IATA recognizes Pika Aero and DGM France with 2026 CBTA Center Best Innovation Award for AI powered aviation training solutions

(IN SHORT) The International Air Transport Association has awarded the 2026 CBTA Center Best Innovation Award to Pika Aero and DGM France for their use of artificial intelligence in aviation training solutions. The awards were presented at the fourth IATA CBTA Center Conference held alongside the 2026 IATA World Cargo Symposium. Pika Aero was recognized for its immersive dangerous goods training technology that adapts learning scenarios in real time using AI, while DGM France received recognition for an AI-powered platform that personalizes training based on each learner’s knowledge and experience. The awards highlight the growing role of artificial intelligence in improving training standards, operational safety, and regulatory compliance across the aviation industry. Established in 2023, the IATA CBTA Center Best Innovation Awards aim to encourage innovative training approaches that support efficiency, safety, and sustainability in aviation operations.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIMA, 2026-Mar-9 — /Travel PR News/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has named Pika Aero and DGM France as the recipients of the 2026 IATA Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) Center Best Innovation Award. The recognition highlights both companies’ use of artificial intelligence to create advanced training solutions for the aviation industry.

The awards were presented during the fourth IATA CBTA Center Conference, held in conjunction with the 2026 IATA World Cargo Symposium. The event recognized innovative initiatives that enhance training practices and help strengthen operational safety and compliance in aviation.

Pika Aero received the award for its immersive dangerous goods training technology built on the CBTA framework. The system uses artificial intelligence to deliver short, focused learning modules combined with realistic operational scenarios that adapt dynamically based on each learner’s performance. This interactive approach allows trainees to experience real-world decision-making situations while progressing through the training program.

DGM France was also recognized for developing an AI-driven training platform that customizes learning paths based on each participant’s knowledge and professional background. The solution evaluates learners after training sessions, highlighting their progress and providing structured feedback to identify areas where further training may be required.

Frederic Leger, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Products and Services, noted that the growing use of artificial intelligence is transforming training environments across the aviation sector. According to Leger, technologies such as those developed by Pika Aero and DGM France help create realistic learning scenarios that strengthen safety practices and improve compliance with regulatory standards.

Baptiste Sesmat, Director General of Pika Aero, described the recognition as an important milestone for the company, particularly as a newly accredited CBTA Center. He emphasized that the development of immersive training technologies is driven by the needs of customers who expect high-quality learning solutions and continuous innovation.

Vytautas Volskis, President of DGM France, explained that the company approached dangerous goods training as a systems-engineering challenge. Rather than relying on traditional training models, DGM France designed a new framework that integrates artificial intelligence with competency-based training requirements. The system focuses on designing, measuring, and continuously improving competence through personalized learning within a structured regulatory environment.

The IATA CBTA Center Best Innovation Awards were introduced in 2023 to encourage the development of new training methods that improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety standards, and support sustainability within the aviation industry.

For the 2026 awards, submissions were evaluated by an independent panel that included aviation industry experts, representatives from IATA, and independent validation specialists. The judging criteria considered factors such as the level of innovation, potential impact on industry priorities, sustainability benefits, ease of implementation, and evidence of effectiveness.

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