Visiongain has published a new report entitled Civil Aviation Flight Simulation & Simulation Training Market Report 2025-2035(Including Impact of U.S. Trade Tariffs): Forecasts by Type (Full-Flight Simulator (FSS), Fixed-Base Flight Training Device (FBFTD), Commercial Fixed-Wing Pilot Simulation Training, Commercial Rotor-Wing Pilot Simulator), by Aircraft (Fixed-wing Aircraft, Rotorcraft), by End-user (Flight Schools, Airlines, Military & Defence, Government Organisations) AND Regional and Leading National Market Analysis PLUS Analysis of Leading Companies.

The global civil aviation flight simulation & simulation training market is estimated at US$9,019.9 million in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period 2025-2035.

Impact of US Trade Tariffs on the Global Civil Aviation Flight Simulation & Simulation Training Market   

The imposition of U.S. tariffs on imported civil aviation flight simulation technologies is poised to reshape the global civil aviation flight simulation and simulation training market. Targeting high-value components from countries such as China, Germany, and South Korea, these tariffs are expected to raise simulator acquisition costs in the U.S., prompting domestic players to localize supply chains and reassess capital investments. International firms like CAE and Indra may expand manufacturing in tariff-neutral countries to maintain U.S. market access. Meanwhile, nations such as China and Russia are accelerating self-reliance, contributing to ecosystem fragmentation and interoperability challenges. R&D collaboration will likely decline, shifting U.S. innovation toward defence-backed programs, while European and Asian markets bolster independent development. Regions with low tariff exposure India, South Korea, and GCC countries are positioned to benefit from redirected investments. Ultimately, these policy shifts will drive market decentralization and require agile adaptation, as global players navigate a more segmented and geopolitically influenced competitive landscape.

Technological Advancements in Simulation: Transforming Pilot Training Through Immersive Innovation

The civil aviation flight simulation and training market is undergoing a dynamic transformation fuelled by cutting-edge advancements that enhance training realism, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency. Key innovations such as high-fidelity visuals, AI-driven adaptive learning, and virtual reality (VR) are redefining the standards of pilot education by replicating real-world flight conditions with exceptional accuracy. In October 2024, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott campus announced the integration of new Frasca training devices customized to its Diamond DA42-VI Twin Star and Cessna 172 Skyhawk aircraft, bridging classroom theory with practical flight performance. Similarly, Alaska Airlines partnered with Loft Dynamics in April 2025 to develop a Boeing 737 full-motion VR flight simulator featuring six-degrees-of-freedom motion and 360-degree visuals, setting new benchmarks for realism and training efficiency.

Additionally, Microsoft’s release of Flight Simulator 2024 in November 2024 introduced advanced machine learning, cloud computing, and hyper-realistic graphics to deliver a highly immersive virtual training experience. These innovations significantly reduce dependency on live flight training, cut fuel costs, and minimize safety risks. Cloud-based simulation is further democratizing access to pilot training, allowing for scalable and flexible learning models. In line with FAA regulations for eVTOL operations, Archer Aviation unveiled a mixed-reality training device for its Midnight aircraft in December 2024, developed with Vertex Solutions. This platform enables pilots to rehearse complex manoeuvres and emergency procedures in a virtual setting, supporting the next generation of urban air mobility training.

How will this Report Benefit you?

Visiongain’s 343-page report provides 158 tables and 126 charts/graphs. Our new study is suitable for anyone requiring commercial, in-depth analysis for the civil aviation flight simulation & simulation training market, along with detailed segment analysis in the market. Our new study will help you evaluate the overall global and regional market for civil aviation flight simulation & simulation training. Get financial analysis of the overall market and different segments including type, aircraft, end user, and capture higher market share. We believe that there are strong opportunities in this fast-growing civil aviation flight simulation & simulation training market. See how to use the existing and upcoming opportunities in this market to gain revenue benefits in the near future. Moreover, the report will help you to improve your strategic decision-making, allowing you to frame growth strategies, reinforce the analysis of other market players, and maximise the productivity of the company.

What are the Current Market Drivers?

Escalating Demand for Pilot Training Amid Global Talent Shortages

The global shortage of qualified pilots has emerged as a key driver fueling the demand for flight simulation technologies and advanced training programs. As air travel demand surges, the supply of trained aviation professionals is struggling to keep pace. According to Boeing’s 2024 Pilot & Technician Outlook, the commercial aviation sector will require approximately 674,000 new pilots, 716,000 maintenance technicians, and 980,000 cabin crew members over the next two decades to support fleet expansion. Regions such as Asia-Pacific and North America are expected to be most affected by this shortfall, highlighting the urgent need to scale simulation-based training infrastructure worldwide.

Supporting this trend, CAE reported an increase in the global pool of active commercial pilots from 333,000 in 2022 to around 351,000 in 2023, reflecting continued growth pressure. In response, airlines and training institutions are investing heavily in state-of-the-art simulation facilities. Emirates, for instance, unveiled a $135 million training center in Dubai, set to open in March 2024, which will feature six Full Flight Simulator Bays for Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X aircraft, boosting pilot training capacity by 54%. Similarly, United Airlines announced the expansion of its Denver Flight Training Center in January 2024, incorporating 12 new simulators for next-generation aircraft such as the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A321XLR.

As seasoned pilots retire and aircraft deliveries rise, the urgency for rapid, cost-effective, and regulatory-compliant training intensifies. Full-flight simulators, fixed-base devices, and VR-based cockpit solutions are becoming indispensable tools in addressing this talent gap, thereby driving sustained growth in the flight simulation and training market.

Where are the Market Opportunities?

Growth of Urban Air Mobility and eVTOL Pilot Training: Unlocking a New Frontier in Simulation

The emergence of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is opening a transformative avenue for the flight simulation and training industry. As pioneers such as Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation, and Vertical Aerospace advance the development of eVTOL platforms, the demand for specialized pilot training tailored to these aircraft is rapidly increasing. Unlike conventional fixed-wing or rotary aircraft, eVTOLs incorporate electric propulsion, multiple rotors, and fly-by-wire systems, necessitating a distinct skill set and training approach.

In a key regulatory move, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) introduced certification standards in February 2024 mandating simulator-based training as an essential component of eVTOL pilot licensing. This has spurred simulator developers, including CAE and L3Harris, to create training devices that accurately reflect eVTOL flight dynamics and operational environments.

Further reinforcing this trend, Eve Air Mobility appointed Embraer-CAE Training Services (ECTS) in October 2024 to deliver comprehensive training for eVTOL pilots, maintenance personnel, and ground handlers. The entry of major carriers such as United Airlines and Japan Airlines into the eVTOL sector is also accelerating demand for advanced training infrastructure.

Competitive Landscape

The major players operating in the civil aviation flight simulation & simulation training market are L3Harris Technologies, CAE Inc., FlightSafety International, Thales Group, TRU Simulation + Training, Indra Sistemas SA, ELITE Simulation Solutions AG, ALSIM, The Boeing Company, Airbus SE, Moong Inc., Bombardier Inc, Leonardo, Gulf Aviation Academy, Lufthansa Aviation Training GmbH, Pan Am International Flight Academy, Precision Flight Controls, Avion Group, Simaero, Raytheon Technologies, Redbird Flight Simulations, and Flightdeck Solutions. These major players operating in this market have adopted various strategies comprising M&A, collaborations, investment in R&D, regional business expansion, partnerships, and new product launch.

Recent Developments

• On 3 April 2025, Thales and Atlantic Airways opened a new flight training centre in the Faroe Islands, featuring the Thales AW139 Reality H® Level D Full Flight Simulator. This simulator integrates a Mixed Reality (MR) hoist trainer and is capable of training up to 600 pilots annually, focusing on complex offshore missions and challenging weather conditions. The initiative is aimed at improving pilot skills and advancing global helicopter safety standards.
• 27th March 2025, FlightSafety International partnered with ZeroAvia to develop specialized training resources for pilots and maintenance technicians, emphasizing hydrogen-electric propulsion systems. This collaboration will result in the creation of flight simulators and digital learning platforms, supporting the aviation industry’s transition to zero-emission aircraft and facilitating quicker integration once certification is achieved.
• 18th March 2025, ALSIM delivered its latest SR Series G7 flight simulator to Cirrus Training Centres. This state-of-the-art device simulates the Cirrus SR22 G7 aircraft and includes Cirrus Perspective Touch+™ avionics and full CAPS® functionality. Installed at the Vision Centre in Knoxville, Tennessee, the simulator will enhance Cirrus’ training programs by supporting licensing, aircraft familiarization, and safety. The delivery also includes two full-featured Flight Training Devices (FTDs), with additional compact simulators planned for future expansion.

Notes for Editors

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