Fraport AG, the operator of Frankfurt Airport, and AeroGround Flughafen München GmbH, a wholly-owned ground handling subsidiary of Flughafen München GmbH (the operator of Munich Airport), have developed a joint virtual reality (VR) training tool for ground handling operations. 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.
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 München 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, emphasized: “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. Thanks to our training platform, exercises and training content can be developed and shared in a standardized way. This gives employees easy access to interactive training environments, thus enabling them to be fully prepared for their first day on the job.”
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. More information about the online platform is available on Innoactive’s website at 
Communications Manager – Cargo and Ground Handling (on parental leave)
Fraport AG
Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide
60547 Frankfurt / Main
Germany
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