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IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Aviation's future workforce: Adapting to technological transformation
Ben Stanley, CEO of Firstfruits; Gary Vermaak, Chief of Staff at the Advisory Advanced Air Mobility Institute; Musayeroh Barrie, Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA); Thabani Myeza, Director of Africa Affairs at the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO); Khangi Khoza, Executive Chair of the Board of Swissport South Africa; and Christian Schleifer, Austria's representative on the ICAO Council, at the ICAO Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit at the Durban ICC. Image: Supplied In an era of unprecedented technological advancements, aviation leaders convened at the International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit at the ICC in Durban this week, where a panel of experts explored the future of the workforce in the aviation industry. ICAO forecasts suggest that by 2037, over 665,000 aircraft maintenance technicians, 554,000 pilots, 922,000 cabin crew members, and 106,000 air traffic controllers will be needed. Christian Schleifer, Austria's representative on the ICAO Council, moderated a panel discussion titled 'The future of work in aviation - Adapting to the industry transformation'. Schleifer emphasised the necessity of adapting to industry changes to achieve ICAO's 2050 vision of CO2 neutrality and zero fatalities, while ensuring no country or potential is left behind. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He stated that there is an immediate need for the industry to leverage the computational power and performance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to augment, rather than replace, human capabilities or safety solutions. In aviation automation, he said the goal is to maximise efficiency by providing pilots with timely and accurate information, enabling them to make optimal decisions. 'The future of work in aviation will be more interdisciplinary, more collaborative, and more digitally driven than ever before, but it will also demand human skills, adaptability, curiosity, and the courage to challenge the status quo,' said Schleifer. Schleifer posed the question: What is the most critical shift — cultural, structural, or regulatory —that must occur to truly enable the workforce and workplace to adapt to the impending transformation? Gary Vermaak, chief of staff at Advisory Advanced Air Mobility Institute, said we are now approaching what is called aviation 3.0, which is the third and electric era of aviation. In 2020, Vermaak recounted how an Airbus A350, with two pilots aboard for safety, completed a full flight circuit from taxi to take-off, landing, and parking. He said this made people question whether there will still be pilots by 2050. Vermaak said perhaps Boeing and Wisk will have operator supervisors with pilots ensuring smooth operations and ready to intervene. However, he said there is a significant skills gap due to the electric and autonomous age, requiring attention for both current and future aviation professionals. Vermaak noted that current technicians and mechanics lack exposure to electronics, high-voltage electricity, autonomous flight, and basic vehicle operation systems. He stressed the importance of training technical staff for future maintenance of these systems. Future changes will affect all aspects, said Vermaak, including urban air traffic control, which faces challenges like limited space, bottlenecks, building-related hazards, and the integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and drones into shared airspace. 'We need completely new skills. We need to make bigger use of AI, supercomputers, and neural networks…We need to create a workforce that can adapt to that and also be able to lead the charge.' He said not only does the industry need to go to universities but also to schools from Grade 1 to get the next generation involved in aviation. Today's children, fascinated by technology, will drive the increasing integration of AI and supercomputers into the industry, he said. Khangi Khoza, executive chair of the board of Swissport South Africa, said the biggest shift expected is around predictive workforce strategies. Khoza believes that the industry will shift from a reactive to a proactive workforce strategy, largely driven by AI. It is important to remember that AI's effectiveness is directly dependent on the quality of the data it receives, she said. 'The industry challenge that we all have to address is on skills, what type of skills and the type of people we recruit into the industry to make the data and the type of skills we recruit for, much richer for the future,' said Khoza. She further stated that for global frameworks to be effective, they must be localised. 'In the local context, you also need the companies to breathe life into that. Now there are various ways you can do that, and we can look forward to an environment that's enabled by technology. For that, we're going to need a better-skilled workforce, and we're going to have to rely a lot more on data,' she said. Musayeroh Barrie, director general, Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), said in her experience, what has given them the best results is focusing on a cultural shift. Barrie said continuous learning and adaptability must be embraced. 'I believe if we foster a mindset of developing this environment where young people can experiment while at work, figure out learning patterns, and shift patterns that work for them, we will see enhanced delivery.' At the same time, she said the industry needs to ensure that regulatory and structural changes support that. She said AI should be introduced in safe spaces where information is shared. 'We need to look at preparing people, not just processes. I think we talk a lot about procedures and processes, but none of that would be successful without the people implementing them.' Barrie questioned how we could talk about creating a digital environment if we do not know the digital literacy levels of people in our communities. 'How do we prepare people for AI if we don't understand our local tech ecosystem? So data research is essential to how we get there,' she said. Thabani Myeza, director of Africa Affairs at the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), agreed that a corporate and industry cultural shift is critical. This shift allows outsiders to see us more clearly and helps us to recognise previously unseen aspects, he said. 'That culture will also require a change in the way we do our rigid roles, our manual processes, and we need to move that to a more future-focused way of thinking,' he said. Myeza emphasised that this reflects collaborative automation, where systems and people work together, rather than individually or operators working in isolation. He recalled that when he started consulting years ago, there were people, processes, and technology. 'Now, it's a continuous cycle and we are pushing the machines to do more than what they used to do, but at the same time, the machines are pushing us to do more than what we used to do.' Ben Stanley, CEO of Firstfruits, which helps organisations across different sectors change worldwide, said when speaking to people in the aviation industry, many talk about a 'new generation' coming and fear the unknown. Stanley highlighted authentic and empowering leadership as a crucial shift. This type of leadership, he explained, grants access to essential resources, fostering co-creation. 'We believe in the next generation. They're phenomenal and they experiment… They will be able to solve many of the problems we are looking at in aviation if we allow them to co-create.' He said the next generation is not given the opportunity because the industry is correctly fearful of increasing risk or decreasing standards in aviation. 'Therefore, we protect ways of working and we value, correctly, experience… We have a healthy unease in our industry of ensuring safety, ensuring security, ensuring that passengers have flown from A to B well,' he said. Stanley cautioned that a poorly executed approach could cause the industry to revert to a familiar identity and role, potentially hindering the progress of the next generation due to fear of the unknown. 'Embracing openness is so important. One of the big characteristics of Gen Z now is that, instead of duty, where you and I might do our duty and say we have to do a seven-and-a-half-hour working day, they embrace impact. They're looking for impact. So we can explore that a bit more,' he said.
Egypt Today
30-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Egypt seeks ICAO Council seat, backs African aviation integration
CAIRO – 30 May 2025: Egypt supports a stronger African voice in global aviation and seeks a seat on the ICAO Council, Civil Aviation Minister Sameh Hefny said during AFI Aviation Week 2025 in Zimbabwe. He emphasized Egypt's commitment to regional integration and sustainable development, highlighting efforts to boost the African Single Air Transport Market and open skies initiatives. Hefny held talks with African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) leaders to deepen cooperation and secure backing for Egypt's ICAO candidacy ahead of elections in September. AFCAC officials voiced support, citing Egypt's infrastructure and regulatory contributions to African aviation. A seat on the ICAO Council represents membership in the governing body of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which is responsible for setting standards and guidelines for international civil aviation. The ICAO Council is composed of 36 member states elected by the ICAO Assembly. These member states represent various regions and have a significant role in shaping aviation policies and practices worldwide.
Epoch Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Russia Officially Found Responsible for MH17, Wong Hails ‘Historic Moment'
It's been more than a decade since the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 was shot down with a Buk missile over Eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014—now findings by a top aviation authority have found Russia responsible. The passenger flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was carrying 298 passengers and crew, including 38 Australian nationals, when a surface-to-air missile exploded near the cockpit, severely damaging the plane and causing its rapid descent. Since 2018, it has been Australia's official position that Russia was responsible for the destruction of the flight. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council in Montreal has now announced Russia is responsible under international law for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has now urged Russia to take responsibility for the missile that brought the plane down. 'This is a historic moment in the pursuit of truth, justice and accountability for the victims of the downing of Flight MH17, and their families and loved ones,' Wong said in a statement. Related Stories 7/17/2024 6/23/2023 Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong during Senate Estimates at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 27, 2025. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas 'The ICAO Council found that Russia breached the prohibition under international law on the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight and is responsible for the loss of 298 innocent lives, including 38 who called Australia home. 'In reaching its decision, the ICAO Council has upheld the fundamental principle that weapons should not be used against civil aircraft.' In 2022, Australia and the Netherlands brought a case before the ICAO regarding Russia's involvement in the downed flight. 'The Australian government welcomes the ICAO Council's decision and urges it to move swiftly to determine remedies for this violation,' Wong said. 'We call upon Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for this horrific act of violence and make reparations for its egregious conduct, as required under international law. 'Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives as a result of Russia's actions, their families and loved ones. While we cannot take away the grief of those left behind, we will continue to stand with them in that grief and pursue justice for this horrific act.' Despite the finding, ICAO does not hold enforcement power. In 2016, the Dutch Safety Board determined the missile that downed the plane was shot from pro-Russian separatist-controlled territory in Ukraine, with the Buk missile originating from Russia. The Russian government has so far denied responsibility. At the time of the incident, the region was engulfed in an armed conflict between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists. In 2014, pro-European Union protests led to the ousting of Russian-backed President Viktor Yanukovych, before Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula. Pro-Russian separatists had also declared independence in parts of eastern Ukraine, leading to war with the government of Ukraine.
The Hindu
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Russia responsible for downing MH17 over Ukraine in 2014 finds Council of International Civil Aviation Organisation
The Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO Council) on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) found Russia responsible for shooting down Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine with the loss of 298 lives more than a decade ago, in a ruling that raises the prospect of victims' families being paid compensation. A Dutch-led international investigation concluded in 2016 that the Amsterdam-to-Kuala Lumpur airliner was shot down on July 17, 2014 from Ukrainian territory held by separatist rebels using a Buk missile system delivered from Russia. Moscow denies any involvement in the MH17 tragedy. The Netherlands and Australian governments brought the case against Moscow before the Montreal-based global aviation agency in 2022, and on Tuesday (May 13) welcomed the verdict. The International Court of Justice wasn't an option, because Russia doesn't recognise The Hague, Netherlands-based court's jurisdiction. Council finds that Russia violated the Chicago Convention The Council found that Russia had violated the Convention on International Civil Aviation, known as the Chicago Convention, which requires that states 'refrain from resorting to the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight.' It's the first time that the Council, which represents 193 member states, has decided a dispute between Governments. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said that the Council would consider the question of reparations within weeks. 'In that context, the Netherlands and Australia are requesting that the ICAO Council order the Russian Federation to enter into negotiations with the Netherlands and Australia, and that the Council facilitate this process,' Mr. Veldkamp said in a statement. 'The latter is important in order to ensure that the negotiations are conducted in good faith and according to specific timelines, and that they will yield actual results,' he added. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged the Council to move swiftly to 'determine remedies.... We call on Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for its horrific act of violence and make reparations for its egregious conduct, as required under international law,' Ms. Wong said in a statement. The Russian Embassy in Australia didn't immediately repond to a request for comment on Tuesday (May 13). Australian National University international law expert Don Rothwell said that the council had yet to publish the reasons for its decisions. 'One of the consequences for this process will be that the council will probably make some recommendations that Russia pay what are called reparations, which is an international term for damages, as a result of its violation of international law,' Mr. Rothwell said. 'So we have to wait and see exactly what the council finds on that particular point,' Mr. Rothwell added.
Boston Globe
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Russia is responsible for downing MH17 over Ukraine in 2014, global aviation agency's council finds
The International Court of Justice wasn't an option, because Russia doesn't recognize The Hague, Netherlands-based court's jurisdiction. Advertisement Council finds that Russia violated the Chicago Convention The council found that Russia had violated the Convention on International Civil Aviation, known as the Chicago Convention, which requires that states 'refrain from resorting to the use of weapons against civil aircraft in flight.' It's the first time that the council, which represents 193 member states, has decided a dispute between governments. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said that the council would consider the question of reparations within weeks. 'In that context, the Netherlands and Australia are requesting that the ICAO Council order the Russian Federation to enter into negotiations with the Netherlands and Australia, and that the Council facilitate this process,' Veldkamp said in a statement. 'The latter is important in order to ensure that the negotiations are conducted in good faith and according to specific timelines, and that they will yield actual results,' he added. Advertisement Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged the council to move swiftly to 'determine remedies.' 'We call on Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for its horrific act of violence and make reparations for its egregious conduct, as required under international law,' Wong said in a statement. Russian Embassy doesn't respond The Russian Embassy in Australia didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. Australian National University international law expert Don Rothwell said that the council had yet to publish the reasons for its decisions. 'One of the consequences for this process will be that the council will probably make some recommendations that Russia pay what are called reparations, which is an international term for damages, as a result of its violation of international law,' Rothwell said. 'So we have to wait and see exactly what the council finds on that particular point,' Rothwell added.
