Major European Initiative to Transform Air Mobility Training Landscape 

Irish drone training leader partners in €3.983 million AIRMOB project to develop innovative air mobility skills across five European countries

Avtrain Limited, Europe's leading drone pilot and operator training and certification body, has announced its participation in AIRMOB (Developing Skills and Capabilities for Innovative Air Mobility), a groundbreaking four-year European project that launched in March 2025. The initiative, funded with €3.983 million from the European Commission under the Erasmus+ programme, aims to revolutionise vocational education and training in the rapidly emerging Innovative Air Mobility (IAM) sector.

The AIRMOB project consortium represents a strategic collaboration between 24 partners across five European countries - Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Tükiye - establishing regional Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) that will evolve into a comprehensive European Community of Practice. As one of Ireland's representatives in this ambitious initiative, Avtrain brings its extensive expertise in drone training and certification to help bridge the critical skills gap in the advanced air mobility industry.

Addressing Critical Industry Needs

The project responds to the increased demand for skilled professionals in Innovative Air Mobility, a sector poised to transform urban transportation through electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and advanced drone technologies. AIRMOB will introduce 20 new training programs across the five participating countries, along with one transnational course, directly addressing the shortage of qualified professionals in this rapidly expanding field.

"AIRMOB aims to serve as a skills accelerator in the field of Innovative Air Mobility, involving students, workers, trainers, companies, and institutions," according to project documentation. The initiative will provide pathways for students in technical and university education, professionals seeking upskilling and reskilling, trainers interested in innovative teaching methods, and companies looking to develop tailored training programs.

Avtrain's Strategic Contribution

Avtrain's participation in AIRMOB builds upon the company's experience in European drone training and certification. As an Irish Aviation Authority-approved Recognised Entity under EASA regulations, Avtrain has consistently set industry standards through innovative online technologies and comprehensive training programs covering all categories of UAS.

Our company is involved in activities beyond traditional drone operations and leveraging previously established strategic partnerships that demonstrate Ireland's potential as a hub for advanced air mobility innovation. In 2021, Avtrain collaborated with Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI), Skyports, and Shannon Group to establish Ireland's first passenger and cargo vertiport consortium, positioning the country at the forefront of Advanced Air Mobility development.

Comprehensive Training Framework

The AIRMOB project adopts a multi-faceted approach to skills development, targeting various stakeholder groups within and outside the IAM ecosystem. The project will create 15 career kits to promote emerging professions in the sector, international mobility programs, and opportunities to engage directly with industry companies, presenting these to students and emerging professionals. The initiative aims to engage at least 200 students in pilot programs while providing 240 students with access to international internships.

Professional development remains equally prioritised, with AIRMOB aiming to offer 10 blended-learning programs and three transnational online courses designed to involve up to 150 specialists. Professionals will have access to essential training resources and networking opportunities with industry experts.

Innovation Through Technology

An integration of AI into the learning experience is a distinctive feature of the AIRMOB project. A multilingual online platform will be available, offering free access to educational materials, job opportunities, and an AI-based learning assistant (IAM-GPT). This AI assistant will guide learners through educational materials and job opportunities, providing personalised support throughout their training journey.

Strategic Objectives and Impact

This project has six strategic objectives. These include characterising the European IAM sector landscape, identifying current and forecasted skills requirements, developing innovative VET curricula, establishing effective multi-stakeholder collaboration, creating long-term sustainability plans, and increasing sector visibility among potential workers and the general population.

The initiative particularly emphasises the importance of addressing workforce skills gaps and trainer competency development while promoting lifelong learning opportunities. By focusing on technical, operational, digital, green, and soft skills, AIRMOB ensures comprehensive preparation for the diverse requirements of the IAM industry.

European Leadership in Air Mobility

AIRMOB is more than only an educational initiative. It incorporates Europe's commitment to leading the global transition toward sustainable and innovative transportation solutions. The project is aligned with broader European goals. This includes environmental sustainability, reducing urban traffic congestion, and advancing innovative city technologies through the integration of eVTOL aircraft and advanced drone operations.

The establishment of regional CoVEs across five countries will create a robust network capable of addressing diverse geographical and regulatory contexts while maintaining consistent quality standards. This approach ensures that the developed training programs can be effectively adapted and replicated in different European markets.

Future Outlook

As Innovative Air Mobility technologies continue to mature and approach commercial deployment, the timing of AIRMOB proves particularly strategic. The project's four-year timeline aligns with industry expectations for significant growth in the IAM sector, ensuring that trained professionals will be available to support the large-scale implementation of innovative air mobility solutions.

The collaboration between educational institutions, industry partners, regulatory bodies, and technology providers within the AIRMOB consortium creates an optimal environment for developing practical, industry-relevant training programs. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures that graduates will possess not only theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills and regulatory understanding necessary for successful careers in the IAM sector.

About Avtrain

Avtrain Limited stands as Europe's premier drone pilot and operator training and certification body, dedicated to promoting safe and efficient drone operations while maintaining the highest quality standards. The company holds approvals as a Recognised Entity from the Irish Aviation Authority in accordance with EASA regulations.

Through innovative training methodologies combining online technologies with practical expertise, Avtrain has established itself as a credible partner for individuals and organisations seeking to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into their operations safely and legally across all EASA member states.

Contact Information:

For more information about Avtrain's participation in the AIRMOB project or the company's training services, please visit www.avtrain.aero or contact the company directly through their official channels.

About AIRMOB:

AIRMOB (Developing Skills and Capabilities for Innovative Air Mobility) is co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus+ programme (Grant Agreement Number 101194074). The project runs from March 2025 to February 2029 and involves 24 partners across five European countries, coordinated by Deep Blue.