Augmented and Virtual Reality in Aviation

Augmented and Virtual Reality in Aviation

Augmented and Virtual Reality in Aviation are used for predictive maintenance, remote assistance, visualization of maintenance issues, training purposes, and flight simulation for realistic scenarios. These technologies have provided interactive modules for immersive training scenarios for engineers and technicians. Additionally, various safety procedures and real-time guidance for crew and ground staff can also be provided with the help of AI and VR technologies, due to which the market has witnessed a sizeable growth in the recent growth.

The Global Augmented and Virtual Reality in Aviation market was valued at USD 527.55 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a strong CAGR of around 49.04% during the forecast period (2024-2032). One of the key factors that has remarkably supported the integration of the AR and VR solutions market in aviation is the integration of digital cockpits and head-up displays. These displays are integrated with the new generation of aircraft to overlay critical flight information such as navigation data, airspeed, engine temperature, fuel, and altitude directly in the pilot’s view. Many of the aviation companies have started integrating the head-Up displays to offer such functionality to provide a compressive field of view to the pilot and offer better situational awareness. For instance, in 2024, the government of Singapore announced its plans to purchase 8 new F35 aircraft. This purchase would be on top of an earlier 12 F35A aircraft purchase signed by the government of Singapore.

In another instance, in 2024, the government of Germany announced its plans to purchase 20 additional Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft (4.5 generation) by the end of 2025.

The demand for a unified field of view along with the integration of majority of functions in the aircraft’s display the demand for AI and VR integration in the systems has massively emerged.

Considering the rising demand for next-generation aircraft across the globe to strengthen air forces, the demand for virtual cockpits based on AI and VR technologies is anticipated to rise in the coming period. Additionally, a large number of countries are planning to upgrade their old-generation aircraft with next-generation aircraft, which would be conducive to improving the demand for AI and VR both for in-flight displays and training purposes.

• Based on Technology, the augmented and virtual reality in the aviation market is bifurcated into augmented reality and virtual reality. Of these, augmented reality has held the major market share due to its increasing usage in training purposes for pilots, crew, and ground staff. Additionally, augmented reality offers an added overlay of vision on the existing vision of the pilots, which provides a realistic scenario of training in different environments. Augmented reality offers various advantages such as integration with the existing systems, hand-free operation, real-time information overlay, enhanced maintenance efficiency, safety, and accuracy while repair tasks, extensive usage in training scenarios, as well as helping to ensure compliance with stringent aviation regulations by providing documented procedures, checklists, and audit trails of maintenance activities.
• Based on the function, the global Augmented and Virtual Reality in Aviation market has been segmented into training and operations. Considering the shift in aircraft cockpits, there is a growing need to offer simulation-based training. As new-generation aircraft are equipped with digital systems focused on visual representation for the access of controls, there is a rising demand for flight simulation training. This training solution based on AR and VR could provide a realistic scenario and help the aviation and military industry to save costs spent on actual training. Operational training is another facet of AR and VR in the aviation industry, which is done for the predictive maintenance and repair work through visual representation of an actual aircraft. This technology is in a growing phase as a considerable number of aircraft are still from the older generation, and there is a lack of skilled staff for deploying, using, and maintaining such systems. However, with the shift in the aviation industry, the operational segment would be integrated at a faster pace and exhibit a faster growth rate.
• For a better understanding of the market adoption of Augmented and Virtual Reality in aviation, the Global Augmented and Virtual Reality in Aviation market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Of these, the North American region held the largest share in 2023. North America has a vast aviation industry, and it is looking forward to comprehensively supporting research & development around aviation challenges and their potential technological solutions. Additionally, the region is home to some of the largest manufacturers of commercial and military jets and aerospace crafts across the globe. Considering the vast volume of production, the region is further anticipated to dominate the demand for Augmented and Virtual Reality in Aviation in the coming period.
• Some of the major players operating in the market include Microsoft Corporation, Google Inc., Eon Reality, Aero Glass, Honeywell International Inc., Sita, IBM, Bohemia Interactive Solutions, Oculus VR, and Elbit Systems Ltd.