Capitalizing on Vicariousness

Launched in 2012, AviaSim bills itself as “Europe’s leading leisure network specializing in aeronautical simulation.” In October 2023, the company brought its wares to Canada, setting up a flight simulator at Ontario’s Delta Hotel by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre and offering locals opportunity to pilot an aircraft without leaving the ground.

Embarked upon a mission to make aviation accessible to all—or at the very least those aged ten and older—AviaSim’s state-of-the-art flight simulators are meticulous analogues of Airbus’s A320 flight-deck. The devices are fitted with the selfsame technologies, instruments, displays, and hardware found in the genuine Level “C” and “D” simulators utilized by Part 142 training centers.

AviaSim states: “Whether you ever wondered what it would be like to fly a plane or are determined to conquer a fear of flying, AviaSim offers a safe, entertaining and educational way to explore the world of aviation.”

AviaSim founder and aviation enthusiast Thomas Gasser stated: “We are thrilled to bring the AviaSim experience to Toronto and make the magic of aviation accessible to everyone. This expansion is a significant milestone for our company as we continue to share the joy of flying with new audiences.”

AviaSim’s flight simulators are available for solo or dual flights and can accommodate up to three “jump seat” passengers. Participants may choose to operate their aircraft from any one of 24,000 virtual locales.

Beyond their obvious entertainment value, AviaSim’s flight simulators are effective at alleviating stress, team-building, and conquering pteromerhanophobia, known also as aviophobia, aerophobia, or fear of flying.

AviaSim offers specialized classes which, to date, have established a 93-percent success rate vis-à-vis helping individuals overcome their fear of flying.

An established company with more than ten-years’ experience, AviaSim began collaborating with hotels during the COVID-19 debacle.

The flight simulator experience enabled hotels to pivot and adapt their customer experience models to the realities of the COVID exigency. Across Europe, hotels’ storage and cloak rooms were converted into revenue-making spaces with minimal investment—a win-win for all involved parties.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport & Conference Centre general manager Daniel Woodburn stated: “This partnership adds a unique offering to our guests and provides them with an unforgettable aviation adventure right here at our hotel.”

FMI: www.aviasim.ca