The Eurocontrol Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC) has appointed Denmark-based GATE Aviation Training to provide training for its student air traffic controllers (ATCOs).
In line with the agreement, GATE will provide initial training to MUAC’s student ATCOs as its academy located near Copenhagen Airport for up to a seven-year period. Over 100 students are expected to partake in the training programme with the first intake due to commence in July 2025.
“With its proven track record in delivering customised training solutions for complex upper airspace environments, GATE is the ideal partner to support our commitment to operational excellence,” said Peggy Devestel, Director of the Eurocontrol MUAC.
She added that the partnership will allow Eurocontrol to “maintain a full complement of controllers into the future ensuring we are best placed to embrace the challenges that increasing traffic levels will bring in the years ahead.”
Operated by Eurocontrol as a non-profit air navigation service provider (ANSP) on behalf of Belgium, north-west Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, MUAC provides multinational civil and military air navigations services in the upper airspace (from 24,500 feet to 66,000 feet).
The initial training programme includes two key courses: a comprehensive Basic Training module, providing the fundamental knowledge and skills related to ATCOs and an Area Control Surveillance (ACS) rating course, designed to develop the high-level competencies, performance skills and analytic skills required for MUAC’s complex upper airspace.
Dirch Jans, CEO of GATE Aviation Training said he was proud of how the two companies have engaged with one another. “In a short period of time, we have established an open and constructive dialogue, aligning expectations with mutual professionalism and respect. I am confident that this collaboration will foster new and impactful initiatives in the field of ATC training.”
Image source: Eurocontrol
