IATA has declared Malaysia Airlines Academy (MAB Academy) and aviation training provider Ahlex worthy winners of its 2025 IATA Competency-Based Training and Assessment Center (CBTA Center) Innovation Awards.
MAB Academy, the training arm of Malaysia Aviation Group, was recognised by IATA for its immersive virtual reality (VR) training programme for dangerous goods handling.
The VR was the result of a collaborative effort between MAB Academy and the University of Malaya’s Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, and simulates real-life warehouse scenarios, enabling trainees to safely practice the preparation, classification, acceptance and handling of dangerous goods.
IATA said that, by blending theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in a virtual environment, the training programme “significantly enhances engagement, understanding and operational readiness”.
The second CBTA Center award winner was Ahlex, which was recognised for its immersive training solution implemented within its Digital Training & Experience Center, also for dangerous goods training.
The solution incorporates 3D cargo simulations for both individual and group training, tablet-based checklists, and immersive wall and floor projections.
These features enable participants to apply theoretical knowledge in realistic, safety-critical scenarios, supporting the development of critical competencies and improving workforce readiness, IATA informed.
Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s global head of cargo, commented: “The safe handling of shipments classified as dangerous goods is essential.
“This includes handling lithium batteries, which are increasingly present in global supply chains.
“Handling such products safely requires well-trained professionals. MAB Academy and Ahlex are being recognised with IATA CBTA Center Innovation Awards for their immersive and digital training solutions.
“The realistic environments they have created for training strengthen safety and enhance compliance. We are proud to count MAB Academy and Ahlex among our network of 214 IATA CBTA Centers and encourage others to follow their example in raising training standards industry-wide,” he added.
Aida Salfaraz Ahmad Fadzil, chief operating officer at MAB Academy, explained: “MAB Academy’s immersive virtual reality (VR) training program for dangerous goods handling was developed to provide a safe, realistic environment where trainees can build practical skills through simulated real-world scenarios, minimising risks while enhancing preparedness.
“It’s encouraging to see innovation in training being acknowledged as a key part of improving safety standards within the industry and foster a stronger safety culture.
Ahlex’s Isabelle Borli added: “As dangerous goods become more common in the cargo environment, it is even more important for training to reflect real-world challenges.
“Our Digital Training & Experience Center was designed to help participants apply what they’ve learned in immersive, safety-critical scenarios.
“This award from IATA supports the shift toward digital and more hands-on, competency-based learning in aviation.”
Independent evaluation
Launched in 2023, the IATA CBTA Center Innovation Awards encourage all members of the IATA CBTA Center network to implement solutions that enhance operational efficiency, safety and sustainability.
The awards were presented during the 3rd IATA CBTA Center Conference held at the IATA World Cargo Symposium (WCS) that is currently in progress in Dubai.
The selection process for the 2024 IATA CBTA Center Innovation Award involved an evaluation by an independent jury comprising industry experts, IATA representatives and independent validators.
Entries were judged on their degree of innovation, potential impact on industry priorities and sustainability, user-friendliness, implementation feasibility and evidence-based effectiveness.
