Raising the standard: Expanded English requirements across aviation

English proficiency underpins every aspect of aviation operations. Pilots and air traffic controllers rely on precise phraseology to avoid misunderstandings that could lead to catastrophic errors. Cabin crew and ground staff need English to serve passengers, deliver safety briefings, and respond effectively in emergencies. Even maintenance engineers increasingly require technical English to interpret manuals and comply with global standards.

The stakes are high: based on an ICAO analysis of 28,000 incident and accident reports, more than 70% of the issues were connected to language-related problems. Miscommunication due to language barriers can cause confusion over vital instructions—potentially leading to collisions or other dangerous situations. Today, with air traffic now exceeding pre-pandemic levels, and growth concentrated in emerging markets, the need for clear communication is more urgent than ever.

Until recently, the ICAO’s language requirements focused primarily on pilots and air traffic controllers. However, new regulations now extend these standards to a broader range of aviation professionals, including ground staff, aeronautical station operators, and even airfield vehicle drivers who use radio communication. This expansion reflects a growing recognition that safety is a team effort—and that every link in the operational chain must communicate effectively.

The challenge is compounded by commercial and demographic shifts – geographies with the lowest compliance with language regulations are often those with highest traffic growth. As aviation expands into regions where English is not widely spoken, language barriers become more common.

Data from the ICAO and affiliated regional bodies reveals striking regional disparities. Asia-Pacific, home to some of the fastest-growing aviation markets, shows that up to 60% of airline employees need English training. In Africa, the figure rises to 65%. Even in Europe, where proficiency is generally higher, around 30% of aviation staff require additional support. These gaps are particularly pronounced among cabin crew and ground personnel, whose roles demand frequent interaction with international passengers.

For airlines and airport operators, this shift means rethinking language training strategies. Compliance is not optional: failure to meet ICAO standards can halt operations, disrupt schedules, and damage reputations. The cost of training and testing remains modest compared to the financial and safety risks of non-compliance.

Meeting regulatory requirements is only the starting point. Forward-thinking organizations view English training as a strategic investment in safety, customer experience, and operational efficiency. Viva Aerobus, Mexico’s fastest-growing airline, has partnered with EF Corporate Learning to deliver scalable English training to support their rapid international growth and prepare for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. The programme achieved a 99% adoption rate and helped employees progress by one CEFR level within a year—boosting confidence, service quality, and readiness for global expansion.