AI may support and hinder learning, in the provision of content and instruction. This will include how language training curriculum developers, operational experts and instructional designers need to work together when making use of AI tools to ensure the content, tasks and learning experience and outcomes are effective.
Who should attend?
- Aviation English instructors
- Curriculum developers
- Instructional designers
- Test developers
- Airline and ANSP training managers
- Pilots, Cabin crew, Engineers, Ground staff involved in the provision of training
This conference will bring together stakeholders from airlines, ANSPs, CAAs, training providers, researchers and educational institutions to share and exchange ideas from operations, research, training and assessment. We will focus on the practical application of knowledge and experience, enabling participants to reflect and apply ideas to their own context, addressing the challenges of today’s and tomorrow’s aviation English and communications learning and testing environment.
| hosted by |
 |
Invitation
Submissions are invited for either:
1. Workshop (90 minutes)
Workshops will be based on practical experience or research developments related to one of the conference topics (see Topics & Questions). Workshops will encourage participants to engage in interactive tasks that relate to practical applications in training and assessment.
Presenters will have 10 minutes to deliver a short introductory presentation prior to their workshop.
2. Presentation (30 minutes) + Q&A panel (10 minutes)
Presenters are encouraged to share research or experience related to a current or future practice, idea and/or theory related to one or more of the conference topics (see Topics & Questions). Presentations will be delivered in the main auditorium.
Presenters will be invited to join Q&A panels at the end of sessions.
Important Dates
Proposal submission deadline:
28 February 2025
Speaker acceptance notifications:
14 March 2025
Finalisation of provisional programme:
4 April 2025
Release of provisional programme:
15 April 2025
Guidance, Requirements and Submission Form
For more information including submission guidance, requirements and the application form to submit a proposal.
MORE INFO
Topics
The conference will include presentations and practical, hands-on workshop sessions that will cover a range of topics including:
1) Training methodology
- Training for developing communicative competence and language proficiency
- Maintaining established good practice for specific purpose language in aviation
- Enhancing course curriculum and content to best reflect discrete skills for real-world communication needs
- Teacher training – the role of content knowledge and effective teaching skills
- Exploring optimal scheduling of training for aviation personnel
- Materials development and adaptation in the classroom and online learning for aviation English lessons
- Washback and the effect of LPR testing practices on training and learner motivation
- Language attrition (loss) and the role of practice and training in maintaining proficiency
- Collaboration between language and subject matter experts in the development of curricula
2) Technology-mediated language learning and assessment
- Technology and its evolution in aviation language course delivery
- The changing role of the instructor in both onsite and online training delivery
- Synchronous, asynchronous, blended, virtual, and face-to-face learning formats: the trade-offs of different formats, and how different contexts can influence course engagement, learner-attitudes and learning outcomes
- The use of AI tools in developing training materials – from raw content through to online activities
- The role of operational (SME) and language (ELE) experts in checking and vetting AI-generated learning content
- The future role and use of AI in aviation language training
- The social nature of language learning and the impact of technology on traditional training practices and values
- The impact of AI and online platforms in the development and delivery of LPR assessments
Questions
The conference will cover these topics by addressing the following questions:
1) Established best practices
- Considering instructors, learners and organisations, what elements of established best practice lead to successful aviation English lessons?
- How can instructors and organisations contribute to the promotion and enhancement of effective training programmes for learners?
- What factors can affect language attrition (loss) among operational personnel and how best can this be addressed?
- What are the considerations when designing and delivering training to address the requirements of assessment under the ICAO LPRs?
- What are the emerging trends with respect to how LPR testing practices have influenced language training?
- How can training best address the real-world operational needs of language and communication for aviation personnel?
2) The evolution of technology – current and emerging
- What features of traditional language training can and should be transposed into technology-mediated learning?
- How can training materials and methods developed for face-to-face classes be redeveloped and adapted for virtual training contexts?
- What are the emerging trends in technology that have impacted on language training lessons for aviation personnel?
- How can teacher training for aviation personnel adapt to technological and logistical changes which will enhance the experience for learners?
- What models of blended learning are the most effective for learners in the aviation domain?
- How can asynchronous and synchronous language training delivery be implemented for effective aviation language training?
- In what ways can assessment and testing practices be adapted for online delivery?
- What are the emerging trends in AI tools used to create and enhance language lessons for aviation personnel?
- What role can AI-mediated translation tools play in language training and developing language proficiency and communication skills?
- How might AI shape aviation language curricula, materials development and course delivery in the coming years?
- How should curriculum developers and instructors work together with operational experts (SMEs) in the development and delivery of training materials which incorporate AI tools?
- What factors do we need to consider when introducing AI to enhance language training and the development of communicative competence of aviation personnel?
Programme
The conference will be 6-8 October 2025, finishing at midday on Wed 8 October.
A provisional programme is planned for release in mid April 2025.
Conference Venue & Recommended Hotel
| Name: | Holiday Inn Dali Airport, Mexico City |
| Address: | Viaducto Rio de la Piedad 260 Ciudad de Mexico Ciudad de México 15850 Mexico |
| Website: | Holiday Inn Dali Airport |
| Location: | Google Maps |
Special Room Rates
Information coming soon
Meals
Information coming soon
Visa Requirements
For information about visa requirements, check:
Airport Transfers
Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (IATA: MEX) is approximately 7km from the conference venue/hotel.
The Holiday Inn provides shuttle service to/from Terminal 2 for hotel guests.
For more information: reservas@himexdalaieropuerto.mx
Social Events
Information coming soon
Individual Registration Fees
Earlybird Rate – until 30 June 2025
| ICAEA Members | US $300 |
| Non-Members | US $400 |
Standard Fees – from 1 July 2025
| ICAEA Members | US $400 |
| Non-Members | US $500 |
ICAEA Membership
Members receive US $100 discount on the registration fee.
ICAEA Membership is US $50 / year.
Membership benefits are available immediately after joining.
Other membership benefits include:
- priority registration for webinars
- access to webinar video recordings and presentations
- access to conference proceedings and presentations
