Airbus develops world’s first Mixed Reality Trainer for A350 XWB

In cooperation with Japan Airlines (JAL) and JAL Engineering (JALEC), Airbus has developed a prototype application using Microsoft’s HoloLens Mixed Reality technology and immersive headsets to support new training solutions for the A350 XWB.

The development follows Airbus becoming a member of the Microsoft Mixed Reality Partner Program, meaning the OEM can build and exploit Mixed Reality on behalf of Microsoft which is recognised and certified by the company.

Together with the headsets, HoloLens can provide access to aircraft digital data which can be viewed from any angle to run specific aircraft procedures virtually. It means users can learn from anywhere, without the need of the physical aircraft, via either a holographic coach or an interactive, shared 3D virtual system.  In 2013, JAL signed a purchase agreement for 31 A350 XWBs (18 A350-900s and 13 A350-1000s), plus options for a further 25 aircraft. The delivery of the first A350 XWB to the airline is scheduled in 2019. Airbus plans to offer HoloLens for some selected training scenarios to airlines including JAL on the introduction of the A350 XWB.

“The success of this cooperation will set new standards in terms of training for the industry,” said Yuji Akasaka, Managing Executive Officer, Engineering & Maintenance, President of JAL Engineering. Stéphane Ginoux, President of Airbus Japan, added, “We believe this technology, developed in cooperation with JAL and JAL Engineering, will bring significant value across our business. It will change fundamentally the way people interact with our data and work process.”