Australian technology to help Alaska Airlines

Advanced gaze-tracking technology developed by an Australian company will be used by Alaska Airlines for pilot training.

Alaska Airlines plans to use the Seeing Machines technology in its Boeing 737 flight simulator

Advanced gaze-tracking technology developed by an Australian company will be used by Alaska Airlines to produce new training procedures for pilots.

The Seeing Machines technology measures drivers’ or pilots’ degraded alertness and attention states by tracking head and eye movements. It already has been used across the mining, road and rail transport industries.

Alaska Airlines plans to use the technology in its Boeing 737 flight simulator to better understand how pilots scan and monitor instruments, particularly during complex manoeuvres and high workload periods.

The fifth largest carrier in the US is hopeful the data captured will help address the largest cause of aeroplane crashes — pilot error.

“We are excited about this partnership and look forward to seeing where this capability can go within the industry to enhance safety and support better training outcomes,” said Jeff Severns, director of training at Alaska Airlines.

Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the airline flies in some of the world’s most challenging operational environments including the rugged terrain of southeast Alaska.

To assist with that, Alaska Airlines has pioneered several advanced aviation technologies to improve safety and performance in low-visibility conditions.

Seeing Machines general manager of aviation Patrick Nolan said working with Alaska meant partnering with one of the world’s most forward-thinking flight training organisations.

“This relationship will offer direct insight into Boeing and Airbus aircraft type flight training operations across a diverse and expanding network and help us leverage our experience to support Alaska Airlines and the aviation industry more broadly,” he said. Alaska has more than 30 Boeing 737 Max aircraft on order, with deliveries expected to start next year.