Alaska Airlines has taken a groundbreaking step toward the future of aviation training by announcing a strategic investment in Loft Dynamics, a leader in virtual reality (VR) flight simulation. The company is known for developing the only FAA- and EASA-approved VR helicopter simulator. This partnership aims to revolutionize pilot training by creating the first full-motion Boeing 737 VR flight simulator, combining extended reality (XR) technology with an unprecedented immersive experience.
An Alliance That Marks the Dawn of a New Era in Aviation
The investment was made through Alaska Star Ventures, the airline’s corporate venture capital arm, and will not only provide funding but also leverage the technical expertise of Alaska Airlines’ Flight Operations Training department. The goal: to develop a solution that redefines how pilots are trained in the aviation industry.
“Alaska has a long history of innovation, from being the first airline to sell tickets online to implementing satellite-based approaches. With this project, we’re taking another leap forward in safety and operational efficiency,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics.
Why Bet on VR Simulators?
Traditional full-motion simulators have been the gold standard for pilot training for decades. However, their high cost, large size, and operational constraints limit their scalability. In this context, virtual reality emerges as a powerful alternative, offering more accessible, frequent, and effective training.
Captain Jeff Severns, Managing Director of Flight Operations Training at Alaska Airlines, summarized it this way: “Pilot training has evolved significantly over the past 30 years. With the possibilities offered by Loft’s VR technology, we could be looking at a total transformation. Pilots could refine their skills more frequently and with greater precision, using a device compact enough to fit in a standard office.”
Innovative Features of the Boeing 737 VR Simulator
Once development is complete and regulatory approvals are obtained, Alaska Airlines and Loft Dynamics plan to install these simulators at the airline’s bases. Key features include:
Full-motion platform with six degrees of freedom: Faithfully replicates the real movements of an aircraft, including control feedback and haptic sensations that simulate the aircraft’s physical behavior.
360-degree 3D panoramic view: Provides precise visual cues inside and outside the cockpit, enhancing immersion and spatial awareness.
Advanced full-body tracking: Allows real-time visualization of the pilot’s hand and body movements within the virtual environment.
Customizable scenarios: Instructors can design training sessions for any condition, maneuver, or operational situation.
Compact and flexible design: Requires only 1/12th the space of a traditional simulator, making it ideal for multiple locations.
Virtual demonstration mode: Instructors can record complete sessions with video, audio, and control inputs for pilots to review later.
Integration with the LoftSPATIAL app and Apple Vision Pro: This app enables pilots to continue training using spatial computing anytime, anywhere.
What’s Next: Toward FAA Certification
The Boeing 737 simulator developed by Loft Dynamics will undergo the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval process in the coming years. Meanwhile, the companies will explore ways this technology can complement existing training programs required by regulators, optimizing them without replacing them.
Alaska Airlines and Loft Dynamics are charting a new course for global aviation. With a pioneering, accessible, and technologically advanced approach, this collaboration aims not only to train better pilots but also to redefine the standards of aviation training for generations to come.
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