Brussels Airlines Integrates Virtual Reality Software in Pilot Training

Brussels Airlines now uses Virtual Reality (VR) as an integral part of A320 type rating training for pilots. Lufthansa Aviation training and Airbus collaborated for two years to develop the new software, and Brussels Airlines is the launch customer within Lufthansa Group.

After an intensive test phase a major milestone in pilot training has been achieved by successfully implementing Virtual Procedure Training at Brussels Airlines: from July 2 to 4, two crews from the Belgian Lufthansa Group airline completed a part of their A320 Type Rating using a VR-based solution within an authority-approved training program.

This marks the first time that Virtual Reality (VR) is used in pilot training not just as a supplement but as a replacement for sessions on traditional training devices such as the Flat Panel Trainer (FPT) – and without supervision by an instructor.

This change also represents a technological turning point: the tailored use of VR technology elevates the conventional "screen-based cockpit" training by a fully immersive, realistic 3D environment with interaction and guidance to a new level.

Partnership with Airbus: Innovation Through Collaboration

The implementation of VR training is the result of more than two years of strategic collaboration between Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) and Airbus. As part of a joint project with Lufthansa Group airlines, the "Virtual Procedure Trainer" (VPT) software developed by Airbus – one module of the Airbus Digital Flight Training Solutions – has been advanced for operational use and embedded into an innovative training concept.

Scaling & Further Development

Following the successful rollout at Brussels Airlines, the next step is the gradual introduction at all ten A320 operators within the Lufthansa Group across seven training locations.

The VPT will be initially used to train normal standard operating procedures. In parallel, the system is continuously being optimized and developed further to support abnormal procedures and additional aircraft types such as the A330 and A350.

Looking beyond the Lufthansa Group, LAT is also preparing an adapted product for the external training market. At the same time, internal organizational structures and operational processes are being further professionalized to establish VR as a permanent element of modern pilot training.