Project summary
Ground handling typically covers all elements involved with the ‘turnaround’ of an aircraft and is a significant and critical part of the aviation industry. However, ground handling is largely unregulated with limited oversight. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) believes opportunities exist to improve safety and engagement with Ground Handling Service Providers operating in UK aerodromes. The CAA ran consultations in 2024-25 and are currently developing proposals for new regulation to come into effect in late 2026.
When these new regulations are agreed, there will be an urgent need to train Ground Handling Service Providers. However, training ground handling crews can be dangerous, and resource intensive. Teaching a person to marshal a Boeing 737, requires a full aircrew, large, secure, space, and a considerable amount of jet fuel. If the training does not go to plan, the results can range from damage to buildings and aircraft, to accidental death of trainees or bystanders.
This AKT will prove the viability and requirements for virtual ground crew training. It will provide the Norwich-based SME, Saxon Air, access to the Norwich University of the Arts-based, “Immersive Visualisation and Simulation Lab”, a “world-class lab”, funded by UKRI, as well as developing a new link between the SME and the university’s Institute for Creative Technologies.
Innovation
This project represents a significant innovation in aviation ground handling training through the development of the first immersive Virtual Reality (VR) platform specifically designed for Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) conducting aircraft marshalling and related airside activities. Despite operating in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment, there is currently no globally available immersive training solution tailored to this area of aviation operations.
Current training relies heavily on supervised, on-the-job learning in live operational environments, limiting opportunities for consistent, repeatable, and risk-free experience. The proposed platform addresses this gap by creating realistic, scenario-based VR simulations that replicate operational pressures, environmental conditions, hazards, distractions, and human factors encountered during day-to-day airside operations. A key feature of the platform is the integration of consequence-based learning and behavioural safety principles. Trainees will be able to experience, assess, and respond to safety-critical incidents that cannot be safely replicated in live environments.
The project will deliver a proof of concept for a scalable commercial product with the potential to become a globally deployable solution, addressing a recognised gap in aviation airside safety training.
Funded by InnovateUK
