Why the future of flight simulation lies with agile innovators

 

For decades, the flight training industry has been dominated by two giants, whose presence in the market has long shaped the standards and pace of innovation in the sector. While this supports a large number of training organisations, there is a shift under way. One that is challenging this status quo and reshaping the industry’s future.

This transformation is being driven by smaller, more agile companies who are not only stepping up to meet the demands of modern aviation but redefining what’s possible in flight training and simulation technology.

At AXIS Flight Simulation, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this change.

Evolving the status quo

A monopoly or duopoly model (where one or two major players dominate) can bring stability, but it also often stifles innovation.

In an industry where safety, precision and adaptability are paramount, this can leave aircraft operators, pilots and airlines underserved. The aviation sector is evolving rapidly. It now faces challenges ranging from sustainability pressures and changing pilot demographics to emerging aircraft technologies. The tools used to teach the next generation of pilots must evolve just as quickly.

Smaller simulation providers, such as AXIS Flight Simulation, are better positioned to respond to these industry shifts. We can pivot faster, innovate freely and work closer with our customers.

This was most recently seen with the growing adoption of digital learning tools, advancements in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), and the increasing demand for competency-based training models, which spurred on the development of our VPT (Virtual Procedure Trainer).

Developed in response to the growing demand for more accessible, high-fidelity teaching solutions, the VPT combines immersive visuals, realistic cockpit interaction and intuitive software architecture. It was designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and full flight simulation. It leverages hand and eye-tracking technologies, a built in AI instructor, and advanced flight software based on the same core architecture as our Level D full flight simulators (FFS), ensuring a consistent and scalable learning experience.

Agility to go beyond pilot training

Kore University of Enna in Sicily is using an AXIS-built Level D full flight simulator as a platform for research into human performance, pilot workload and flight safety.

Led by Professor Andrea Alaimo, the university’s team conducts studies under high-stress and abnormal conditions using biometric data to explore pilot behaviour and scenarios that would be impossible to test in real aircraft.

What makes this partnership possible is AXIS’s flexibility. As a smaller manufacturer, we were able to tailor the simulator to meet both training and research needs, enabling Kore’s involvement in national and international research projects.

As Professor Alaimo notes: “This partnership shows how simulation can go beyond training and become a powerful research and innovation tool.”

Innovation with intent

While different approaches work for different companies, a growing number of operators are recognising the benefits of this approach. Working with a nimbler partner means shorter development cycles, more transparent communication and solutions individualised to specific requirements, rather than pre-packaged systems designed for yesterday’s problems.

From tailored engineering support to enhanced visual systems and scalable FFS architecture, smaller, more dynamic organisations are leading the way in delivering training solutions that are not just fit for purpose but future ready.