Varjo, a global leader in professional mixed reality, has announced that its technology powers the first certified mixed reality flight simulator (FSTD) according to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards. This marks a major step forward in the application of extended reality (XR) for civil aviation training.
This revolutionary simulator, named Novasim MR DA42, was developed by the Swiss company Brunner Elektronik AG and will be used by Lufthansa Aviation Training. The simulator replicates the popular Diamond DA42 aircraft, with the Varjo XR-4 Focal Edition headset serving as a key component, delivering photorealistic mixed reality with human-eye resolution. The high level of immersion and visual precision was crucial in meeting EASA’s stringent standards.
This certification represents a historic moment—the first time in Europe that mixed reality has been officially approved for pilot training, opening the door to broader adoption of immersive technologies in the aviation sector.
Roger Klingler, CEO of BRUNNER Elektronik AG, emphasized: “I am proud that we have set new standards in pilot training with the first EASA-certified mixed reality simulator. The NOVASIM MR DA42 combines precise Swiss engineering with revolutionary XR technology, providing realistic and flexible training that meets strict regulations. This is the result of outstanding collaboration with Varjo.”
Tristan Cotter, Global Head of Defense & Aviation at Varjo, added: “This is not only a milestone for us and BRUNNER but also the future of pilot training. Mixed reality is no longer just a concept—it has become a proven, cost-effective, and scalable solution.”
Manuel Meier, Director of Lufthansa Aviation Training, highlighted his company’s role in the project: “From the very beginning, we have supported this pioneering initiative, contributing our expertise to the certification process and the technical development of simulations. As Europe’s leading crew training provider, we continuously drive innovation in aviation training.”
This simulator enables dynamic real-time scenario visualization while using actual flight controls, making it significantly more effective than traditional FNPT II devices. Integrated eye-tracking helps instructors analyze pilot responses in critical situations, providing more detailed data than ever before.
With increasing pressure to modernize training and address the global pilot shortage, this certification is expected to act as a catalyst for broader adoption of XR technology in the aviation industry.
