In this episode, we explore how Delta Air Lines is revolutionizing employee training by using VR. We met with Kevin Marcum, VR/AR Program Manager at Delta Air Lines, to discuss the project’s success, which has increased necessary employee proficiency checks for deicing airplanes from about 5 to 150 per day - almost a 5,000% increase. VR training for this process saves Delta significant time and money in the long term.
We uncover Delta’s journey with VR - from Kevin’s first experience with the technology, to building a robust VR training program that continues to grow.
We discuss the benefits of VR training in simulating real-world plane operations at Delta, and how XR can revolutionize training practices, enhance safety, and drive efficiency in the aviation industry.
Timestamps:
- Getting started with XR training (01:06)
- Ramp training with VR (07:11)
- Delta Air Lines’ initial proof of concept (11:20)
- Delta Air Lines’ most successful program: De-Icing (13:21)
- Qualifying/quantifying program success (20:10)
- Getting started with Futurus (24:38)
- Advice for starting a VR training initiative (27:40)
- The future of VR at Delta (28:55)
- Conclusion (33:38)
About the Guest:
Kevin joined Delta Air Lines 28 years ago as a ramp agent and began his role as VR/AR Program Manager in 2018. His expertise is in Operations Management with a strong background in customer service and safety. Kevin’s focus is innovation and process improvement amidst the constantly changing industry.
About Delta Air Lines:
Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, employs over 100,000 global employees. They operate over 4,000 daily flights to more than 290 destinations across six continents. Delta served over 190 million customers in 2023, maintaining its reputation as North America's most on-time airline. The company prioritizes safety, sustainability, and inclusivity.
About ArborXR:
ArborXR helps organizations confidently manage VR & AR devices at scale, remotely install content, and control what users can see and do in the headset. Our mission is to help people live more meaningful lives through the power of XR. Learn more at https://arborxr.com.
Links & Resources:
- Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-marcum-35432ba/
- Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
- Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!