

For over 35 years, All Nippon Airways (ANA) has trusted us to deliver cutting-edge training solutions for its pilots and maintenance teams. This enduring partnership, which began in the 1980s, shows how long-term collaboration and a shared vision can drive industry innovation.
Today, ANA operates 18 Acron Aviation simulators. The latest addition is a 6th Acron Aviation Boeing 787 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) that's scheduled to enter service in late 2026 at ANA Blue Base in Tokyo. This will be our first FFS contract since rebranding, highlighting the continued confidence this world-class airline places in our systems, people, and quality.
While Full Flight Simulators remain a key part of pilot training, the aviation industry is shifting toward virtual systems. Acron Aviation is leading this evolution through our partnership with ANA, which now includes our innovative Virtual Maintenance Trainer (VMT) and Virtual Flight Deck (VFD) technologies.
The VMT immerses maintenance technicians in realistic fault isolation scenarios, allowing them to practice complex tasks without needing a physical aircraft. Meanwhile, our VFD technology provides a fully interactive flight deck environment accessible via computers, letting trainees master systems and flight procedures anytime without FFS or FTD.
These digital-first solutions represent a strategic move toward cost-effectiveness and sustainability. By reducing the need for physical aircraft and high-fidelity simulators for certain training modules, airlines like ANA can scale their training programs more effectively while cutting operational costs and environmental impact.
The aviation industry faces unprecedented challenges, including rapidly expanding fleets, stricter regulations, and mounting pressure to decarbonize. Traditional training methods, while effective, often struggle to keep up.
Our integrated approach combines state-of-the-art simulation and virtual training platforms. This helps airlines like ANA build resilience while maintaining the highest safety standards. Our solutions provide key training for crews while also providing data-driven insights that optimize every aspect of flight operations.
Our partnership with ANA shows the tangible benefits of our integrated training ecosystem. By providing enhanced lifecycle support, including maintenance, upgrades, and data-driven insights, we have helped ANA maintain its position as one of the world's leading airlines.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, partnerships like ours with ANA will be crucial in shaping its future. The combination of proven simulation technology, innovative virtual training solutions, and comprehensive data analytics gives airlines the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex operational environment.
The success of our ANA partnership demonstrates what's possible when airlines embrace innovation while maintaining their commitment to safety and operational excellence.
Acron Aviation
Ben Swann is the SVP and GM of Training Systems at Acron Aviation. Training Systems is made up of our Full Flight Simulators, Fixed-Based Training Devices, Classroom Devices and Applications, Aftermarket and Driver Training Solutions.