Airbus develops world’s first Mixed Reality Trainer for A350 XWB

Airbus and JAL cooperate and explore benefits of mixed reality technologies for mechanics and crew training for aircraft operations

 Airbus, in cooperation with Japan Airlines (JAL) and JAL Engineering (JALEC), has developed a prototype application supporting new training solutions, taking advantage of the world’s most advanced Mixed Reality technology, Microsoft “HoloLens” and immersive headsets. This will enable the airline community to benefit from cost-effective and highly enhanced training and operational solutions, pushing the boundaries of what is currently available. 

HoloLens and immersive headsets provide access to aircraft digital data which can be viewed from any angle to run specific aircraft procedures, virtually. 

This innovative technology brings key business value as users can learn from anywhere, without the need of the physical aircraft, via a holographic coach or an interactive, shared 3D virtual system. 

“Aircraft manufacturer Airbus and airline operator JAL have cooperated together and combined high expertise from the both sides on this innovation, making a step forward into a new training era. The success of this cooperation will set new standards in terms of training for the industry,” said Yuji Akasaka, Managing Executive Officer, Engineering & Maintenance, President of JAL Engineering. 

Stéphane Ginoux, President of Airbus Japan, “We believe this technology, developed in cooperation with JAL and JAL Engineering, will bring significant value across our business. It will change fundamentally the way people interact with our data and work process.” 

Airbus recently became one of the rare industrial players to be a member of the Microsoft Mixed Reality Partner Program. As such, Airbus expertise in Mixed Reality is not only recognised but certified by Microsoft, meaning the company can build and exploit Mixed Reality on behalf of Microsoft. 

In 2013 JAL signed a purchase agreement for 31 A350 XWBs (18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s), plus options for a further 25 aircraft. The delivery of the first A350 XWB to the airline is scheduled in 2019. Airbus plans to offer “HoloLens” for some selected training scenarios to airlines in the world including JAL on the introduction of the A350 XWB.