Nuremberg Airport introduces virtual reality training for apron staff

Nuremberg Airport has introduced virtual reality training for its apron staff. Before new employees are allowed to marshal aircraft, operate special vehicles or load baggage, they must complete extensive theoretical and practical instruction, and VR headsets are now part of that preparation.

The airport says about 50 new employees are trained each year for ramp service operations. Existing staff also take refresher courses.

Ramp services trainer Erkan Catoglu said the training used to be a day of theory followed by practical application. Trainees now use headsets and joysticks to work through scenarios in a virtual airport environment modelled on real conditions.

Modules cover the safe handling of arriving aircraft, operation of baggage conveyor belts and ground power units, driving tow tractors, pushback procedures and communication with the cockpit. The scenarios deliberately include critical situations that could otherwise lead to accidents. In the virtual setting, mistakes cause no injuries and no damage to aircraft.

Catoglu said the aim is for trainees to overcome their fears and practise new tasks without risk. The simulation, he said, helps them learn to make the right decisions under pressure.

The training solution comes from Draxon GmbH, a Cologne-based company specialising in simulation-based training for airport ground handling operations.