As AI rapidly moves from experimentation to operational value across civil aviation, training organizations are under increasing pressure to understand what these tools can and cannot offer.
To bridge this gap, WATS 2026 will host a new AI in Aviation training workshop on Monday 4 May, offering practical, expert-led sessions designed specifically for airline and ATO professionals.
This hands-on workshop, held from 11:00 to 15:00, goes far beyond high-level presentations and general promotion.
For $50 on top of WATS registration (or $195 for a standalone workshop ticket), you receive a structured roadmap to safely and effectively integrate AI across pilot, flight attendant, maintenance, and operational training environments.
Who is this workshop for?
This session is aimed at aviation leaders who need an evidence-based, operationally realistic understanding of AI implementations such as:
- Airline and ATO Training Manager/Head of Training
- Safety and quality managers involved in CBTA and SMS
- Maintenance and Flight Attendant Training Lead
- Operations and IT decision makers considering AI tools
As AI adoption accelerates across major carriers and training organizations, this workshop is designed to meet the needs of decision makers who need to assess opportunities, manage risk, and build reliable and compliant programs.
What participants will learn
The agenda focuses on practical applications and provides tools that participants can immediately use within their organizations. Participants will receive:
- A clear map of proven AI use cases for pilot, flight attendant, and maintenance training
- Latest guidance on compliance and safe use of AI tools
- Rapidly calculated ROI models to support business case development
- Real case studies from leading airlines, flight schools, and maintenance teams
- AI starter blueprint that outlines a step-by-step foundation for successful implementation
The emphasis throughout is on clarity, operational relevance, and support for existing training frameworks, rather than replacing expert judgment.
Workshop format: Designed for engagement and practicality
This workshop has been a huge hit at APATS and EATS events and uses an interactive format that combines:
- live demonstration
- facilitated discussion
- Polls and group exercises
- Practical tools to simplify complex concepts
- Exclusive Q&A with industry experts
Over three hours, participants will learn the building blocks of AI adoption in training, from opportunity mapping to risk management to early-stage implementation.
Industry-leading facilitator
Two prominent industry contributors will guide the sessions.
Brock Booher
Co-founder and Vice President of Business Development, Hilo Aviation
Cedric Paillard
Airline Pilot Club COO
Both bring extensive experience in aviation training innovation, digital transformation, and instructor-centric technology implementation.
How to participate
- Add a workshop to your WATS 2026 registration for just $50
- Or you can attend the workshop for only $195
More information and booking options are available on the WATS website.
Register for a workshop
Why this session matters
AI is moving from a ‘future theme’ to a strategic necessity as airlines, ATOs and training departments face increasing pressure to modernize systems and improve training efficiency. But implementation requires clarity, governance and realistic expectations.
This workshop provides one of the first opportunities in 2026 for the global training community to collaborate on practical AI strategies based on real-world operational experience.
