Brussels Airlines: First Lufthansa Group Airline to Integrate Virtual Reality into Pilot Training
Brussels Airlines has become the first airline in the Lufthansa Group to incorporate virtual reality (VR) as a core component of its Airbus A320 type rating training. This milestone marks a radical shift from traditional pilot training methods, replacing conventional devices like the Flat Panel Trainer (FPT) with an immersive, three-dimensional solution that operates without the need for direct instructor supervision.
Between July 2 and 4, two Brussels Airlines crews successfully completed part of their officially approved training using this technology.
Strategic Partnership with Airbus
The implementation of this innovation is the result of over two years of collaboration between Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) and Airbus. The “Virtual Procedure Trainer” (VPT) software, part of the Airbus Digital Flight Training Solutions suite, has been refined for operational use and integrated into a new training concept.
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Pia Born, project manager at LAT, emphasized: “With the VPT, we are creating a new training ecosystem—one that is more flexible, efficient, and sustainable. We are proud that Brussels Airlines was the first to trust this innovation and that together, we are shaping the future of training.”
Tangible Benefits: Realism, Autonomy, and Efficiency
According to Captain Gauthier Lesceu, Head of Theoretical Knowledge Instruction at Brussels Airlines, “virtual reality offers a more realistic and intense training experience. Pilots can practice procedures autonomously from early stages, strengthen muscle memory, and build situational confidence.”
This approach significantly enhances preparation for simulator phases and reduces the need for physical infrastructure. Captain Dave van Buynder, Crew Training Manager, added that this initiative “demonstrates our agility and commitment to excellence in crew training.”
Progressive Expansion Within and Beyond the Lufthansa Group
Following the successful deployment at Brussels Airlines, the next step will be the gradual rollout of the VPT across the ten A320 operators in the Lufthansa Group, distributed across seven training centers. Initially, it will be used for normal operating procedures, while development continues to include abnormal procedures and new aircraft like the A330 and A350.
LAT also plans to adapt this technology for the external market while strengthening its internal structure to make virtual reality a permanent component of modern pilot training.
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