An increasing number of industries are turning to immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for training employees in various scenarios. Virgin Atlantic airlines are also embracing this, with news that the company is working with IT provider SITA to use AR for training cabin crew.
Anyone who has spent time travelling by air will know that each type of aircraft has its own characteristics. While useful for passenger to know, knowledge of an aircraft’s layout and facilities is essential knowledge for cabin crew. AR allows Virgin Atlantic cabin crew to familiarise themselves with an aircraft’s layout before they ever climb on board.
By using an iOS AR app, cabin crew are able to walk through a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The app simulates the full-size view of the 787 and lets crew get a feel for their working location. Use of the app will complement existing classroom-based training and can be used to teach cabin crew about new aircraft in the Virgin Atlantic fleet.
Don Langford, CIO of Virgin Atlantic, said: “Today innovation is the lifeblood of a modern airline. New technologies such as augmented reality hold out the promise to better manage our airline operations while providing an enriched experience to our increasingly tech-savvy passengers. SITA has long been a partner in exploring the frontiers of technology and this AR application is no exception.”
Gustavo Pina, Head of SITA Lab, said: “SITA Lab has identified augmented reality as one of the emerging technologies that will benefit the air transport in the years to come. Working with pioneering airlines such as Virgin Atlantic makes it possible for SITA Lab to really explore the potential of augmented reality and evaluate its business benefits. This project is a vital step in that journey of exploration.”
For further coverage of how VR and AR is being used in industry, keep checking back with VRFocus.
via Mint VR