Using an iOS app, cabin crew can use augmented reality to acquaint themselves with the layout of Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, to complement classroom-based training. The app projects a full-size view of the interior cabin in front of crew members, who are then are able to ‘walk into’ the cabin – from the airline’s headquarters in Crawley, London.
Augmented reality now has several use cases in the air transport industry, ranging from sales to training, operations and improvement to the passenger experience. SITA Lab, SITA's strategic technology research arm, and Virgin Atlantic have teamed up to identify and test some of the more promising use cases, starting with the crew training app.
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.”
