FlightSafety International

What FlightSafety International does

FlightSafety International, founded in 1951 and a wholly owned Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary since the 1996 acquisition for $1.5 billion, is a professional aviation training organization operating the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators across more than 40 learning centers in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and South America. The company designs, manufactures, and sells Level D-certified full flight simulators, VITAL visual systems (now powered by Unreal Engine), and the CrewView glass mirror display technology from manufacturing facilities in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Hazelwood, Missouri. It serves business aviation operators (Gulfstream, Dassault Falcon, Bombardier, Embraer, Cessna Citation), commercial airlines (Delta, EGYPTAIR, United, Breeze, Porter), and U.S./allied government and military customers (U.S. Air Force C-17/KC-46/T-1, U.S. Navy TH-73, U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin AFSOC C-130J) through factory-authorized OEM partnerships, company-owned learning centers, and dedicated defense sites at 20+ military installations.

The company's revenue is generated through four primary streams: professional aviation training services at learning centers (initial type ratings, recurrent training, advanced programs), simulator manufacturing and hardware sales, recurring simulator service and support contracts, and eLearning/LiveLearning online delivery. Training prices are quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with multi-year enterprise agreements typical. Proprietary technology includes the FlightSmart AI/ML platform (developed with IBM on Microsoft Azure), the MATRIX integrated learning system, VITAL MR mixed-reality training, and the MissionFit mobile training device, supported by 1,800+ professional instructors, 300 simulation engineers, and ISO 9001:2015 certifications across learning center, simulation manufacturing, and visual systems operations.

The company's AI capability is genuinely differentiated through the FlightSmart platform's real-time objective crew assessment, adaptive learning paths, and performance-trend identification, augmented by an aggregated C-FOQA data partnership with GE Digital/GE Aerospace spanning 300+ operators and 1,000+ aircraft. Recent strategic activity includes multiple FAA and EASA Level D simulator certifications (Gulfstream G700 Farnborough and Singapore, Cessna Citation Ascend, Bombardier Global 7500), the December 2025 ZeroAvia hydrogen-aviation training partnership, the August 2025 announcement of a Mesa, Arizona learning center, a 40-50% capacity Farnborough expansion opening Q2 2027, and the March 2026 dissolution of the Boeing/FSBTI joint venture with Boeing acquiring FSI's interests.

Name

FlightSafety International

Legal name

FlightSafety International Inc.

Website

https://www.flightsafety.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

FlightSafety International is a Berkshire Hathaway-owned professional aviation training provider operating the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators across 40+ global learning centers, serving business aviation, commercial airlines, and U.S./allied government and military customers with pilot, technician, and OEM factory-authorized training programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Training Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Regulatory, Compliance & Type Training (FAA/EASA/ICAO, Part 147/145) (EDAOAFAN), Flight Control Computers & Autopilot Systems (IMABAFAA), Private Aviation Pilot & Crew Staffing/Training Services (THABAFAJ)

Keywords

• Professional aviation training
• Full flight simulators
• Visual simulation systems
• Pilot type rating
• Aircraft maintenance training

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices31 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Professional Aviation Training Services: Core revenue stream from providing pilot, technician, and other aviation professional training at company-owned learning centers. Includes initial type ratings, recurrent training, advanced training programs, and specialized courses for business aviation, commercial, and government/military customers. Generates recurring revenue through annual recurrent training requirements.
2. Flight Simulator Manufacturing & Sales: Designs, manufactures, and sells full flight simulators and visual systems to commercial, government, and military customers. Manufactures over 800 full flight simulators and advanced training devices, and 1,000 visual systems globally. Includes both standard product lines and custom-designed simulators for specific aircraft types.
3. Simulator Service & Support: Ongoing maintenance, technical support, and parts services for installed simulator fleet. Includes 24/7 customer support, technical bulletins, training material, and access to documentation portal. Creates recurring revenue through service contracts.
4. eLearning & Online Training: Electronic learning distribution system providing self-service on-demand training tailored to customer needs. Includes interactive courseware, instructor-led LiveLearning, and preparatory courses that supplement in-center training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

FlightSafety International provides professional aviation training services for pilots, maintenance technicians, dispatchers, cabin safety personnel, and UAS operators at more than 40 company-owned learning centers worldwide. The company also designs, manufactures, and sells full flight simulators and visual systems, and provides ongoing simulator service and support to commercial airlines, business aviation operators, and government and military customers.

Product overview

FlightSafety International is a comprehensive aviation training company offering an integrated portfolio of simulation products, training programs, and technology platforms. The core offerings include full flight simulators (Level D qualified), the VITAL visual systems family (now powered by Unreal Engine), mixed reality training through VITAL MR, and AI-powered performance assessment via FlightSmart. These products are supported by the MATRIX integrated learning system, MissionFit mobile training devices, and CrewView glass mirror displays. The company operates the world's largest fleet of advanced full-flight simulators across learning centers in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, serving commercial, business aviation, government, and military customers with training approved by FAA, EASA, and other regulatory authorities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• FlightSmart: AI and machine learning-powered integrated pilot performance evaluation and training tool developed in collaboration with IBM, providing objective crew member assessment, adaptive learning, and training management insights.
• MissionFit
• MATRIX Integrated Learning
• VITAL Visual System
• VITAL MR
• VITAL 1150
• CrewView
• FSI Defense
• Total Technical Training (TTT)
• FlightSafety Textron Aviation Training

Quantifiable outcome

• Pilots trained by FlightSafety are 12 times less likely to be involved in an accident or incident
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability6 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major, core, regional, emerging and industry peer.

• Augusta Regional AirportminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 April 2026Partnership to host the Final Approach Lounge - the first dedicated pilot and crew hospitality suite during Masters Week (April 8-12, 2026). Provided specialized services for aviation professionals attending the golf tournament including relaxation space, refreshments, golf cart transportation, and on-site support center.
• BoeingmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 March 2026Boeing and FlightSafety agreed to dissolve their joint training venture, FlightSafety Boeing Training International (FSBTI), with Boeing acquiring FSI's interests. The split was due to disagreements over business operations, with Boeing preferring to package training with aircraft sales.
• ZeroAviacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 December 2025Partnership to develop training resources including flight simulators and digital learning platforms for pilots and maintenance technicians supporting hydrogen-electric aircraft adoption. Involves dialogue with regulators to explore governance frameworks for training on clean propulsion technologies. ZeroAvia has received FAA G-1 issue paper for its 600kW propulsion system with entry-in-service targeted within two years.
• EGYPTAIRcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 November 2025EGYPTAIR Training Academy expanded partnership with FlightSafety by acquiring a new Boeing 737 MAX Level D Full Flight Simulator and Level 1 Flight Training Device. Agreement signed at 2025 Dubai Airshow. New FFS to be installed at EGYPTAIR's Training Academy in Cairo, entering service early 2026. Partnership spans more than 15 years since 2009. Includes sustainability-focused upgrade to existing Boeing 737NG simulator.
• NetJetscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 March 2025Major sustainability partnership with NetJets and FlightSafety to grow sustainability in private aviation. NetJets is a major fractional ownership operator and significant customer for FlightSafety training.
• Dassault AviationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 October 2023Selected by Dassault as factory authorized training provider for Falcon 10X. Provides comprehensive training support for Dassault Falcon aircraft including Falcon 7X, 8X, 2000, 900, 50, 20, 10 series.
• Prince Sultan Aviation AcademyregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 24 May 2023Training agreement signed at EBACE 2023 for Middle East regional training presence.
• LiliumemergingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2023Flight simulator and training agreement for Lilium's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Additionally partnered with NetJets and FlightSafety to grow sustainability in private aviation.
• GE DigitalcoreTechnology or Integration · 18 April 2023Extended partnership with GE Digital to leverage C-FOQA (Continuous Flight Operational Quality Assurance) data for training insights. Development of app on Flight Analytics platform comparing actual flight and simulator session data to help mitigate operational risks and enhance training effectiveness.
• DronamicsemergingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 May 2022Partnership for drone pilot training, expanding FlightSafety's reach into unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) training market.
• Presage GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2022First-of-its-kind two-pilot business aviation study partnering to advance training and safety research in business aviation operations.
• National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 March 2022Investment in National Intercollegiate Flying Association to support flight training education and foster next generation of aviation professionals.
• Flight ResearchminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 May 2021Partnership to offer in-aircraft upset recovery training, complementing FlightSafety's simulator-based training with actual flight experience.
• Textron Aviation / TRU SimulationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Joint venture between TRU Simulation and FlightSafety International formed in 2019 for manufacturing and delivering Cessna Citation Longitude Full Flight Simulators. Third such simulator delivered to FlightSafety's Columbus center with FAA Level D certification. Supports pilot training for Textron Aviation's flagship super-midsize jet.
• GE AerospacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to leverage flight operations data for developing advanced training scenarios using mixed reality. Partnership includes development of app on Flight Analytics platform comparing actual flight and simulator session data to mitigate operational risks. Aggregated C-FOQA data from 300+ operators and 1,000+ aircraft informing training development.
• Gulfstream Aerospace CorpcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDecades-long partnership (30+ years) with Gulfstream as factory-authorized training provider for Gulfstream aircraft including G100, G150, G200, G280, G450, G550, G500/G600, G650, G700/G800, GIII, GIV, GV. Includes Total Technical Training (TTT) program for Gulfstream maintenance technicians developed jointly by Gulfstream and FlightSafety.
• Lockheed MartinmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLockheed Martin selected FlightSafety VITAL 1150 Visual System and CrewView Glass Mirror Display for new AFSOC C-130J Simulators. Military simulation partnership providing advanced visual systems for special operations aircraft.
• CAEindustry peerTechnology or IntegrationBoth CAE and FlightSafety identified as key players in the flight simulation industry. CAE leads in simulator manufacturing market share at approximately 30-52%. FlightSafety noted as the other dominant player in the durable duopoly.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• SimuFlite (CAE): SimuFlite, now part of CAE, historically competed with FSI in corporate/business aviation training for Gulfstream, Falcon, and Bombardier platforms, mirroring FSI's segment focus.
• CAE Inc. CAE is FlightSafety's direct competitor in the civil aviation training and flight simulation duopoly, offering pilot training services, full-flight simulators, and visual systems across commercial, business, and defense markets globally.
• Lufthansa Aviation Training: Lufthansa's training division operates pilot and cabin crew schools plus flight simulator centers in Europe, directly competing with FSI for European airline and business aviation training contracts.
• Airbus Flight Academy (now part of Airbus): Airbus's pilot training arm offers integrated ab-initio pilot training and type rating services on Airbus platforms, directly competing for cadet pilot and airline training contracts that FSI also serves.
• TRU Simulation + Training: TRU Simulation is FSI's joint-venture partner (since 2019) for Cessna Citation Longitude full-flight simulators and a competing manufacturer of flight training devices for civil and military customers.
• Frasca International: Now a wholly-owned FSI subsidiary, Frasca is also a long-standing peer in the flight training device market, producing lower-cost FTDs and AATDs for general aviation, ab-initio, and university training programs.
• Pan Am Flight Academy (Lufthansa Aviation Training): Pan Am Flight Academy, acquired by Lufthansa Aviation Training, offers pilot and maintenance type-rating training across multiple aircraft platforms in the Americas, directly competing with FSI for commercial airline training contracts.

Broad incumbents

• Boeing Global Services: Boeing's services division offers pilot and maintenance training for Boeing commercial and defense aircraft; Boeing's acquisition of FSI's FSBTI interest highlights its strategic intent to bring training closer to aircraft sales.

Emerging players

• Adacel Systems: Adacel provides air traffic control simulation and emerging flight training technology, intersecting with FSI's Simulated Air Traffic Control Environment (SATCE) offering and broader training-tech evolution.
• Epic Flight Academy: Epic Flight Academy is a regional flight training organization serving ab-initio pilot pipelines for airlines; while smaller in scale than FSI, it represents the broader pilot-training ecosystem that feeds FSI's type-rating demand.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCj3_p43fSrWNYRztBzS7_rQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/FlightSafetyInt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/flightsafety-international
• Instagraminstagram.com/flightsafetyint
• Xx.com/flightsafetyint

Compliance10 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A1 record

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about FlightSafety International