Conference MEX – event page body (new hotel)

PRE-CONFERENCE WEBINAR

Back to the future for Aviation English training

Current best practices and emerging technologies

Looking ahead to the Conference in October 2025 in Mexico City, we are pleased to invite you to join us online for an open conversation with some of this year’s key speakers.

This webinar will include:

1. An introduction to the conference theme and program
2. A discussion panel with conference speakers:
   1. Training methodologies and delivery formats
   2. The role of AI and other technology in Aviation English
3. Q&A with the discussion panel with questions from the moderators and participants

Panelists

Barbara Biro
Organisation: Engflywbarbara & Lenguax
Country: Italy
Conference Topic: Bridging the Gap: Preparing Ground Personnel for English Proficiency Under New EASA Regulations

Daniel Diaz
Organisation: Colegio de Controladores de Transito Aéreo de México (COCTAM)
Country: Mexico
Conference Topic: ElevATC: A Community-Based Initiative to Strengthen Aviation English for Mexican ATCOs

Andrew Schneider
Organization: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Country: USA
Conference Topic: Pilot-Controller Communication AI Analysis Tool: The Speech and Language AI Editor (SaLED)

Edy Roy Gamarra Sequeiros
Company/Organization: DGAC-Lima
Country: Perú
Conference Topic: Enhancing Aviation English Proficiency: The Role of Motivation and Continuous Training in Aviation Safety

Back to the future for Aviation English training

Current best practices and emerging technologies

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.

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 Call for Presenters closed on 28 February 2025. Thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal to make a Presentation or deliver a Workshop.

The conference programme is subject to final changes.

Conference Venue & Recommended Hotel

Special Room Rates

Single Room: USD 123
Double Room: USD 139

The hotel uses a fixed currency exchange rate, 18.10 MXN : 1 USD

Room rates include buffet breakfast and local taxes.
Special rates are available from 7 days before until 7 days after the conference.
Cancellations can be made without charge up to 48 hours before check-in.
The first night will be charged for cancellations within 48 hours of check-in.

Attendees will receive information how to reserve a room at Hotel Geneve immediately after registering and paying for the conference.

Visa Requirements

For information about visa requirements, check:

Mexico Ministry of Foreign Affairs website

Airport Transfers

Mexico City Benito Juárez International Airport (IATA: MEX) is approximately 7km from the conference venue/hotel.

You can take an official airport taxi from Mexico City Airport. These are recognisable by their red and gold or pink and white markings and are readily available outside both Terminals 1 and 2. It is advisable to avoid unlicensed taxis. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 30-50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Social Events

COCTAM, our hosts, will generously organise:

• Day 2: Group visit to the National Museum of Anthropology
• Day 3: Tour of Mexico City International Airport’s ATC facilities (note: limited places, available to reserve after registration)

Individual Registration Fees

Earlybird Rate – until 31 July 2025

Standard Fees – from 1 August 2025

Group Registration Fees