itash samani

Itash Samani is a distinguished aviation professional with over four decades of expertise in flight simulation, training systems development, and regulatory affairs. As Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Loft Dynamics, the global leader in qualified extended reality (XR) flight simulation training devices, he spearheads global initiatives to elevate pilot training standards, accelerate XR adoption, and expand into new markets through cutting-edge extended reality technology and data-driven methodologies.

Samani's aviation foundation was established through the Air Cadets during his school years, where he gained initial exposure to flying. This early interest led to his participation in the RAF University Air Squadron during college, followed by a role as a flight test engineer in the UK, where he further developed his piloting skills while gaining technical engineering experience. His subsequent tenure with training device manufacturers, and training organizations included leadership in engineering, management and acquisitions. This unique combination of operational flight experience, technical engineering expertise, and training industry leadership has informed a distinguished career encompassing simulation system design and manufacturing, training operations management, and regulatory strategy development.

Samani is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and recipient of the prestigious Edwin A. Link Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to aviation simulation and training advancement.

Under Samani's leadership, Loft Dynamics is pioneering the transformation of flight training through Next-Generation XR Training Systems, Development of the world's first fully integrated hardware and software XR flight simulation training devices that deliver unprecedented realism and accessibility while being far more affordable than traditional full-flight simulators Cloud-Connected Training Suite, Implementation of advanced, connected training platforms that make pilot training safer, more effective, immersive, and globally scalable Regulatory Innovation Leadership, Collaborative engagement with EASA, FAA, and international aviation authorities to achieve major regulatory approval for VR simulators and establish certification frameworks for next-generation training technologies Market Expansion Initiatives, Strategic development across helicopter, airplane, and emerging eVTOL markets, including 737 and A320 multi-crew simulators and specialized applications for EMS, law enforcement, and military training.