The ICAO EUR/NAT Regional Workshop on Aviation Training and Workforce Planning brought together representatives of international organizations, government bodies, the aviation industry, and training centers from Germany, Denmark, Latvia, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic, Sweden, South Korea, and other countries.

The seminar was opened by Nicolas Rallo, Regional Director of the ICAO EUR/NAT Office, who noted that one of the main objectives of the event is to foster professional connections among industry leaders, educators, and future specialists:

“In my conversations with governments, civil aviation authorities, industry, and academia, including here in Central Asia, I’ve heard powerful perspectives. These exchanges have reinforced my conviction that we must tackle aviation workforce challenges together, through collaboration and shared commitment.”

In his welcoming remarks, Vice Minister of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan Talgat Lastayev emphasized that the development of the aviation education system and the training of qualified specialists are key factors for the sustainable growth of the industry:

“Today, it is especially important to ensure a close connection between educational programs and the needs of the labor market so that the new generation of professionals is prepared to meet the challenges of modern aviation and implement innovative solutions aimed at enhancing flight safety and efficiency.”

Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Committee of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Saltanat Tompiyevа, in her report, presented data on the industry’s growth over the first nine months of this year. Compared to the same period last year, passenger transportation increased by 7.2%, the aircraft fleet grew by almost 15% over the past three years, and it is planned to expand by another 45% by 2030.

“Given the rapid growth of the industry, the demand for skilled personnel is increasing, and in this regard, we attach great importance to ICAO initiatives, including NGAP. Special attention is paid to career guidance and the promotion of aviation professions among young people,” emphasized S. Tompiyeva.

Throughout the two-day seminar, participants will discuss best practices in collecting, analyzing, and sharing data on aviation workforce needs, as well as review successful initiatives for attracting and retaining the next generation of aviation professionals. Panel sessions dedicated to aviation workforce development will explore how educational institutions can adapt training programs to practical requirements and build the most in-demand competencies.

Among the speakers are Paula V. de Almeida, JAA TO Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Ms. Milena Bowman, Executive Manager Airspace, Systems and Procedures, Eurocontrol; Mr. Dirch Jans, CEO, GATE Aviation Training; Mr. Nicolas Cazalis, Directeur Général Adjoint, Vice President, ENAC; among others.

Key seminar topics also include the development of systems for forecasting industry workforce needs and reducing the gap between education and real-world demands of the aviation sector; supporting aviation professionals amid rapid technological change and fostering adaptability skills; promoting gender equality and engaging youth through mentorship, exchange, and scholarship programs; and strengthening partnerships across the aviation ecosystem to create sustainable, future-oriented solutions in training.

The outcomes of the seminar will help shape regional and national strategies for aviation workforce development aligned with ICAO’s global “Next Generation of Aviation Professionals” (NGAP) initiative.