Varjo XR Technology Powers First-Ever EASA-Qualified Mixed Reality Flight Simulator by BRUNNER
Helsinki, Finland / Opfikon, Switzerland – June 4, 2025 – Varjo, the global leader in professional-grade mixed reality, today announced that its technology powers the first-ever mixed reality Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) qualified to European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards, marking a major milestone in the advancement and adoption of XR for civil aviation training.
Developed by Swiss simulation manufacturer BRUNNER Elektronik AG, the NOVASIM MR DA42 simulator is a Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer II (FNPT II) being deployed by Lufthansa Aviation Training. It replicates the Diamond DA42 aircraft, one of the most widely used models in civil aviation. At the heart of the simulator is the Varjo XR-4 Focal Edition headset, delivering a photorealistic mixed reality cockpit experience that blends real and virtual elements with human-eye resolution. The level of immersion and visual precision of the headset was critical in meeting the rigorous standards required for the EASA qualification under special conditions.
The certification marks a historic milestone: the first time mixed reality-based training is formally recognized for civilian flight hours in Europe, establishing a precedent for immersive technology adoption within civil aviation training environments.
“We are proud to lead the way in redefining aviation training by achieving the first-ever EASA qualification for a mixed reality simulator,” said Roger Klingler, CEO of BRUNNER Elektronik AG. “With the NOVASIM MR DA42, we’ve combined precision Swiss engineering with breakthrough XR technology to deliver a simulator that meets demanding regulatory standards while providing unmatched realism and flexibility in pilot training. This accomplishment is the result of close collaboration with Varjo, combining our expertise in simulation hardware and software integration with the cutting-edge visual fidelity of the Varjo XR-4 Focal Edition. “
“This is a milestone not only for Varjo and Brunner, but for the future of pilot training in civil aviation,” said Tristan Cotter, Global Head of Defense & Aerospace at Varjo. “With this certification, mixed reality is no longer a forward-looking concept, it’s a verified, scalable, and cost-effective solution ready to meet the operational demands of the industry today.”
“We have supported this pioneering project from the very beginning with conviction – contributing our expertise to the qualification process and the technical advancement of the mixed reality simulator,” said Manuel Meier, CEO at Lufthansa Aviation Training.
“As a leading provider of crew training in Europe, we consistently drive innovation in cabin and cockpit training, and this milestone supports that mission.”
With dynamic scene rendering and real-time response to pilot inputs while being able to use their typical physical controls, this Varjo-powered system delivers a significantly more immersive and effective training experience than traditional civil FNPT II simulators. Integrated eye tracking allows instructors to see exactly where trainees are looking during critical scenarios, providing insights into missed cues and decision-making that traditional systems can’t capture. By combining richer performance data with heightened realism, the simulator not only enhances training outcomes but also sets a new standard for the industry.
Amid growing pressure to modernize training and address the global pilot shortage, this milestone is expected to accelerate XR adoption and set the stage for further regulatory approvals.
Read more about the significance of regulatory certification for VR/XR-based flight simulators.
About Varjo
Varjo is the world-leading provider of enterprise virtual and mixed reality solutions, delivering the highest levels of immersion, performance, and security for the most demanding industrial customers globally. Used by over 25% of the Fortune 100 to transform how they operate, we are known for virtual and mixed reality that look and feel as real as the real world, allowing training astronauts and fighter jet pilots, designing cars, and conducting pioneering medical research across virtual environments.
Our hardware and software solutions integrate with the world’s largest ecosystem of professional 3D software, image generators, and advanced simulator hardware. With Varjo’s offering, including the latest XR-4 Series and the government-compliant XR-4 Secure Edition, professionals can recreate the exact feeling and conditions of real life in 3D, allowing them to work faster, better and more cost effectively. When we’re done, computers will look and feel nothing like they do today.
