Alaska Airlines backs Loft Dynamics as it develops full-motion VR 737 simulator
SEATTLE - Alaska Airlines has announced an investment in Loft Dynamics, a Switzerland-based developer of virtual reality (VR) flight simulators, to support the creation of a full-motion VR Boeing 737 training system. The technology, which uses extended reality (XR), aims to enhance pilot training efficiency and accessibility.
The investment, made through Alaska Star Ventures, the airline’s corporate venture arm, marks a step toward integrating immersive simulation into commercial pilot instruction. Loft Dynamics currently offers the only FAA- and EASA-qualified VR helicopter simulator.
"Alaska has a long history of pioneering aviation advancements," said Loft Dynamics CEO Fabi Riesen. "Now, by investing in the development of full-motion VR simulators, Alaska is once again moving the industry forward."
Related: CommuteAir utilizes VR headsets in pilot training
Small footprint
Traditional full-motion simulators are effective but costly and space-intensive. Alaska Airlines sees VR as a compact, scalable solution. The new Boeing 737 VR simulator will feature a six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform, 360-degree panoramic visuals, real-time full-body tracking, and a footprint just one-twelfth the size of legacy systems.
"These VR simulators could provide a fully immersive, high-fidelity, data-driven experience," said Capt. Jeff Severns, managing director of flight operations training at Alaska. "This accessibility could allow pilots to train more frequently and refine their skills with greater efficiency."
Once developed and approved, Alaska plans to install the simulators at its pilot bases. In the interim, the airline and Loft Dynamics will explore supplemental training applications while seeking FAA certification.
"This represents a paradigm shift," said Pasha Saleh, Alaska’s director of corporate development. "It has the potential to dramatically enhance the quality of commercial pilot training."
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
Whitney oversees editorial content for the Intelligent Aerospace Website, as well as produce news and features for Military & Aerospace Electronics, attend industry events, produce Webcasts, oversee print production of Military & Aerospace Electronics, and expand the Intelligent Aerospace and Military & Aerospace Electronics franchises with new and innovative content.
