CAE

What CAE does

CAE Inc. is a Canadian simulation and training company founded in 1947, headquartered in Montreal, and listed on the NYSE and TSX (CAE). It operates three business segments — Civil Aviation, Defense & Security, and Healthcare — serving airlines, business aviation operators, helicopter operators, defense ministries, and government agencies across more than 40 countries through approximately 250 sites and a workforce of ~13,000. CAE holds roughly 52% of the global civil flight simulator manufacturing market and ~59% (rising to ~2/3 with TRU Simulation) of the installed civil full-flight simulator base.

The company's core products are Level D full-flight simulators (CAE 7000XR Series, CAE 3000 Series), the CAE Prodigy image generator, and the CAE Simfinity XR Series flight training devices, complemented by software platforms including Flightscape (cloud-native SaaS for crew/flight/airport management, 600+ professionals), CAE Pelesys, and CAE Rise. In defense, CAE delivers training systems, mission simulators, training center operations (e.g., NATO Flying Training in Canada, SkyAlyne FAcT program), and integrated Live-Virtual-Constructive training environments, with adjacent expansion into submarine (TKMS) and AEW&C (Saab) mission training.

CAE generates revenue through a mix of (i) recurring usage-based pilot training hours at CAE-owned or joint-venture training centers globally, (ii) one-time capital sales of full-flight simulators priced at $10M-$15M per Level D unit to airlines, OEMs, and training operators, (iii) long-term defense managed services contracts (e.g., the A$300M RAAF Future Air Mission Training System and the $11.2B 25-year Canadian FAcT program), and (iv) subscription-based aviation software (Flightscape, now under strategic review). GTM combines direct enterprise field sales to governments/airlines, OEM-embedded channels through Boeing and Airbus training networks, and joint-venture training centers with airline partners (Emirates-CAE, AEGEAN CAE, InterGlobe-CAE, Embraer-CAE). FY2026 revenue was $4.9 billion (+4% YoY) but operating income declined 16% to $612M, prompting a transformation plan under new CEO Matthew Bromberg targeting $1B adjusted operating profit by FY2030 through $125-150M in annual cost savings, ~280 layoffs, a 10% cut to the commercial FFS fleet, and a defense-focused portfolio shift.

Name

CAE

Legal name

CAE Inc.

Website

https://cae.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

CAE Inc. is a Montreal-based simulation and training company that designs Level D full-flight simulators, mission simulators, and aviation software for airlines, defense forces, and government agencies across 40+ countries, holding ~52% global share of the civil simulator manufacturing market.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Simulation and Training Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft (3721), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Military Avionics, Mission Computers & Flight Controls (IMABAMAE), Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC), Special-Mission Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (ISR, AEW&C, Patrol) (IMABAAAH), Avionics Software, Certification & Safety-Critical Systems (DO-178/DO-254) (IMABAFAK)

Keywords

• Flight simulation training
• Full-flight simulators
• Defense mission training
• Aviation training services
• Aircrew training solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Montréal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices22 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Civil Aviation Training Services: Pilot training services delivered at CAE-owned or partnered training centers globally. Revenue from training hours, simulator rentals, and recurring training contracts with airlines and business aviation operators. Includes ab-initio training, type rating, and recurrent training. Partly impacted by softness in civil aviation demand, with CAE undertaking a transformation plan including fleet reduction of commercial simulators.
2. Civil Aviation Simulation Equipment: Sale of full-flight simulators (FFS), flight training devices, and simulation equipment to airlines, flight schools, and OEMs. CAE holds ~52% of the simulator manufacturing market. Includes OEM-embedded sales to Boeing and Airbus training campuses.
3. Defense & Security Training & Simulation: Training systems, simulation solutions, and mission support services sold to defense forces and government agencies globally. Includes training center operations (e.g., NATO Flying Training in Canada, Australian Defence Force programs), defense simulator sales, and long-term service contracts. Growing segment with strong backlog and ~28-38% operating income growth in recent periods.
4. Aviation Software (Flightscape): Cloud-native SaaS platform providing crew management, flight management, operations control, and airport management software to airlines globally. Team of 600+ professionals. CAE is pursuing strategic alternatives including potential sale or partnership for this segment as part of portfolio optimization.
5. Healthcare Simulation: CAE operates in the healthcare simulation market, providing medical training simulators and solutions alongside its core aviation and defense businesses.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CAE designs, manufactures, and sells full-flight simulators and flight training devices, and operates a global network of approximately 250 civil and defense training centers in 40+ countries providing pilot, aircrew, mission, and maintenance technician training services. The company also delivers cloud-native aviation operations software (Flightscape, CAE Pelesys, CAE Rise) and defense simulation systems across air, land, maritime, cyber, and space domains, with growing activity in healthcare simulation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Flightscape: Cloud-native SaaS aviation software platform for crew management, flight operations, scheduling, and airport management trusted by leading airlines globally
• CAE Pelesys
• CAE Rise
• SimHub
• CAE Prodigy
• Merlot Aircraft
• ECFT Ride
• Flight Explorer
• Presagis
• CAE Simfinity XR Series
• CAE 7000XR Series
• CAE Parc Aviation
• CAE STS

Products and services

• CAE 7000XR Series Full-Flight Simulator Level D full-flight simulator representing the highest fidelity simulation for civil aviation pilot training, featuring advanced motion systems, visual systems, and realistic cockpit replication for regulatory-approved pilot training.
• CAE Simfinity XR Series Training devices for flight simulation providing a range of fidelity levels for pilot training, from basic flight training devices to full-motion simulators, sold to airlines, flight schools, and training centers.
• CAE Prodigy Image Generator Advanced 3D visual system for flight simulators, powered by gaming technology, providing photorealistic and immersive training environments. Deployed on Boeing 777X simulators and other platforms.
• Flightscape Aviation Software Platform Cloud-native SaaS platform trusted by leading airlines globally, offering crew management, flight management, operations control, and airport management solutions. Maintained by a team of over 600 professionals.
• CAE Pelesys Aviation training and compliance management software used by airlines and training organizations to manage training records, courseware, and regulatory compliance.
• CAE Rise Aviation training analytics and grading platform providing data-driven insights and performance measurement for pilot training programs.
• Airline Pilot Training Services Pilot training services delivered at CAE-owned or partnered training centers globally, including ab-initio training, type rating, and recurrent training, sold to commercial airlines.
• Aircraft Maintenance Training Commercial, business, and helicopter aircraft maintenance training delivered to aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) across CAE's global training network.
• Air Traffic Services Training Air traffic controller training services delivered to civil aviation authorities, air navigation service providers (ANSPs), and airports.
• Defense Training Systems Training systems, mission simulators, and integrated training solutions sold to defense forces and government agencies globally, including flight mission simulators (FMS), naval training systems, and Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) environments.
• Defense Training Services Long-term managed training services including training center operations for defense forces worldwide (e.g., NATO Flying Training in Canada, Royal Australian Air Force Future Air Mission Training System, Royal Canadian Air Force FAcT program).
• Mission & Operations Support (M&OS) Mission and operations support services for defense forces across air, land, maritime, cyber, and space domains, including in-service support, analytics, and systems engineering.
• Healthcare Simulation Solutions Medical training simulators and simulation-based education tools for healthcare training institutions and medical professionals, providing patient simulators and VR/AR-enabled medical training tools.
• CAE 3000 Series eVTOL Full-Flight Simulator Full-flight simulator for eVTOL aircraft pilot training featuring high-fidelity motion cueing, precision flight deck replica, and next-generation CAE Prodigy Visual System powered by Unreal Engine for urban eVTOL operations.
• Boeing 777-9 / 777X Full-Flight Simulator (Asia-Pacific) Boeing 777X full-flight simulator using CAE's Prodigy 3D visual system powered by gaming technology for ultra-realistic pilot training on Boeing's newest widebody aircraft.

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, non-core / divestiture candidate, emerging, major and minor.

• SkyAlyne (KF Aerospace JV)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 June 2026SkyAlyne, a joint venture between CAE and KF Aerospace, is prime contractor for Canada's $11.2-billion, 25-year Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. CAE coordinates simulator deliveries including the first Airbus H135 CT-153 Juno delivered to the Royal Canadian Air Force. The program exceeds 70 training aircraft across five types.
• SaabcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 May 2026CAE and Saab signed a teaming agreement to support Canada's Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) program based on Saab's GlobalEye platform, expanding on a Global Cooperation Agreement from November 2025. CAE will provide flight training, mission training, and rear crew training solutions, integrating its simulation expertise with Saab's airborne surveillance capabilities. The partnership aims to strengthen operational readiness for the Canadian Armed Forces, support Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, and drive job creation and skills development within Canada's aerospace and defence ecosystem.
• Flightscapenon-core / divestiture candidateOthers · 11 May 2026CAE is pursuing strategic alternatives for Flightscape, its aviation software business, including potential strategic partnerships, minority or majority investment, or sale. Flightscape is a cloud-native SaaS platform with 600+ professionals serving leading global airlines. CAE identified approximately 8% of consolidated revenue (~$400 million) as non-core.
• InterGlobe Enterprises (IndiGo's parent)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 April 2026CAE Simulation Training Private Limited (CSTPL), a joint venture between CAE and InterGlobe Enterprises, inaugurated a new pilot training centre in Mumbai in April 2026, marking its fourth facility in India. The 44,000 sq ft centre begins operations with one Airbus A320 full-flight simulator, with a second slated for commissioning later in 2026 and capacity to scale up to six simulators. Addresses India's need for ~22,000 new pilots by 2034.
• Joby AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2026Joby Aviation partnered with CAE to develop flight simulators for eVTOL pilot training, receiving its first CAE Level 7 flight simulator in January 2026. CAE's simulators support FAA certification requirements for Joby's eVTOL aircraft and planned Dubai operations. CAE Joby Academy charges approximately $60,000 per pilot — roughly half the cost of traditional flight schools — and targets training 250 pilots annually with two CAE simulators.
• WestJetcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 March 2026CAE and WestJet partnered to establish a new training facility in Calgary, opening in 2028. The Alberta Training Centre of Excellence for Aviation and Aerospace will house eight full-flight simulators and serve as a hub for pilot and cabin crew training. CAE leads operations and Mount Royal University provides academic support.
• ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 March 2026CAE and TKMS signed a teaming agreement to jointly pursue Canada's Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), combining TKMS's submarine design and construction expertise with CAE's simulation and training capabilities. CAE will support TKMS's bid to deliver comprehensive training and sustainment capability for the Royal Canadian Navy's future submarine fleet. The partnership also opens doors for additional international export opportunities involving training and simulation components for subsurface and surface naval programs.
• H55emergingTechnology or Integration · 4 March 2026H55 completed the aviation industry's first EASA-supervised propulsion battery module certification test sequence, with results supporting multiple programs including CAE's all-electric pilot training platforms. CAE is transitioning to electric pilot training aircraft using H55's certified battery technology.
• BoeingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2026Boeing and CAE developed the 777-9 flight training simulators (full-flight simulator and flight training device) located at Boeing's Training Campus in Gatwick, UK. The simulators received initial qualification from FAA and EASA. CAE also deploys the first Boeing 777X full-flight simulator in the Asia-Pacific region at its Singapore training centre. The partnership covers development of advanced simulators for Boeing aircraft platforms and regulatory certification support.
• Lufthansa Aviation TrainingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 19 February 2026Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) received the first Boeing 777-9 full-flight simulator delivered by CAE, to be installed at LAT's Frankfurt training centre from CAE's Montreal manufacturing facility. LAT is the launch customer and will use the CAE-manufactured simulator for Boeing 777-9 pilot training.
• Air CanadamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 February 2026Air Canada and CAE jointly award the Captain Judy Cameron Scholarship to Canadian women pursuing commercial pilot or aircraft maintenance engineering training. The program, established in 2019 and doubled from four to eight recipients in 2023, also designates recipients as CAE Women in Flight ambassadors. Four of eight recipients join the ambassador program to promote diversity in aviation.
• Eve Air MobilitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2026Embraer-CAE Training Services (ECTS) — a JV between Embraer and CAE — purchased its first full-flight simulator for Eve Air Mobility's eVTOL aircraft. Announced at Singapore Airshow 2026, the CAE 3000 series FFS features photorealistic urban environment simulation powered by Unreal Engine and will support aircraft certification and pilot training for Eve's planned commercial operations.
• Hanwha OceanminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 February 2026Hanwha Ocean is competing for Canada's Patrol Submarine Project. CAE has separately signed agreements with TKMS for submarine training simulation. Hanwha's competing bid includes partnerships with multiple Canadian firms including Algoma Steel and various AI/space companies, proposing 12 submarines by 2043.
• Cebu PacificmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 February 2026Cebu Pacific and CAE extended Training Service Agreements at Singapore Airshow, securing Airbus A320 pilot training through 2037 and continued ATR 72-600 support. The decade-long strategic partnership renewal addresses projected pilot demand in Asia-Pacific (~98,000 new commercial pilots over the next decade) and reinforces the Clark Joint Training Centre's role in providing scalable pilot training capacity.
• EmbraercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 February 2024Embraer and CAE inaugurated Asia Pacific's first E-Jets E2 full-flight simulator in Singapore as part of their Embraer-CAE Training Services (ECTS) joint venture. The CAE 7000XR Series simulator was certified by Singapore's Civil Aviation Authority. ECTS also purchased a full-flight simulator for Eve Air Mobility eVTOL pilot training. The JV provides competency-based pilot training using CBTA courseware and CAE's virtual simulator platform.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Rheinmetall: German defense prime with a growing simulation and training footprint, including live-virtual-constructive training solutions for NATO forces. Competes with CAE Defense & Security in European military simulation tenders (e.g., Bundeswehr).
• BAE Systems: Global defense prime delivering training systems and simulation to military customers; partnered with CAE on RAAF Flight Mission Simulator stations. Comparable as a large defense training/simulation incumbent, particularly in air combat and mission training.
• L3Harris Technologies: U.S. defense prime that sold its Military Training business to CAE in 2021 for $1.05B, but retains adjacent simulation, communications, and electronic warfare capabilities. Comparable as a defense training/simulation incumbent and historically the closest large-cap defense peer.
• Thales: French aerospace and defense prime that competes with CAE in defense simulation (air, land, maritime) and provides training systems for military customers globally. Larger and more diversified, but its Training & Simulation division is directly comparable to CAE Defense & Security.
• Leonardo: Italian aerospace and defense company with a training and simulation division serving NATO and other military customers, including helicopter simulation. Comparable to CAE Defense & Security, particularly in European military training markets.

Emerging players

• Saab: Swedish defense prime with which CAE has a Global Cooperation Agreement and is jointly pursuing Canada's AEW&C (GlobalEye) program. Comparable as a defense/simulation counterpart and emerging partner-rival across airborne surveillance and training.
• Elbit Systems: Israeli defense electronics company with significant training and simulation (T&S) business across air, land, and C4I domains. Comparable to CAE Defense & Security for live, virtual, and constructive military training solutions.
• Frasca International: U.S. manufacturer of flight simulation equipment (FFS, FTDs) and pilot training devices primarily for general aviation, business aviation, and some military customers. Smaller-scale direct peer to CAE's civil aviation simulator manufacturing business.
• Cubic Defense: Defense training and mission solutions provider (now part of Cubic Corporation's defense segment) focused on live, virtual, and constructive military training. Comparable to CAE Defense & Security for military air, land, and joint training systems.

Direct peers

• FlightSafety International: A Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary (now part of Boeing) and CAE's most direct competitor in commercial pilot training and flight simulation equipment. Operates a global network of training centers and manufactures Level D full-flight simulators — same customer base (airlines, business aviation) and same product offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6qn2OUlHuqKddomyIvZy4g
• Facebookfacebook.com/cae.inc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cae
• Instagraminstagram.com/cae_inc
• Xx.com/cae_inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds6 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A12 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CAE