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ITAérea Aeronautical Business School has strengthened its long‑standing collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) through an expanded scholarship agreement signed during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2026, held this week in Marrakech, (Morocco). The event, hosted at the venue of the official GISS 2026 programme, brought together global aviation leaders, regulators, and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of aviation development and capacity building.
The renewed agreement broadens ITAérea’s scholarship programme in support of ICAO’s training and technical assistance initiatives, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to developing global aviation talent and supporting ICAO’s mission to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability across the sector.
The signing ceremony was presided over by ITAérea’s CEO, José Ignacio Escudero and the Secretary General of ICAO, Juan Carlos Salazar, marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the two organizations.
Several high‑level officials acted as witnesses to the signing, reflecting the broad institutional support behind the initiative. Among them were David Benito, representing Spain’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC); Ángel Luis Arias, Spain’s Permanent Representative to ICAO; Miguel Marín, Director of Technical Cooperation at ICAO’s Capacity Development and Implementation (CDI) Bureau; Nicolas Rallo, ICAO Regional Director for Europe; and Michael Gill, Director of ICAO’s Legal Affairs and External Relations Bureau.
Representing ITAérea, the signing was also witnessed by Javier Gándara, President of ITAérea, and Estrella Valera, Deputy Director of the institution. Both emphasized the importance of expanding access to high‑quality aviation training, particularly in regions where capacity building remains a critical priority.
The ceremony formed part of a broader programme of institutional agreements announced during GISS 2026. In addition to the ITAérea–ICAO expansion, the event featured the signing of a COPAC Memorandum of Understanding under the NGAP (Next Generation of Aviation Professionals) framework, an INDRA sponsorship MoU supporting GISS activities, and a formal recognition of SENASA for its progress in implementing ICAO’s iPACK solutions. Together, these agreements highlight the symposium’s role as a global platform for advancing cooperation, innovation, and workforce development in aviation.
Beyond the signing ceremony, ITAérea’s presence at GISS 2026 extended to the symposium’s technical and strategic discussions. Javier Gándara, who also serves as Global Director of Public Policy and Managing Director for Southern Europe at easyJet, participated as a panelist in Panel 7, titled “Let’s Talk Talent: Who Will Keep Aviation Flying?” The session, held on 15 April, addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing the aviation sector: the recruitment, training, and retention of the next generation of aviation professionals.
The panel brought together senior leaders from across the global aviation ecosystem. During the discussion, panelists explored the evolving skills landscape of the aviation industry, the impact of technological transformation on workforce needs, and the importance of inclusive, globally accessible training pathways. Gándara highlighted the role of institutions like ITAérea in bridging the talent gap through specialized education programmes and international partnerships such as the one expanded with ICAO.
The strengthened agreement between ITAérea and ICAO is expected to support a wider pool of students and professionals seeking advanced training in aviation management, safety, and regulatory frameworks. By expanding scholarship opportunities, both organizations aim to contribute to a more diverse, skilled, and globally connected aviation workforce.
