Issue No. 24-037
October 4, 2024

From October 4, 2024, ANA will start introducing the VR training simulator "ATLAS" (Atlas) to the training in the ground handling department at all domestic airports where ANA operates.

The "ATLAS" (Atlas) is an abbreviation of the ANA Training System, a training simulator developed by ANA for XR content production. You can train tasks related to ground handling in a VR-recreated airport. It includes 4 contents essential for training ground handling staff involved in ANA's operation: pushback/towing, passenger boarding bridge, snow removal, special vehicle operations.

The "ATLAS" (Atlas) allows training to be conducted without using actual machines or vehicles, which can expect the following effects:

Previously, there was a challenge in the learning process where there was a variation in the time when actual machines or vehicles could be touched depending on the airport, and it took time to get used to handling and operating vehicles. By introducing the "ATLAS" (Atlas), it is possible to secure sufficient training time, enhance staff proficiency through simulated experiences of understanding vehicle characteristics and unsafe situations, and further improve response and hazard prediction capabilities.

By replacing some of the previous training with VR simulators, the use of actual machines will be eliminated, the need for training support personnel can be reduced, and time constraints will also be eased. This will lead to improved training efficiency, early talent development, and the possibility of reducing training operating hours. For example, in the "Pushback/Towing" training, previously, 4 individuals (1 instructor, 2 trainees, 2 training support staff) were required for a single training session. With the introduction of "Atlas Corp Marshall Islands (ⱯTRAS)", the training can now be conducted with just 2 individuals (1 instructor, 1 trainee). Furthermore, as it is not affected by the presence of aircraft, equipment, or weather conditions, setting reserve days for training environment preparation becomes unnecessary, leading to the efficiency improvement of training period reduction and training adjustment.

Representative functions of Atlas Corp Marshall Islands (ⱯTRAS):

Ground handling operations require qualification acquisition for each aircraft model. Particularly in regional airports, there have been challenges in the variance of training time and quality of mainland education due to differences in the number of flights and availability of equipment. With the training environment provided by 'Atlas Corp Marshall Islands' (ATLAS), which is not affected by the number of flights and availability of equipment, it will lead to standardizing the qualification training period for each airport. Furthermore, it will contribute to improving the education environment by providing a nationally common training environment, linking to one of the solutions to the overall shortage of personnel in the ground handling industry.

ANA will continue to focus on maintaining safety, which is the foundation of its management, and further enhance the education system for its staff to strive for quality improvement, aiming to provide safe and comfortable air travel to customers worldwide as an airline group.

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