ICAO, IATA formalize global training alliance

   The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced Thursday the establishment of a new global training alliance that will enhance air transport training and learning resources in the event of the anticipated global shortages of skilled air transport personnel. 
   Current forecasts show the aviation system doubling in capacity by 2030, with hundreds of thousands of new pilots, air traffic controllers and maintenance personnel being needed to support the coming expansion.
   “Training is an important priority for ICAO and indeed for our entire sector today,” Raymond Benjamin, ICAO’s secretary general, said in a statement. “In partnership with our close colleagues at IATA, ICAO will be able to better ensure it drives course development and training initiatives which are responsive to industry trends and expectations while still supporting the direct needs of our member states.”
   The new alliance will also include the launch of the I-TRAIN program, a joint ICAO/IATA diploma that focuses on multiple industry segments. In addition to its partnership with ICAO on the I-TRAIN initiative, the new alliance will also allow IATA increased access to the ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS network of internationally recognized aviation training centers.