VR Training for Airline Staff: A Case of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Abstract

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has adopted virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance pilot and cabin crew training, offering flexible, immersive simulations for cockpit procedures, fire drills, and reintegration after absence. VR allows pilots to rehearse maneuvers and pre-flight checks remotely, while cabin crew practice emergency scenarios and daily routines in realistic environments. These innovations improve training effectiveness and staff confidence. However, challenges remain: developing realistic VR software is costly, simulations may not fully capture real-life variables, and KLM’s VR pilot training is not yet recognized by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, limiting its official acceptance and broader implementation.