• In March 2021, CAE closed a US 1.05 billion deal to acquire L3Harris’ Military Training unit—including Link Simulation, Doss Aviation & AMI—boosting its defense simulation capabilities and reinforcing its leadership in military training.

• In May 2022, Thales acquired Swiss-based RUAG Simulation & Training, integrating its cutting-edge defense simulation tech to expand Thales’ military training portfolio and strengthen its global reach.

In this report, the Flight Training and Simulation Market has been segmented by Training Type, Aircraft Type, Solution, Platform, and Geography.

Flight Training and Simulation Market, Segmentation by Training Type

The Flight Training and Simulation Market has been segmented by Training Type into Full Flight Simulator (FFS), Flight Training Devices (FTD), and Other Training Types.

Full Flight Simulator (FFS)

The full flight simulator segment holds the largest share of the flight training and simulation market, accounting for approximately 55%. These high-fidelity simulators provide realistic pilot training experiences with advanced visual systems and motion platforms, essential for commercial and military aviation training programs.

Flight Training Devices (FTD)

The flight training devices segment captures about 30% share. FTDs offer cost-effective training solutions focusing on specific flight skills and procedural training. They are widely adopted by flight schools and aviation academies to enhance pilot proficiency and safety standards.

Other Training Types

The other training types segment accounts for approximately 15% of the market. This includes computer-based training, virtual reality simulators, and augmented reality platforms that provide innovative and flexible learning environments for diverse aviation training needs.

Flight Training and Simulation Market, Segmentation by Aircraft Type

The Flight Training and Simulation Market has been segmented by Aircraft type into Fixed-wing Aircraft and Rotorcraft.

Fixed-wing Aircraft

The fixed-wing aircraft segment dominates the flight training and simulation market, accounting for approximately 65% share. This segment benefits from the widespread use of commercial airliners and private jets, driving demand for advanced pilot training simulators focused on fixed-wing operations. Increasing air traffic and stringent aviation safety regulations contribute to steady growth.

Rotorcraft

The rotorcraft segment holds about 35% share of the market. The growing use of helicopters in emergency medical services, military operations, and offshore transport is boosting demand for specialized rotorcraft simulators. These systems provide critical training for rotorcraft pilots to ensure operational safety and efficiency.

Flight Training and Simulation Market, Segmentation by Solution

The Flight Training and Simulation Market has been segmented by Solution into Product and Services.

Product

The product segment dominates the flight training and simulation market, accounting for approximately 60% share. This includes advanced flight simulators, training devices, and simulation hardware essential for effective pilot training. Continuous technological advancements in simulation fidelity and system integration are driving growth.

Services

The services segment holds about 40% share of the market. It comprises training programs, maintenance, software updates, and consulting services that support optimal utilization of flight training products. Increasing demand for customized training solutions and ongoing support is fueling expansion.

Flight Training and Simulation Market, Segmentation by Platform

The Flight Training and Simulation Market has been segmented by Platform into Commercial, Military, UAV, and Helicopter Simulator.

Commercial

The commercial segment dominates the flight training and simulation market, accounting for approximately 50% share. This segment benefits from the growing demand for pilot training simulators catering to airlines and corporate aviation. Increasing air traffic and stringent aviation safety regulations are key growth drivers.

Military

The military segment holds about 30% share of the market. Rising investments in defense training programs and modernization of military aviation simulators are propelling demand. Advanced simulators enhance combat readiness and mission training for armed forces.

UAV

The UAV segment accounts for approximately 15% share. Increasing adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles across commercial and defense sectors is driving demand for specialized drone simulators that support pilot training and operational safety.

Helicopter Simulator

The helicopter simulator segment holds around 5% share. Growth in rotorcraft operations for emergency services, offshore transport, and military applications is boosting demand for advanced helicopter training simulators.

Flight Training and Simulation Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Flight Training and Simulation Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Flight Training and Simulation Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America leads the flight training and simulation market with an estimated 40% share. The region benefits from a strong presence of aviation training centers, significant investments in simulation technologies, and a large commercial aviation sector. The U.S. and Canada are key contributors to market growth.

Europe

Europe holds about 25% share of the market. Increasing demand for pilot training programs, modernization of aviation infrastructure, and supportive regulatory frameworks in countries like Germany, France, and the UK drive expansion.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific accounts for approximately 20% share of the flight training and simulation market. Rapid growth in air travel, rising investments in aviation training facilities, and expanding commercial and military aviation sectors in China, India, Japan, and Australia fuel demand.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa region contributes around 10% to the market. Increasing focus on aviation safety, investments in training infrastructure, and growing defense budgets in countries like the UAE and South Africa support market growth.

Latin America

Latin America holds an estimated 5% share of the flight training and simulation market. The region is witnessing growing demand for pilot training and aviation simulation solutions due to expanding commercial aviation and regulatory developments in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Flight Training and Simulation Market.These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers

• Rising demand for commercial pilot training
• Growth in airline fleet expansion programs
• Increased safety focus through virtual training

• Advancements in full-motion simulator technology - Rapid advances in full-motion flight simulators now deliver ultra-realistic motion cues, high-resolution visuals, and immersive cockpits that mirror live aircraft behavior.

  Electric and hydraulic actuator suites generate precise six-degree-of-freedom movement, letting trainees master turbulence, crosswinds, and system failures without real-world risk.

  Regulators increasingly count simulator time toward pilot certificates, so airlines invest heavily to replace costly airborne hours with certified high-fidelity devices.

  Better realism boosts safety, trims fuel burn, and lowers carbon emissions, making next-gen simulators a core driver of growth in flight training.

Restraints

• High setup and operational infrastructure costs
• Limited access in low-income regions
• Regulatory complexity across global aviation bodies

• Shortage of qualified simulation instructors - A persistent shortage of qualified simulator instructors constrains training throughput even as hardware capacity expands.

  Veteran pilots with the skills and regulatory approvals prefer lucrative line-flying roles, leaving training centers scrambling to staff classrooms and sim bays.

  Instructor pipelines are slow to scale because each candidate needs extensive flight hours plus type-specific teaching credentials.

  Until robust incentives, AI-assisted coaching tools, and remote mentoring close the talent gap, instructor scarcity will dampen market acceleration.

Opportunities

• Integration of XR and immersive technologies
• Adoption of AI-driven adaptive learning modules
• Expansion in emerging aviation training hubs

• Military investments in next-gen pilot simulation - Global militaries are pouring funds into next-generation pilot simulation to rehearse multi-domain missions and high-threat scenarios.

  Defense programs demand networked systems that blend VR headsets, AI adversaries, and live-virtual-constructive environments for tactical decision training.

  These investments cover fighters, rotorcraft, and unmanned platforms, fueling long-term contracts for modular, upgradeable simulators.

  By offering scalable solutions aligned with evolving doctrine, providers can tap a sustained wave of military simulation spending worldwide.

Key players in Flight Training and Simulation Market include

• CAE Inc
• FlightSafety International Inc
• L3Harris Technologies Inc
• TRU Simulation + Training Inc. (Textron Inc.)
• The Boeing Company
• Frasca International Inc
• ALSIM EMEA
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Airbus SE
• Simcom Aviation Training
• Pureflight Aviation Training
• FAAC Inc
• Avion Group

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Market Share Analysis
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis