Boeing has unveiled its latest digital innovation — the Virtual Airplane Procedures Trainer (VAPT) — at the European Aviation Training Summit, signaling a major step forward in next-generation flight training technology. Powered by Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Flight Simulator, the new platform delivers immersive, accessible, and customizable experiences for pilots and training teams, redefining how aviation professionals learn and prepare for real-world operations.
According to Boeing Global Services Chief Executive Officer Chris Raymond, the launch of Virtual Airplane marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of flight training. He emphasized that the software will significantly transform how and when pilots and operators conduct training sessions, giving them greater flexibility and efficiency. The platform, Raymond said, reflects Boeing’s strong commitment to digital innovation and its ongoing mission to enhance aviation training and safety through cutting-edge technology.
The Virtual Airplane Procedures Trainer is the first application within Boeing’s broader Virtual Airplane product suite, developed to provide a realistic and adaptable environment for pilot instruction. It enables flight training teams to conduct advanced flight-deck practice in a virtual setting, reducing reliance on traditional simulators while improving the quality and accessibility of training.
Among its key features are high-fidelity 3D simulations, allowing pilots to experience lifelike flight-deck environments using lightweight devices. This helps standardize training programs, minimize simulator familiarization time, and improve readiness before transitioning to full-scale flight training devices.
In addition, the platform comes with an intuitive authoring tool that gives training operators complete control over content creation and management. The tool enables users to author, customize, and distribute lessons across their training programs seamlessly. Airlines can instantly update or modify procedures across their pilot pools, ensuring that crews are always aligned with the latest operational standards and protocols.
Chris Broom, Vice-President of Boeing Global Services’ Commercial Training Solutions, said the introduction of Virtual Airplane underscores Boeing’s continued dedication to enhancing pilot training and aviation safety. He added that the product empowers pilots to sharpen their skills while giving operators the flexibility to design tailored lessons suited to both individual and organizational needs.
Boeing developed the VAPT in close collaboration with Microsoft, leveraging the tech giant’s expertise in cloud computing and immersive simulation. Dayan Rodriguez, Corporate Vice President for Manufacturing and Mobility at Microsoft, noted that the partnership aims to advance the future of flight by accelerating learning, optimizing pilot confidence, and maintaining safety as the core focus of innovation.
Currently, the Virtual Airplane platform is available for use on computers and iPad devices for the Boeing 737 MAX, with additional aircraft models expected to be added soon.
As one of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers and top U.S. exporters, Boeing continues to push the boundaries of innovation across commercial aviation, defense, and space exploration. With a global workforce and customer base spanning more than 150 countries, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to safety, quality, integrity, and sustainability as it shapes the next era of flight training and technology.