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SATS taps virtual reality, vehicle simulators to train cargo handlers

SATS launches immersive training centre to prepare aviation cargo handlers with simulation technology and virtual reality. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Straits TimesAqil Hamzah2026-10-15 17:30查看原文 ↗

A forklift simulator at the SATS Immersive Centre, a new training facility launched on Oct 15.

Published Oct 15, 2026, 05:30 PM

Updated Oct 15, 2026, 05:30 PM

SINGAPORE – Aviation cargo handlers can now train using virtual reality and simulation technology in a risk-free environment before stepping into live operations.

Ground handler SATS launched a new training facility on Oct 15, designed to bolster safety, operational readiness and workforce capability.

Located at the SATS Airfreight Terminal, the SATS Immersive Centre has four systems that replicate a transporter, a joint pallet container loader, a forklift and a tractor.

While the transporter and the joint pallet container loader are only virtual reality systems, the forklift and tractor simulators feature hardware that mimics the actual equipment.

The systems also incorporate different weather conditions and workplace hazards.

For instance, staff training on the forklift simulator might encounter falling cargo pallets or oil slicks on the ground, prompting them to react in real time.

New employees will use the simulators as part of their training, while senior staff will undergo the same sessions as part of their refresher training.

Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling officiated the launch and toured the facility, which SATS developed alongside Singapore Polytechnic, with support from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

The centre will also be open to students from institutes of higher learning who are pursuing aviation-related courses

Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling (seated, third from right) at the launch of the SATS Immersive Centre on Oct 15. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling (seated, third from right) at the launch of the SATS Immersive Centre on Oct 15.

SATS Singapore Hub’s chief executive Henry Low said the facility will enable cargo handlers to go through scenarios that would be too dangerous to recreate on the ground.

“For us, technology is about strengthening human judgment and capability,” he said.

“Better preparation enables better decisions, and better decisions make operations safer.”

Putting the cargo handlers through realistic scenarios ensures that nothing will “feel strange” if they encounter similar real-life situations as they would have the skills and knowledge to adapt, he said.

The immersive experience enhances current training that includes learning in a classroom and on the job.

“As Changi (Airport) continues to grow in size and aviation operations continue to be more complex, we need to prepare our people better,” Low said.

Changi Airport handled 2.08 million tonnes of airfreight in 2025 , up 4.5 per cent from the year before, making it one of the airport’s strongest cargo performances on record and its best since 2019, when it handled 2.01 million tonnes.

The airport’s Terminal 5 is scheduled to open in the mid-2030s .

T5 will effectively double the size of the airport, allowing it to handle 140 million passengers yearly – marking a significant increase of almost 55% from its current capacity of 90 million.

Aqil Hamzah is a transport journalist at The Straits Times. He is also interested in issues related to crime and technology.

Aviation/Aerospace sector

SATS沉浸式中心的叉车模拟器，该中心是10月15日启用的新培训设施。

发布于2026年10月15日下午5:30

更新于2026年10月15日下午5:30

新加坡——航空货物搬运工现在可以在无风险的环境中利用虚拟现实和模拟技术进行培训，然后再进入实际操作。

地面服务商 SATS 于 10 月 15 日启用了一个新的培训设施，旨在提高安全性、运营准备度和员工能力。

SATS沉浸式体验中心位于SATS空运码头，拥有四个系统，分别模拟运输车、联合托盘集装箱装载机、叉车和拖拉机。

虽然运输车和联合托盘集装箱装载机只是虚拟现实系统，但叉车和拖拉机模拟器配备了模拟实际设备的硬件。

该系统还考虑了不同的天气条件和工作场所危险。

例如，在叉车模拟器上接受培训的员工可能会遇到掉落的货物托盘或地面上的油渍，从而促使他们实时做出反应。

新员工将使用模拟器进行培训，而资深员工将接受同样的培训课程作为复训的一部分。