Qatar Airways leads the adoption of virtual reality into aviation ground operations training as IATA’s global launch partner of RampVR™

• Airline innovates to establish global best-practice training and safety standards on airport ramps on its worldwide network
• RampVR™ is the world’s first virtual reality training tool for aviation ground operations

DOHA, Qatar, 2018-Sep-07 — /Travel PR News/ — Qatar Airways is leading the adoption of virtual reality into aviation ground operations training, as IATA’s global launch partner of RampVR™. The award-winning system pioneered by IATA, utilises the latest virtual-reality technology to simulate real airside conditions for ground handling and ground service operator training. The RampVR™ system is being used by Qatar Airways’ Talent Development department to train its ground operations teams.

In a major innovation in aviation ground operations training, the airline’s Talent Development decision-makers have taken the global lead by being the first to implement the new technology at their Doha-based training headquarters. The new system is being used to train airside operational and management staff through immersion into a real-time, live experience, while being in a safe and controlled training environment.

In another major innovation the specialised training division is launching a newly developed Airport Managers Performance Programme to all of the airline’s airport managers across the globe, where the RampVR™ system will be utilised to enhance aircraft turnaround checks to maximise efficiency and ensure optimal safety of aircraft on the ramp.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “As the world’s leading innovative airline, we are always looking at new technology that will keep us ahead of our competitors. Utilising RampVR™, we are the worlds’ first airline to partner with IATA in launching this Virtual Reality system, which brings an immersive and safe way of training our staff to the highest standards.”

IATA’s Senior Vice President, Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security, Mr. Nick Careen, said: “Talent Development is essential to making our industry safe, secure and sustainable. Innovative technology is the key. VR in the learning context increases knowledge retention by as much as four times while improving motivation and engagement. VR is here to stay and we are already considering expanding its use in different training areas. We value the guidance and expertise that Qatar Airways bring to this strategic tools future development and applications.”

Ramp VR™ can be programmed to simulate all light, weather, hazard and operational conditions in which staff members can find themselves, and create an endless variety of problem-solving opportunities while trainees are immersed in a ‘real’ ramp environment.  The technology allows for the immediate practical application and embedding of theory while staff are still in the training environment, eliminating any safety risk to staff and aircraft. Qatar Airways is using the ‘Aircraft Turnaround Check’ and ‘Marshalling’ training modules, the first of a suite of modules that covers a wide range of aviation training needs with reduced time and training costs. IATA project staff meet regularly with Qatar Airways Talent Development’s team to review training results and plan future developments.

RampVR™ is a key tool in IATA’s ‘Ramp of the Future’ initiative, recognising the need for rapidly increasing the knowledge and skills of all ground operations staff as well as providing a global standard of safety and operational best practices. ‘Ramp of the Future’ aims to accelerate the modernisation of processes aligned with a common vision for the future of ground operations, and relies on increased collaboration from all stakeholders.

While Qatar Airways has a strong record of participation in IATA initiatives and working groups, this new partnership will be of far-reaching benefit to aviation industry members globally.

Earlier this year, Qatar Airways revealed a host of upcoming new global destinations, including the announcement that it will be the first Gulf carrier to begin direct service to Luxembourg. Other exciting new destinations to be launched by the airline include Gothenburg, Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; Valletta, Malta; and Da Nang, Vietnam.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’.

Notes to Editors:

About Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is celebrating more than 20 years of Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations. The world’s fastest-growing airline will add a number of exciting new destinations to its growing network in 2018, including Tallinn, Estonia; Valletta, Malta and many more, flying passengers on board its modern fleet of more than 200 aircraft.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat,’ ‘Best Airline in the Middle East,’ and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge.’

Qatar Airways is a member of the oneworld global alliance. The award-winning alliance was named the World’s Best Airline Alliance 2015 by Skytrax for the third year running. Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance, oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.

Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.

Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways, the official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting events, including the FIFA 2018 and 2022 World Cups, reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message – Going Places Together.

Qatar Airways Cargo, the world’s third largest international cargo carrier, serves more than 60 freighter destinations worldwide via its world-class Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 150 key business and leisure destinations globally with more than 200 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet includes eight Airbus A330 freighters, 13 Boeing 777 freighters and two Boeing 747-8 freighters.

For further information, please contact:

Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +974 4022 2200

Source: Qatar Airways

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