AI-powered Airbus A320 simulator launches near Gatwick

A new Airbus A320 flight simulator equipped with artificial intelligence has been introduced at a training facility near Gatwick Airport, offering both professional and non-professional pilots an advanced training environment.

The simulator integrates AI-driven air traffic control, virtual ground and cabin crew, and a high-fidelity flight dynamics model to create a realistic cockpit experience. Unlike traditional fixed-base simulators, it features multiple haptic transducers that provide sensory feedback in response to aircraft movements and states.

Designed to enhance aviation training, the AI capabilities offer uninterrupted gate-to-gate air traffic control coverage and real-time coordination with virtual crew members. These features allow pilots to practice communication, workload management, and decision-making in a dynamic and controlled setting.

For early-career pilots, the simulator introduces real-world operational complexity, helping them develop Crew Resource Management (CRM) skills. CRM training focuses on communication, situational awareness, and conflict resolution, all critical elements for flight deck coordination. By incorporating AI, the system provides measurable feedback on CRM performance, ensuring pilots are better prepared for real-life scenarios.

Managing Director Hani Nabeel stated that the introduction of AI into flight simulation represents a step forward in pilot training, offering a more immersive and responsive learning environment.

The facility’s developers aim to set a new standard in aviation training, with AI-driven enhancements providing a closer approximation to real-world flight operations.