To train 1,000 pilots annually, IndiGo ties up with Airbus’ VR platform

NEW DELHI: Preparing to train about 1,000 pilots annually, IndiGo has tied up with Airbus’ digital services company and open data platform Skywise to deploy the A320 Virtual Procedure Trainer. VPT is an interactive, cloud-based software using virtual reality (VR) that allows pilots to learn and practice standard cockpit procedures, flow patterns, and normal checklists before stepping into a real simulator. Skywise says IndiGo is the first airline globally to adopt the VPT abnormal and emergency procedure package.Since 2021 IndiGo has been using the “Mobile Airbus Training experience” (MATe Suite) for training its 6,300 pilots. Now the airline will be able to leverage VR and flat-screen devices for immersive pilot training. “The adoption of the VPT directly addresses IndiGo's rapid operational expansion. With plans to train up to 1,000 pilots annually, the airline required an agile, scalable training solution capable of reinforcing both standard procedures and complex abnormal scenarios early in the training continuum,” Skywise said in a statement.IndiGo senior VP (flight operations) Captain Ashim Mittra said: “IndiGo is committed to adopting advanced technologies that support effective and scalable pilot training. The Skywise A320 Virtual Procedure Trainer strengthens our end-to-end digital training ecosystem and enables us to meet the evolving expectations of a new generation of pilots by providing an accessible, precise and self-paced learning experience. What we have achieved here is to provide the latest technology to further enhance our pilots training standards.”“We are proud to be a global first by adopting the VPT abnormal and emergency procedure package. This partnership will support IndiGo’s continued growth while ensuring consistent, Airbus OEM-aligned training standards and creating a first-of-its-kind digital training experience for the next generation of pilots in India,” Captain Mittra added.Fabrice Villaumé, head of products portfolio at Skywise, said: “(IndiGo is) building on (its) proven success with our Skywise MATe Suite, becoming the first airline worldwide to integrate the VPT abnormal and emergency package completes an immersive, OEM-standard training ecosystem built to match their incredible scale.”You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.