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Zurich, Switzerland — Loft Dynamics, the global leader in qualified virtual reality (VR) flight simulation training devices, announced that simulation and training industry leader Itash Samani has joined as executive vice president of public affairs, effective immediately.

With more than 40 years of experience, including over 20 years at CAE, Samani has been instrumental in expanding the use of simulators, developing industry standards, and working with regulators, airlines, and training organizations to advance innovative, scalable, and effective training solutions. He has dedicated his career to modernizing flight simulation and training methodologies, helping break boundaries and introduce new approaches alongside the teams that implement them.

At Loft Dynamics, Samani will lead the company’s public affairs strategy, driving expansion into new markets and navigating complex global regulatory landscapes. He will advocate for VR-based flight training, ensuring it meets global training standards while enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and safety. Under his leadership, Loft Dynamics will engage with regulatory bodies, airlines, and OEMs to evolve training programs and maximize the potential of innovative technologies. Additionally, Samani will oversee business development, collaborating with industry stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of immersive, data-driven simulation solutions.

Itash Samani, Executive Vice President Public Affairs, Loft Dynamics: “At Loft Dynamics, we’re leveraging VR technology to enhance pilot training with immersive, high-fidelity experiences that improve safety and accessibility,” said Samani. “While traditional methods have long been the foundation of pilot training, factors like cost, availability, and scalability can limit access to critical training scenarios. Our VR technology simulators address these gaps by providing realistic, data-driven environments that prepare pilots for real-world challenges in ways not feasible today. The FAA’s and EASA’s qualifications of the VR simulators are paving the way for broader adoption. The industry is at a turning point. I am excited to help drive this transformation in pilot training, and look forward to sharing our vision at Verticon, in my hometown of Dallas, on March 11-13.”

Fabi Riesen, Founder & CEO, Loft Dynamics: “Itash’s expertise is exactly what we need to drive the next evolution in pilot training and bring VR into the mainstream,” said Fabi Riesen, Loft Dynamics’ founder and CEO. “While aviation has seen incredible innovation, and traditional training has built a strong foundation, they do not always provide the full range of real-world exposure pilots need to handle complex scenarios—from high-risk emergencies like autorotations and engine failures to everyday decision-making. VR training enhances these capabilities by offering immersive, high-fidelity scenarios that are difficult to replicate with conventional approaches. Itash’s leadership will be key in accelerating adoption, and he will lead our efforts to work with regulators, operators, and training organizations to ensure VR becomes a core component of pilot training at scale.”

About Loft Dynamics
Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in qualified virtual reality flight simulation training devices (FSTD). It is the first and only VR FSTD qualified by the FAA and EASA. Equipped with a 3D high-resolution panoramic view, dynamic six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform, and full-scale replica cockpit with a unique pose tracking system, our revolutionary VR simulators provide a more immersive, realistic, customizable, and safe training experience. By offering a training solution 10 times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators, we enhance training accessibility and scalability, empowering highly skilled pilots to meet global demand. We serve leading manufacturers, airlines, operators, schools, and organizations worldwide. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, and Zurich, Switzerland, our team comprises passionate engineers, developers, and aviation experts.

Source: Loft Dynamics
Photo Credit: Loft Dynamics