Brussels Airlines becomes launch customer for new VR pilot training within Lufthansa Group

Brussels Airlines has become the first Lufthansa Group airline to implement a new Virtual Reality (VR)-based pilot training solution, marking a significant innovation milestone in aviation training.

In a collaboration spanning over two years, Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) and Airbus developed the new “Virtual Procedure Trainer” (VPT), which is now being used by Brussels Airlines as part of the A320 Type Rating program. From 2 to 4 July, two flight crews from the Belgian carrier successfully completed part of their training using VR, replacing traditional Flat Panel Trainer (FPT) sessions and without requiring instructor supervision.

Unlike conventional training tools, the VPT offers a fully immersive 3D cockpit environment that enables pilots to independently rehearse standard procedures, build muscle memory, and enhance situational awareness—leading to improved efficiency and reduced infrastructure requirements.

“This innovation highlights our agility and commitment to excellence in training our crews,” said Captain Dave van Buynder, Nominated Person Crew Training at Brussels Airlines. “We’re proud to be the frontrunners in bringing this future-focused training method to life.”

Brussels Airlines’ early adoption of this cutting-edge technology is expected to pave the way for wider implementation across all ten A320 operators in the Lufthansa Group. Plans are also underway to expand the system for abnormal procedures and additional aircraft types such as the A330 and A350.

Lufthansa Aviation Training aims to offer the technology to external training customers in the near future, further establishing VR as a standard in modern aviation training.