Maastricht, Netherlands – 12 May 2025: The EUROCONTROL Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC) has announced the selection of Denmark-based GATE Aviation Training as its new training provider for student air traffic controllers (ATCOs). Under this newly signed agreement, GATE will deliver initial training to MUAC students at its state-of-the-art training academy near Copenhagen Airport over a period of up to seven years.
This strategic partnership reinforces MUAC’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence in one of Europe’s busiest and most complex upper airspace regions. Peggy Devestel, Director of MUAC, stated:
“We are delighted to partner with GATE Aviation Training to provide initial training to our new student ATCOs. 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. This partnership will allow us 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.”
Over the duration of the agreement, more than 110 MUAC student controllers are expected to undergo training. GATE’s training programme is specifically tailored to MUAC’s operational requirements and includes two core modules:
- Basic Training, delivering foundational ATC skills and knowledge
- Area Control Surveillance (ACS) rating course, developing the high-level competencies and analytical skills required for MUAC’s complex operational environment.
GATE Aviation Training, founded in 2017, has grown into a respected global provider of both civil and military Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) training. Dirch Jans, CEO of GATE, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“We are honoured to partner with MUAC to collaborate on ATC Ab-initio training. MUAC is widely recognised for its rigorous training standards, and through this partnership, MUAC will benefit from GATE’s innovative and dynamic approach. I am particularly proud of the way MUAC and GATE 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.”
The first cohort of MUAC students is set to begin training at the GATE academy in July 2025. They will benefit from cutting-edge training methodologies, high-fidelity simulators, 24/7 self-training access, and additional support services including modern accommodation, psychological care, and industry familiarisation visits.
This collaboration marks a significant step in preparing the next generation of air traffic controllers for the demands of high-intensity European airspace and affirms both MUAC and GATE’s shared vision of advancing ATC training to meet future needs.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: EUROCONTROL
