Boeing and Cathay Pacific Unite Airlines for CBTA/EBT Conference
More than 20 airlines attended a three-day conference on Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) / Evidence-Based Training (EBT) hosted by Boeing and Cathay Pacific from September 16-18, 2026. The event, themed 'Implementing the Total System Approach,' aimed to share practical experience in adopting CBTA/EBT and moving towards mature EBT implementation.
The conference was structured around three stages: Day one focused on operators changing their training systems and lessons from airlines already implementing CBTA/EBT; Day two examined how organizations progress from initial CBTA/EBT through Mixed EBT toward Baseline EBT. Day three featured individual discussions, practical implementation advice, and collaboration.
Boeing describes CBTA and EBT as complementary frameworks, with CBTA focusing on observable pilot competencies and EBT using operational evidence to determine relevant training priorities and scenarios. The manufacturer's 'Total System Approach' connects CBTA and EBT with Safety Data Analytics and competency mapping to create a connected training and safety system.
A joint presentation by Captain Daniele Grassini of easyJet and Captain Kevin Liu of Shandong Airlines highlighted the use of artificial intelligence in supporting EBT data analysis, designing recurrent training programs, and implementing digital training solutions. Boeing's Enhanced EBT framework describes future training adapted using operational evidence, competency data, and continuous analysis rather than relying solely on a standardized baseline recurrent-training curriculum.