Flight Simulator Market

Flight Simulator Market Size, Share, Growth (2023-2028)

flight simulators is estimated at USD 5.7 billion in 2023 and is predicted to be worth USD 7.7 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. 

Flight Simulator Market Overview:

A flight simulator is an excellent device that is used for pilot training purposes as it recreates aircraft flight where the trainers can easily understand all the applications of controls in flight. The design and development of the aircraft can also be improved by flight simulation. It also helps to evaluate various characteristics of the aircraft and flight controls. Also, in research centers, these flight simulators have an important role in manufacturing advanced versions of aircraft with advanced technology. In 1910, the first flight simulator was introduced and in World War I and World War II, these are used to train new pilots with various skills. Flight simulator delivers better outcome regarding flight control operations and others to students and makes it easy to handle actual aircraft after training. At NASA Ames research center there is the world's largest simulator which is the so-called vertical motion simulator (VMS). This is a modern high-end flight simulator and is best to use in shuttle programs.

Flight Simulator Industry Drivers and Restraints

The rise in the adoption of the latest technological advancements in these flight simulators is making the simulation training teach the awareness of safety and increase the skills. Also, these advancements are directing the practice in a natural flight experience by amalgamating AI (Artificial Intelligence) and virtual reality.The rising flight passengers across the globe are attributing the airlines to offer more commercial flight deliveries. And proportionally, with the increase of aircraft, the demand for new pilots is also growing. To train these new pilots in a safe way, these flight simulators are adopted. These are some of the significant factors for the growth of the global flight simulator market.Also, the ease of owning and maintaining of these flight simulators, when compared to real airplanes, is very inexpensive. The factor of this inexpensiveness and safety while using them for a trainee are the reasons for the adoption of these simulators in the training industry.

But because of the stringent licensing process and complexities involved when acquiring one are the major letdown factors of the adoption of these simulators and cockpits of the airplane. And the high costs of these simulators and trainers like FAA Qualified Level 6& 7 FTD aka fixed-base simulators, which cost around $2 million and FNPT II, Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainer, which costs about $2.5 million are the significant challenges that the Flight Simulator Market has to come over.The increase in investments in developing these flight simulators for more compatibility and training in a more complicated situation with these simulators is creating opportunities in the market.Also, demand for a realistic way to train a trainee pilot is making airlines force these simulator manufacturers to develop their flight simulators. Due to this, new players in the market with innovative technologies are having an excellent opportunity for their growth.

Recent Developments in the Industry: 

• In April 2019, the partnership between CAE and JetBlue Airways (US) produced two CAE 500XR flight training devices and two Airbus A220-300 CAE 7000XR series full fight stimulators. This has strengthened the customer base relationship with the flight simulator market. 

• Two years agreement between a subsidiary of L-3 Commercial Aviation, a subsidiary of L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. and Aer Lingus (UK) in April 2019, is providing full flight simulator pilot training programs. 

Flight Simulator Market Segmentation:

By Platform

• Commercial Aircraft Simulator

• Narrow Body Aircraft

• Wide-Body Aircraft

• Very Large Aircraft

• Regional Transport Aircraft

• Military Aircraft Simulator

• Combat Aircraft

• Transport/Tanker Aircraft

• Training Aircraft

• Special Mission Aircraft

• Helicopter Simulator

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) Simulator

By Solution

• Products

• Hardware

• Software

• Services

• Hardware Upgrade

• Software Upgrade

On the basis of the solution, the services category is accounted for in holding the highest shares of the market. Hardware and software segments are expected to have the fastest growth rate in the coming years. Increasing pilot training institutes in military and commercial sectors is eventually making the market share to move forward. In addition, a rise in the demand for cost-effective training procedures in both primary and regular training institutes is lavishing the growth rate of the market. 

By Type

• Flight Simulators

• Full Flight Simulators

• Flight Training Devices

• Flight Mission Simulators

• Fixed Base Simulators

• Flight Simulator Training

• Line Flight Training

• Virtual Flight Training

On the basis of type, the Flight training devices segment is ruling with the largest shares of the market. Growing prevalence to promote effective training sessions for the students is leveling up the demand of the market. 

Flight Simulator Market Regional Analysis:

• North America 

• Europe 

• Asia Pacific 

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa 

Regionally, North America is holding the largest shares of the flight simulators market. Increasing focus on improving the services in the military sector and also to promote effective training procedures is bolstering the growth rate of the market. Quick adoption of the latest technology and launch of innovative products in aircraft is magnifying the demand of the market. Following North America, Europe is witnessed in having the largest shares of the market with the increasing awareness over the utilization of flight simulators in various applications. The Asia Pacific is growing at a faster rate from the past few years by owing to increasing applications in flight simulators in the commercial sector to train new pilots. 

Flight Simulator Market Keyplayers:

1. Collins Aerospace (US)

2. Flight Safety International (US)

3. L-3 Communications (US)

4. CAE (Canada)

5. Boeing Company (US)

6. SIMCOM Aviation Training (US)

7. Frasca International (US)

8. TRU Simulation + Training (US)

9. Raytheon Company(US)

10. Precision Flight Controls (US)