Aero EDIH is involved in supporting an initiative from SDL Airport in Sundsvall – Timrå
They are bringing together six regional airports from south to north in an exciting project on virtual training.
The participating airports are:
- Midlanda Airport AB (SDL Airport, Sundsvall Timrå)
- Scandinavian Mountains Airport AB
- Örnsköldsvik Airport AB
- Norrköping Airport AB
- Kalmar Öland Airport AB
- Jönköping Airport AB
About the Project
The project aims to develop a training module for Sweden’s regional airports, based on a newly developed platform for Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR), with a strong focus on user-friendliness.
This new technology enables Sweden’s regional airports to conduct joint remote training more frequently, simulating situations and environments that better reflect real-world conditions than before—without the need to physically construct training environments for each session. By allowing airports to easily participate in joint exercises, shared knowledge can be built more efficiently. In 2025, the project will develop a training module for testing and evaluation before any further decisions are made regarding future implementation.
”This is an excellent example of how digital solutions can strengthen the competitiveness of small airports,” says Hans Siljebäck from Aero EDIH.
”And this is exactly the kind of initiative we at Aero EDIH want to support,” agrees Tomas Westlund, also from Aero EDIH.
Interview – Sundsvall Airport
Maria Öhlén, Education Manager, has worked at Sundsvall Airport for 25 years and shares her perspective on the potential and challenges of the project:
You explored a virtual solution a few years ago – What prevented you from moving forward with the project at the time?
It all started eight years ago when we were considering how to develop the training unit and offer something unique that no other airport had. That was when we discovered VR and realised its exciting potential. It felt like a fantastic opportunity to create something truly innovative! Unfortunately, the technology was still relatively new at the time, and the high costs prevented us from moving forward with the idea.
What are the biggest challenges for regional airports when it comes to training and education?
The biggest challenge is the extensive training required to maintain competence. Recurring training sessions are conducted every two years, with competency checks in between.
For someone with long-standing experience, this can mean up to 15 different training courses that must be repeated biennially. Additionally, at airports with low traffic, it can be a challenge to regularly carry out the practical elements of the training.
Is it important for multiple airports to be involved in a project like this?
Yes, collaboration is always a strength, as solutions rarely come from just one person. It is crucial that we can discuss and challenge each other by asking: What do we really want? By working together, we can develop solutions that more people can review, refine, and find valuable.
What types of scenarios do you think can be simulated using VR/MR?
Many of the scenarios included in practical fire training could be simulated using VR/MR technology. This could involve practising tasks such as deploying a hose, extinguishing a fire, driving a fire engine, or applying a pressure bandage during first aid training. However, these simulations rarely replace physical exercises entirely, as regulations require them to be conducted in real life. Instead, VR/MR serves as a valuable complement to traditional training.
If an assessor supervises the simulation and can determine whether the participant is acting correctly, some practical elements might potentially be excluded. However, there are situations where hands-on experience remains crucial—for example, exercises involving pressurised fuel. A key aspect of such training is experiencing the intense heat, something that cannot be fully replicated in a simulation. To avoid shock in a real-life scenario, it is essential to gain firsthand experience of what it actually feels like to be exposed to the heat of a fire.
What advantages do you see in using VR/MR compared to traditional training?
One advantage is the opportunity to familiarise oneself with the technology before encountering real-life situations. Practising in a safe environment helps build confidence in handling different tasks, even though unexpected events may still arise in reality.
VR can be utilised both theoretically in a classroom setting and practically at a training site, allowing the focus to remain entirely on learning. Maria believes that training could become both shorter and more efficient if it starts with VR exercises before moving on to practical training. This way, participants already have prior experience and feel more confident when it comes time to perform the tasks in real-life scenarios.
Can VR/MR help smaller airports maintain and improve their preparedness and safety?
At Sundsvall Airport, there is a secondary school programme specialising in aircraft technology, where students gain practical experience on the ramp. The airport has fewer departures than Arlanda and currently offers three daily departures with SAS. In April, charter flights will also begin operating.
Maria sees VR/MR as an excellent complement, allowing instructors and assessors to oversee students’ training in a realistic, simulated environment. Through VR/MR, students can, for example, practise connecting an aircraft or carrying out manual passenger security checks—tasks that are difficult to fully master through web-based or theoretical training alone.
Having theoretical knowledge is one thing, but hands-on experience is crucial, particularly in areas such as field operations, fire safety, ramp services, and security personnel duties. With VR/MR, individuals can train and refine their skills in an interactive and realistic setting, enhancing their overall preparedness.
Can this training system be expanded to more airports in the future?
Maria develops web-based training programmes for ramp operations, and currently, 14 airports purchase training from Sundsvall Airport. For these airports, VR/MR would serve as a valuable complement to theoretical training, enabling a more comprehensive and interactive training package.
Security personnel training, which is currently conducted primarily online, could also benefit from VR/MR. However, due to confidentiality requirements, certain aspects must still be carried out in person. A digital solution could simplify and streamline parts of the training process while maintaining necessary security protocols.
At present, only Sundsvall, Karlstad, and Kalmar airports offer instructor-led fire training on-site. This means that personnel from other airports must travel to these locations. By integrating VR/MR into training programmes, the need for physical travel could be reduced, making learning more accessible, flexible, and efficient for a wider range of airports.
Do you see any challenges in implementing and maintaining this technology in the long term?
The biggest challenges include:
- Lack of knowledge – Understanding how the technology works and how to use it effectively can be a barrier.
- Logistics – Should the technology be used as a complement to web-based training? Can it be adapted to existing environments? Do different airports use different VR headsets? Is there technically skilled personnel available on-site?
- Economy – What are the costs associated with the technology, and is it a reasonable, feasible, and sustainable investment?
“We live in an exciting world! What started as a fun idea eight years ago is now something we are actively discussing and working towards making a reality – and that is truly amazing. I believe that VR/MR can become a valuable complement to other training methods and help strengthen opportunities for us at smaller airports,” says Maria Öhlén.
