Aviato Academy and UCLL join forces to strengthen training offer for Brussels Airport

Supporting and further developing current and future employees at the airport through lifelong learning

Aviato Academy, a subsidiary of Brussels Airport Company and a leading training center in the Belgian aviation sector, and UCLL University of Applied Sciences and Arts, a prominent educational and knowledge institution, are entering into a strategic partnership to strengthen (future) employees of Brussels Airport.The agreement focuses on jointly offering training programs, facilitating recruitment and internal mobility, and providing a wide range of opportunities for lifelong learning, continuous upskilling, reskilling, and professional development.

Brussels Airport is the second-largest economic engine in Belgium, forming an ecosystem of over 300 companies across 8 sectors and employing no fewer than 24,000 people. With an average of 400 open positions, Brussels Airport is continuously seeking new employees. Current and future staff must therefore be continuously guided, trained, and/or upskilled.

Preferred partners in various fields

With the ambition to become the leading knowledge platform within Brussels Airport, Aviato Academy is at the heart of this ecosystem. Its proximity allows it to stay closely connected to developments and provide extensive support to companies in the areas of labor market, training, and education. To achieve this, it develops a broad range of activities.

To strengthen Aviato Academy in these ambitions, a privileged partnership has been established with UCLL University of Applied Sciences and Arts. UCLL provides higher education at associate and bachelor levels, as well as continuing education within the framework of lifelong learning. Through applied, practice-oriented research in collaboration with organizations, companies, and government bodies, UCLL contributes to innovative and future-oriented solutions.

A selection of joint initiatives

Aviato Academy and UCLL are now joining forces to promote lifelong learning at Brussels Airport. They jointly develop initiatives that have a direct positive impact on the recruitment and career progression of airport employees. Some examples of these joint initiatives include:

• Opening UCLL’s regular courses as well as customized training programs developed and delivered by UCLL for Aviato Academy.
• Collaborating on talent development by promoting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) among young people from age 16.
• Jointly focusing on research and development, such as further research into innovative labor market solutions in the aviation industry.
• Integrating digital technologies (VR, AI) developed by UCLL into various Aviato Academy learning pathways.

Isabelle Borli, General Manager of Aviato Academy: “Lifelong learning is the key to lasting success and growth, no matter where you are in your professional journey. Within the Brussels Airport ecosystem, there are 24,000 direct and 40,000 indirect jobs, which brings significant training and upskilling opportunities. In a dynamic environment, continuous employee development is essential for airport companies to remain competitive, and Aviato Academy plays a crucial and supportive role in this.”

Marc Vandewalle, General Director of UCLL University of Applied Sciences and Arts: “We are proud of this collaboration with one of the largest economic sites in Belgium. The alliance between Aviato Academy and UCLL marks a crucial step forward in strengthening talent at Brussels Airport. Together, we aim to create a dynamic hub for knowledge and talent, where lifelong learning is central. This partnership not only supports current employees but also lays a solid foundation for future skills. It is a connecting step for growth and sustainable development for both partners and all stakeholders.”

This partnership will not only improve operational efficiency but will also generate innovative solutions that benefit airport companies.