In today's rapidly developing world, technological advancements have become a key driving factor for enhancing airlines’ safety and training. With increasing emphasis on advanced technology, aviation industry leaders across the world have started to expand their business reach by means of partnering with tech firms.
A similar instance occurred recently when Alaska Airlines reportedly entered into a partnership with Seeing Machines, an advanced computer vision technology firm with expertise in transportation safety, to develop an advanced gaze tracking technology.
According to reliable sources, this technology would enable the two companies to comprehend how pilots scan and monitor instruments during instrument procedures and complex maneuvers. The collaboration has also developed a proof of concept (PoC) for the Crew Training System of Seeking Machine in Alaska’s Boeing 737 Full Flight Simulator environment.
For a uninitiated, Alaska Airlines is the fifth largest airline in the U.S. and is the torchbearer in aviation technology, safety, and training.
Whereas Australia-based Seeing Machines is into the business of developing advanced technologies that enable machines to understand, see and assist people. The company’s eye tracking and AI-driven head technology have already been used across various industries to improve safety across application in rail, mining and road transport.
Commenting on the partnership, Captain Jeff Severns, Director of Training at Alaska Airlines, said that their company is excited about this partnership and is looking forward to seeing the capabilities of this technology to enhance safety and support better training options.
As for Patrick Nolan, General Manager, Aviation, Seeing Machines, this relationship would offer direct insights into Airbus and Boeing aircraft type fight training operations across diverse networks and would vastly help Alaska Airlines and the aviation industry.
As per sources, the non-intrusive crew training system of Seeing Machines could provide objective, evidence-based data to Alaska’s flight instructors and pilots to offers insights into instrument scanning behavior which ultimately results in improved situational awareness and enhanced training outcomes.