By Emma Levin
Virtual reality (VR) in aviation isn’t exactly new—flight simulators have been around for decades. Augmented reality (AR) has shaped the field too, from head-up displays (HUD) to synthetic training environments. But in 2025, both are stepping into bigger roles.
With the AR/VR aviation market expected to grow by 38 percent by 2033, the industry is ready to innovate. That means smarter training, better maintenance tools, and more engaging passenger experiences. Whether you’re in the cockpit, on the tarmac, or just buckling your seatbelt, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR and VR) are changing the way the aviation industry works.
Here’s where augmented and virtual reality are headed in aviation this year—and what that could mean for you.
Where AR and VR in Aviation Are Headed Next
From immersive pilot training to elevated passenger experiences, augmented and virtual reality in aviation is moving fast. As far as real-world use cases go, airlines and aircraft manufacturers are already using AR/VR to train crews, sell flights, and redefine customer service. Let’s take a quick look at how VR aviation and augmented reality in aerospace will shape the skies in 2025.
Faster, smarter flight training
With commercial air travel on the rise, airlines need better ways to train pilots and cabin crews—fast. Enter VR training. Some simulators replicate the entire flight deck, from instruments to radio comms, giving trainees full sensory context. Advanced VR flight control systems mimic real-life inputs to train pilots with accuracy.
VR is a tool for improving aviation safety through better simulation and repetition. For example, VR is ideal for practicing abort scenarios since it’s a demo scenario that poses no safety risk.
Qantas and Lufthansa are ahead of the curve. Pilots train using VR headsets that replicate real-world scenarios with full motion tracking. Qantas is opening a new Sydney Ground Training Facility in 2026, designed to speed up pilot training across all its airlines with dedicated VR spaces. Lufthansa has already trained 20,000 crew members using VR simulation and virtual environments, particularly for high-stress emergency scenarios that are hard to simulate in real aircraft.
A more engaging customer experience
AR and VR tech are also transforming the passenger journey. At places like Munich Airport and Emirates Airline lounges, robotic attendants greet travelers.
Onboard, augmented and virtual reality are leveling up in-flight entertainment. Lufthansa’s new Extended Reality Inflight Experience offers Allegris Business Class Suite passengers a mix of AR and VR content—think interactive games, virtual tours, and 360-degree films. They’re all included in the ticket price, too, making the premium cabin an even more luxe experience. Expect more airlines to follow, using tech to boost loyalty and upgrade the premium experience.
Improved pilot training for eVTOLs
Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft are gaining real ground, especially for short-haul, city-to-city travel. They have the potential to be completely autonomous, but today’s models still rely on remote pilots.
As eVTOL aircraft grow in popularity, there’s a growing need for trained pilots—even in partially autonomous models. That’s where virtual reality in aviation comes in. Loft Dynamics, now working with Dufour Aerospace, offers the only FAA-approved VR simulator, making eVTOL training faster, safer, and more scalable.
AR tools are also increasingly being used in aircraft maintenance, offering real-time diagnostics and step-by-step overlays.
Better marketing and sales tools
VR isn’t just for the cockpit. Sales teams are using it to showcase private jets, cabin layouts, and custom amenities—no hangar visit required.
Tools like Apple Vision Pro bring AR and VR together, letting customers explore travel experiences and make real-time changes—all before takeoff. From promoting special travel destinations through immersive experiences to requesting real-time customization in-flight, AR and VR aviation make it easier to close deals faster and with fewer questions asked.
What’s holding AR/VR back in aviation?
As promising as augmented and virtual reality in aviation are, there are still hurdles to clear before these tools become the industry standard.
- Upfront costs: Virtual reality in aviation comes with a steep price tag. For smaller airlines, the cost of implementation may feel out of reach, widening the gap between larger carriers and independent operators.
- Tech limitations: Lag time, data integration issues, and hardware constraints can slow down progress. AR and VR technology is evolving fast—but it’s not perfect. Continued investment is key to overcoming hardware and software limitations.
- Regulatory red tape: Augmented reality in aviation maintenance and training must meet strict safety and compliance standards. Until regulations catch up, adoption could be slower than the tech’s potential.
Will AR/VR replace flight training hours this year?
Short answer: not anytime soon. The FAA doesn’t count virtual reality training toward official pilot hours, but schools and airlines are still using it to speed up learning.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s VR program, for example, helped some students cut the time to their first solo flight by 30%. While virtual reality in aviation won’t replace real flight time, it’s becoming a powerful supplement—helping students build confidence and reduce anxiety before they ever leave the ground.
As augmented and virtual reality in aviation continue to evolve, keep an eye out for faster training, stronger preparedness, and ultimately, safer flights.
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