US-based DiSTI has entered a strategic partnership with Peak Pacific to provide software as a service (SaaS) based virtual 3D training solutions for the commercial airline sector.

The partnership expects to serve the commercial passenger airlines, cargo carriers and training companies.

It will also use Peak Pacific’s SaaS platform for competency/evidence-based training (C/EBT) (CLEAR) to provide a range of options for procedural and maintenance applications.

Peak Pacific Group CEO Kishor Mistry said: “Peak Pacific has developed a leading SaaS platform for C/EBT that we call CLEAR, which offers airlines an innovative training solution for flight operations, cabin crew, and ground staff training.

“Our military customers have been using 3D virtual training technology for years thus proving that the technology is viable for training applications."

“This platform is currently used globally by some of the world’s leading flight academies and airlines.

“The DiSTI is the world leader in the development of virtual maintenance trainers focused on the defence industry. By combining our capabilities, we are offering a unique solution for the commercial airline industry that will be a real game changer.”

The new partnership is also expected to combine Peak Pacific’s airline training experience and global reach with DiSTI’s virtual 3D maintenance training solutions (VMT).

DiSTI CEO Joe Swinski said: “Our military customers have been using 3D virtual training technology for years thus proving that the technology is viable for training applications. What has been holding airlines back is that their business model is different and they are challenged by the technology, skills, and infrastructure required for virtual training solutions.

“By partnering with Peak Pacific, we will leverage their decades of experience in delivering commercial training solutions with DiSTI’s experience in developing highly accurate and reliable training systems for aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin.”

Swinski further noted that the new partnership would look into the potential of using new technologies, including AppStream from Amazon Web Services to provide high-resolution, web-based 3D content and reduce the airlines’ need for expensive IT infrastructure upgrades.