Frankfurt and Munich airport operators develop VR training tool for ground ops

Sep 26, 2019: Fraport AG, the operator of Frankfurt Airport has developed a virtual reality (VR) training tool for ground handling operations, in partnership with Munich Airport’s operator AeroGround Flughafen Munchen GmbH.

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. 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.

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The training content can be shared and used via an online platform – the “Innoactive Hub” – developed by Munich-based startup company Innoactive. The software required by the platform was developed by 3D visualization provider ThreeDee GmbH, and the project was supported by the Innovation Management team at Flughafen Munchen GmbH.

Christian Stoschek, managing director of AeroGround said: “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. 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.”

Dennis Stein, VP Logistics and Information Management at Fraport’s Ground Services unit emphasised: “The VR applications are not a replacement for live training but are designed to provide extra support to trainers. 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.”

Daniel Seidl, founder and CEO of Innoactive stated: “This is the first time that airports are investing jointly in interactive VR training content.”

Following the test phase, the developers will review to what extent they can refine the content and offer it to other partners via the joint platform.