IATA Honors AI Training Breakthroughs at Cargo Symposium

Pika Aero was recognized for its immersive CBTA-based dangerous goods training platform, which uses artificial intelligence to create adaptive, real-world learning scenarios.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has awarded Pika Aero and DGM France the 2026 IATA Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) Center Best Innovation Award, recognizing their pioneering use of artificial intelligence to enhance aviation safety training.

The awards were presented at the 4th IATA CBTA Center Conference, held alongside the 2026 IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS), highlighting technological innovations aimed at improving workforce training across the air cargo and aviation sectors.

AI Transforming Dangerous Goods Training

Pika Aero was recognized for its immersive CBTA-based dangerous goods training platform, which uses artificial intelligence to create adaptive, real-world learning scenarios.

The system delivers short, targeted lessons combined with dynamic operational simulations that evolve in real time according to each learner’s performance.

This approach allows trainees to experience realistic operational situations while progressively building competence in handling hazardous cargo safely.

Personalized Training with AI

DGM France received the award for its AI-powered personalized training system, which adapts learning modules based on a trainee’s existing knowledge and professional experience.

The platform evaluates learning progress through post-training validation tools, offering structured feedback that highlights skill development and identifies remaining knowledge gaps.

By tailoring training to individual needs, the system aims to ensure that aviation personnel achieve the required competency levels while improving training efficiency.

Raising Safety and Compliance Standards

IATA officials said artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in strengthening safety training across the aviation industry.

“As Pika Aero and DGM France have demonstrated, AI has become a vital enabler in providing realistic training environments that strengthen safety and enhance compliance,” said Frederic Leger, IATA Senior Vice President for Products and Services.

He added that the association hopes more organizations will adopt innovative training methods to raise industry standards and improve operational safety.

Industry Recognition for Innovation

Pika Aero’s leadership described the recognition as a significant milestone for the company.

“Even as a newly accredited CBTA Center, we are truly honored to receive the IATA CBTA Center Best Innovation Award,” said Baptiste Sesmat, Director General of Pika Aero.

He noted that the company’s goal is to deliver high-quality, immersive training experiences that respond to the operational needs of aviation professionals.

DGM France President Vytautas Volskis emphasized the importance of designing training systems that can continuously measure and refine competency.

“Competence must be designed, measured, and continuously refined,” Volskis said. “Our AI-supported CBTA model introduces structured personalization within a regulated governance framework, ensuring that safety performance is not assumed but demonstrated.”

Encouraging Innovation in Aviation Training

The IATA CBTA Center Best Innovation Awards, launched in 2023, aim to promote the development of advanced training solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability in aviation.

Entries for the 2026 award were evaluated by an independent jury of aviation experts, IATA representatives, and external validators.

Projects were assessed based on:

• Level of innovation

• Potential industry impact

• Sustainability considerations

• Ease of use and implementation

• Evidence-based effectiveness

Industry leaders say AI-driven training tools like those recognized this year could play a key role in preparing aviation professionals for increasingly complex safety and regulatory environments.