Case Study: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines builds immersive VR cockpit training with Unity

How KLM Royal Dutch Airlines built a VR cockpit trainer with XR technology

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, together with KLM Cityhopper, needed a faster, more scalable way to train pilots while keeping training materials current, flexible, and accessible across different formats. Working with Unity, the airline looked to modernize outdated training methods and reduce the time and cost associated with updating simulation content.

Using Unity Engine and Unity Asset Manager, KLM’s XR Center of Excellence built the KLM Cityhopper Virtual Reality Cockpit Trainer for the Embraer E175 and E190, creating immersive cockpit, 360-degree video, and virtual walkaround experiences. Unity helped accelerate prototyping, reduce iteration time, and improve visual quality and customization; the training now supports about 20 pilots trained monthly, and KLM is exploring future multiplayer capabilities.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Theo Puijk

XR Lead Developer