Aviation

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

Tokyo, 14^th November 2017 – Airbus, in cooperation with Japan Airlines (JAL) and JAL Engineering (JALEC), has developed a prototype application supporting new training solutions, taking advantage of the world’s most advanced Mixed Reality technology, Microsoft “HoloLens” and immersive headsets. This will enable the airline community to benefit from cost-effective and highly enhanced training and operational solutions, pushing the boundaries of what is currently available.

HoloLens and immersive headsets provide access to aircraft digital data which can be viewed from any angle to run specific aircraft procedures, virtually.

This innovative technology brings key business value as users can learn from anywhere, without the need of the physical aircraft, via a holographic coach or an interactive, shared 3D virtual system.

Airbus recently became one of the rare industrial players to be a member of the Microsoft Mixed Reality Partner Program. As such, Airbus expertise in Mixed Reality is not only recognised but certified by Microsoft, meaning the company can build and exploit Mixed Reality on behalf of Microsoft.

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 in the world including JAL on the introduction of the A350 XWB.

Aviation

Airbus and French Aerospace Firms Growing Exports from India

In a significant move to bolster its supply chain, European aerospace giant Airbus has announced plans to ramp up component sourcing from India, tapping into the country’s vast opportunities.

During a press briefing in New Delhi on October 7, CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the strategic importance of India within the Airbus supply chain, highlighting the company’s robust network of over 100 suppliers in the region.

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Faury, who also serves as Chairman of the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS), noted that there are abundant prospects for collaboration between Indian and French aerospace companies. Leading a high-level delegation from GIFAS, comprising more than 60 companies and over 100 representatives, Faury aims to foster deeper partnerships and enhance business opportunities between India and France.

“We will continue to grow our sourcing of components,” Faury stated, forecasting a doubling of component sourcing approximately every five years over the next decade. This stable growth trajectory underscores Airbus’s commitment to deepening its ties with India.

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Currently, Airbus holds an impressive order book of around 8,600 aircraft and anticipates producing about 770 planes this year. This ambitious production plan aligns with the expected surge in India’s domestic air passenger traffic, projected to reach 300 million by 2030, according to Union Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.

During the briefing, Naidu also highlighted the substantial investments being made to develop India’s airport infrastructure, with $11 billion allocated for this purpose. The government plans to develop 200 additional airports over the next 20 to 25 years, significantly expanding the current count of 157 airports, heliports, and waterdromes. By the end of 2025, the number of operational airports is expected to reach 200.

“The potential for partnership between India and France is immense,” Naidu remarked, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit that Airbus and French aerospace firms seek to cultivate in India.