by Renz Bulseco – Chair IFATCA Training Task Force
and Benjamin Fichtner – IFATCA EVP Europe

During the panel discussion at the IFATCA Annual Conference in Bucharest, Romania (April 2026) titled: Flight plan for the future: the new ATC Value Chain: Attract, Recruit, Train and Retain. We could not answer all the questions from the floor. Therefore, we asked the speakers to answer in writing. We invite you to read the extensive answers from our speakers and thank them for taking the time to provide answers! Four out of five panel speakers provided answers and not everyone answered all questions.

The following document is also of interest to people who could not attend the discussion during conference as it addresses and answers fundamental questions regarding attraction, recruitment, training and retention of air traffic controllers.

View the entire document online following this link.

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^{©2026 The International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ Associations (IFATCA). IFATCA is the recognized global body representing air traffic controller associations. Founded more than 60 years ago, IFATCA now represents professionals in over 130 countries, advocating for safety, efficiency, and the welfare of air traffic controllers worldwide.}