International Aviation English Experts Gather at Rzeszów University of Technology
On 6–7 July 2026, Rzeszów University of Technology hosted the 2nd Aviation English Seminar: Aviation English – Teaching, Testing and Research. The event brought together researchers, Aviation English instructors, language assessors, and aviation professionals from Poland and abroad, making it one of the few events in Europe devoted entirely to Aviation English.
This year's seminar built upon an initiative launched in 2025 at the University of Warsaw by Professor Dr. Hab. Anna P. Borowska. The inaugural seminar brought together participants from Polish academic institutions, while the second edition acquired a distinctly international character, reflecting the organisers' ambition to establish a lasting forum for the Aviation English community and a platform for future collaborative research and educational projects.
The seminar was organised by the Aviation English Unit of the Department of Foreign Languages at Rzeszów University of Technology. The organising team comprised Dr Piotr Czerwiński – Coordinator of the Aviation English Unit and Chair of the Organising Committee, Mateusz Fleszar, MA, Dr Kamila Kosturek-Dybaś, Katarzyna Kurek, MA, and Karolina Potocka, MA. The event was organised in cooperation with the Aviation Communication Research Centre, University of Warsaw, headed by Professor Dr. Hab. Anna P. Borowska, Co-Chair of the Organising Committee and the seminar's scientific partner.
The seminar welcomed representatives of leading academic institutions and aviation organisations from three countries:
- Poland (Rzeszów University of Technology, University of Warsaw, Military University of Aviation in Dęblin, TechnicalEnglish.com),
- France (French Air and Space Force),
- Ukraine (National Aviation University, Kyiv).
The programme featured six academic and practice-oriented presentations covering topics including pilot–air traffic controller communication, aeronautical discourse, non-standard ICAO phraseology, Technical Aviation English, and the language needs of aerospace engineers. The seminar opened with a keynote lecture by Professor Dr. Hab. Anna P. Borowska (University of Warsaw), entitled Beyond Prescriptive Norms: Nonstandard Phraseology as an Operational Necessity in Critical Aeronautical Communication – A Call for Action. The first day concluded with the presentation of the book English for Aeronautical Communication, followed by a discussion on current directions in Aviation English research and teaching.
On the second day, participants visited the Aviation Training Centre of Rzeszów University of Technology, where they had the opportunity to explore its state-of-the-art training facilities used in pilot education. The visit proved to be one of the highlights of the seminar. International guests particularly praised the excellent organisation, the Centre's modern infrastructure, and the professionalism of the student guides, who impressed participants with their extensive operational knowledge and outstanding command of English.
Holding the seminar in Rzeszów was no coincidence. As the heart of Aviation Valley, one of Europe's leading aerospace clusters, the city has long been recognised as one of Poland's foremost centres of the aerospace industry and aviation education. The long-standing aviation traditions of Rzeszów University of Technology, its close cooperation with the aerospace industry, and the activities of the Aviation Training Centre make the university a natural venue for discussions on the role of English in contemporary aviation.
One of the seminar's most significant outcomes was the establishment of new academic contacts and the declaration of future cooperation among participants. The organisers hope that the seminar will continue to develop as a permanent international platform for collaboration, fostering joint research projects, educational initiatives, and future events dedicated to Aviation English.
The organisers would like to express their sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the seminar. Special thanks go to the Management of the Department of Foreign Languages for their continuous support and encouragement throughout the preparation of the event, to the Management and staff of the Aviation Training Centre for professionally organising the study visit, and to the student guides, whose enthusiasm, operational expertise, and excellent English-language communication skills were highly appreciated by all participants. We also extend our sincere thanks to all speakers and attendees, whose knowledge, openness, and active participation created an inspiring atmosphere that encouraged discussion, the exchange of ideas, and the strengthening of the international Aviation English community.
The organisers hope that the success of this year's edition will provide further momentum for the continued development of the initiative and for future editions of the Aviation English Seminar, bringing together researchers, educators, and aviation professionals from around the world who share a common interest in Aviation English and aeronautical communication.
