For airside drivers at Ostend Airport, this created understandable uncertainty. What would the new requirement mean for their job and daily responsibilities? And how could they be sure they would meet the new requirements? Oostend Airport needed a solution that would prepare staff for certification while also giving them confidence to use English effectively at work.

AHLEX delivered a tailored Plain English training approach for airside operations. The goal was not only to cover ICAO phraseology or tick a compliance box. It was to help drivers communicate clearly in operational and non-standard situations, from routine instructions to unexpected events where clarity can make all the difference.

The programme started with pre-screening, so every participant could be placed on the right path. An online grammar test based on CEFR assessed general English proficiency. A one-to-one online speaking test with an AHLEX trainer then focused on real manoeuvring area situations.

Based on those results, participants followed a personalized learning path. Drivers starting from a more basic level joined a 32-hour programme covering vocabulary, grammar and everyday scenarios, building up to advanced operational communication. Those closer to the required level followed a 16-hour path focused on specialized vocabulary, advanced grammar and complex scenario practice. Participants who already met the requirements did not need training.

Each learning path combined classroom theory with practical and interactive training. Participants strengthened vocabulary and grammar foundations, then applied them in realistic operational scenarios such as runway incursions and medical emergencies. Role plays and interactive exercises helped them practise clear communication in situations that reflect their daily work.

This tailored approach made the learning relevant, manageable and confidence-building. It did not treat certification as a one-size-fits-all requirement. Instead, each participant received the level of support they needed to grow from where they were, with motivated trainers keeping the process clear, practical and encouraging.

The results show both compliance and confidence. Two groups completed the 32-hour programme and successfully achieved certification. Three groups also completed the 16-hour track, bringing them closer to the required level through focused, scenario-based practice.

For Ostend Airport, the programme turned a regulatory obligation into an opportunity for retention and workforce engagement. At the start, many drivers feared the new rule might put their jobs at risk. Through the programme and the support of highly motivated trainers, they gained not only the knowledge to pass certification, but also the confidence to communicate in English while carrying out their responsibilities. Today, Ostend Airport staff are not only compliant with EASA legislation. They are more empowered, more skilled and more secure in their roles.