The ATM Policy Institute publishes paper on the market for training ATCOs

The ATM Policy Institute, an independent think-tank focusing on the liberalisation of air traffic management (ATM), has today released a new paper looking at the benefits of outsourcing some aspects of an air traffic control officers (ATCOs) training. The paper also discusses why some Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) are currently unable to access the ATCO training market, and suggests potential ways to address these issues.

The paper – The importance of the market for ATCO training – notes that there is already a market for training ATCOs and some outsourcing has occurred. However, a lack of standardisation in recruitment and training of ATCOs, an unwillingness to recognise certification awarded by other States, and inherent resistance to the notion of outsourcing training means that many ANSPs that could benefit from accessing this market are not able to do so.

Chairman of the ATM Policy Institute, David McMillan, notes, “ANSPs and their customers can benefit from accessing the market for ATCO training. Many training organisations could deliver training at a lower cost than ANSPs themselves, particularly smaller ANSPs. Furthermore, use of specialist training providers could improve the quality and effectiveness of training and result in ATCOs with a broader skill-set that is of value to an ANSP. External training providers could also reduce ANSPs’ exposure to risks as they may be able to accommodate unexpected changes in demand – for example, as a result of usual traffic growth – more easily than a smaller in-house training department, and may allow a move to greater self-funding by ATCO students.”

The paper also notes that the development of the ATCO training market is tied up with the wider liberalisation of the ATM industry. Greater competition between ANSPs, resulting from liberalisation, may lead to growth in the ATCO training industry as ANSPs seek to may efficiency savings. At the same time, the ability of ANSPs to enter a new market may be dependent on them being able to access the services of training providers.

The paper follows on from a discussion at the ATM Policy Institute’s workshop in late 2017. Representatives from ANSPs, training providers, governments and consultancies discussed the extent to which ATCO training is outsourced, and why some ANSPs choose not to use external training providers. If you wish to view or download this paper, please visit The ATM Policy Institute website: http://www.atmpolicy.aero/publications/