On October 4, 2024, ANA started using ATRAS, a virtual reality (VR) simulator for ground handling trainining, at Tokyo Haneda Airport. The airline gradually plans to roll the system out to other airports.
ATRAS, which stands for “ANA Training System,” was developed jointly by the airline and Tsumiki Seisaku, an extended reality (XR) content production company. It allows ANA staff to practice four types of situations: aircraft pushback and towing, passenger boarding bridge use, snow and ice prevention, and special vehicle (towing tractor, belt loader, etc.) driving.
The system supports all aircraft types operated by ANA and currently has the ability to simulate scenarios at Tokyo Haneda, Nagoya Chubu, Matsuyama, and Naha airports, with more set to come later. It allows users to select from multiple time of the day and weather combinations and to simulate a variety of unexpected situations.
According to the statement, in addition to allowing ANA to secure more training staff for its staff, ATRAS can do so more efficiently, without the need for an actual aircraft and with only the trainee and an instructor instead of the instructor and two training assistant required when practicing on an actual aircraft.
Japan is currently facing a shortage of ground handling staff and ANA sees the new system as one way to mitigate it.
