Alaska Airlines has signed for the Boeing Virtual Airplane Training Platform, a device-based tool designed for immersive pilot training on the 737 fleet. The platform, known as the Virtual Airplane Procedures Trainer (VAPT), delivers short, high-fidelity lessons accessible on iPads, laptops, or desktops, with offline functionality that syncs progress upon reconnection.
The trainer focuses on procedural practice, including interactive Flight Management System free play, to build proficiency between simulator sessions and improve transfer to full-flight simulators and line operations. It supports the 737-8 MAX at launch and enables pilots to rehearse validated flight deck procedures during brief downtime.
Separately, Alaska Airlines is investing in Loft Dynamics through its Alaska Star Ventures arm to develop a full-motion Boeing 737 VR simulator. This hyper-realistic extended reality system, featuring six-degrees-of-freedom motion, 360-degree panoramic views, full-body pose tracking, and customizable scenarios, occupies just one-twelfth the space of traditional simulators. The device includes a virtual demonstration mode for recorded lessons and integration with the LoftSPATIAL app for Apple Vision Pro.
Alaska is providing flight operations expertise to Loft Dynamics. The completed VR simulator will be submitted to the FAA for approval in the coming years, with plans for installation at airline bases to supplement required training programs.