- renata927
- 2 days ago
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Loft Dynamics enters fixed-wing market with VR technology
Alaska Airlines has announced an investment in Loft Dynamics – an industry leader in virtual flight training. “With the potential of Loft’s hyper-realistic VR simulator, we could be transforming commercial pilot training as we know it today,” said Capt. Jeff Severns, managing director of flight operations training at Alaska Airlines. “These VR simulators could provide an immersive, high-fidelity, data-driven experience - all in a device compact enough to fit in a standard office. This accessibility could allow pilots to train more frequently and refine their skills with greater efficiency.” The features of the new simulator will include a full-motion platform, a 360-degree panoramic 3D view, and full-body pose tracking. Additional features will include customisable training scenarios, a compact design that occupies 1/12th of the space than traditional simulators. The LoftSPATIAL app for Apple Vision Pro will also be integrated, allowing pilots to train using spatial computing technology. The eventual 737 VR simulator will be submitted to the FAA for approval - likely in the next few years. In the interim, Alaska and Loft plan to explore training enhancement opportunities for pilots that would function as a supplement to existing FAA-required training.
EASA launches new initiatives to prevent mid-air collisions in GA
The EASA has worked with aviation authorities to launch two new initiatives to increase visibility and operational safety for General Aviation (GA) operators. While commercial aircraft have long been equipped with Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), the cost and weight of such equipment meant it could not be used on smaller GA aircraft. One of the key actions of the EASA GA Flightpath 2030+ has been the development of affordable solutions to tackle the safety challenge of preventing mid-air collisions. Technological development has reached a stage where low-cost ¡Conspicuity devices are within reach of any GA pilot. “Every year there are an average of 6 fatal airborne collisions involving GA, leading to 13 fatalities,” said Florian Guillermet, EASA Executive Director. The first initiative is the ¡Conspicuity Declaration, which is a voluntary policy statement. Its primary objective is to facilitate and encourage the use of ¡Conspicuity devices and technical standards (including ADS-B out, ADS-L, surveillance data, and similar information) by all stakeholders. The second is focussed on technology providers, and the establishment of the ADS-L standard as the future unified interoperable protocol for systems for light aviation and drones, enabling aircraft to be electronically visible to other aircraft and ground observers.
AERO Friedrichshafen with new focus on business aviation
AERO, traditionally the most important trade fair for general aviation in Europe, has also developed into an important meeting place for business aviation. This year, 760 exhibitors from 38 nations showcased 328 aircraft, including many premieres. Organizers on April 8 introduced the first dedicated space for business aviation at Aero Friedrichshafen, Germany. Fifteen business aviation companies exhibited in the dome; others in two halls with frontage on a static display area with multiple business aircraft. 32,100 visitors from more than 80 nations traveled to Lake Constance for the GA summit. Until this year, the EBACE, held annually in Geneva, assembled Europe’s largest display of business aircraft. In January, however, the host European Business Aviation Association announced that EBACE will not include a static display for the first time in its 24-year history. The 32nd AERO in Friedrichshafen will open its doors from April 22 to 25, 2026. EBACE 2025 will take place on 20-22 May 2025 at Palexpo, Geneva.
People: Marion Smeyers appointed ATR’s SVP Operations & Procurement
ATR, the the world number one regional turboprop-aircraft manufacturer, recently announced the appointment of Marion Smeyers as Senior Vice-President of Operations and Procurement, effective 1 May 2025. She succeeds Eric Segura, and will report directly to ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, Nathalie Tarnaud Laude. Marion Smeyers brings a wealth of experience in industrial operations, having held leadership roles across various Airbus divisions. Most recently, she served as the Head of Operations for the A321 final assembly line in Toulouse, where she successfully managed its launch and ramp-up. Her background also includes serving as Executive Assistant to the Airbus Chief Executive Officer and leading operations for satellite production at Airbus Defence & Space in the United Kingdom, along with various roles in manufacturing and supply chain management. Marion Smeyers graduated with an engineering degree from Ecole Centrale Paris in 2005. A true industry enthusiast, Marion Smeyers will be responsible for driving operational excellence across ATR’s supply chain, stabilising production and preparing the manufacturer’s ramp up, with a focus on efficiency, performance and sustainability, and a pragmatic and collaborative approach.
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