Fraport AG, the operator of Frankfurt Airport, and AeroGround Flughafen München GmbH, a wholly-owned ground handling subsidiary of Flughafen München GmbH (the operator of Munich Airport), have developed a joint virtual reality (VR) training tool for ground handling operations.
New digital training content was also created for the joint VR tool. One training module, for example, serves to practice the ground handling processes required right after an aircraft has assumed its parking position.
“We firmly believe that VR has strong transformative potential and is going to change the way in which our employees prepare themselves for the challenges that await out on the apron,” said Christian Stoschek, Managing Director of AeroGround.
“Innoactive’s platform also enables us to switch virtual training content easily between various locations. This helps us to implement common quality standards across all locations in a faster and more efficient way.”
Other planned modules include apron safety training or a dedicated training course for baggage sorting. The training modules, which are available in German and English, can be used by both new staff and employees who have already received training.
The aim is to allow ground handling staff to practice the processes in a safe space before performing them in a real environment.
“The VR applications are not a replacement for live training but are designed to provide extra support to trainers,” Dennis Stein, VP Logistics and Information Management at Fraport’s Ground Services unit.
“The practical exercises are always available at your fingertips and can be completed whatever time of day, and regardless of the weather and traffic conditions. Moreover, VR training reduces the time you would normally require to wait for an aircraft to arrive or drive to a handling position.”
