ELITE Simulation Solutions

What ELITE Simulation Solutions does

ELITE Simulation Solutions AG is a Swiss privately-held flight training device manufacturer founded in 1987 and headquartered in Dübendorf (near Zürich), Switzerland, with regional offices in Orlando (USA), Delhi (India), Prague (Czech Republic), Melbourne (Australia), and Beijing (China). The company designs, develops, and manufactures certified Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) ranging from desktop BATD/AATD trainers through FNPT II MCC devices to full-size EASA FTD2 and FAA-certified simulators, covering more than 20 fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft types including the Airbus A320, Boeing B737, Embraer E2, Pilatus PC-7/PC-9M, Diamond DA40/DA42, Cessna 172/208, Cirrus SR20/SR22, and various helicopter platforms (H125/H135, AS350/AS355, R44). Technology is proprietary and built in-house — the XTS Pro flight simulation software platform controls flight models, systems, failures, and FMS emulation; the ELITE iOS instructor station provides touchscreen scenario control; the 6DOF motion platform delivers pitch/roll/yaw/heave/surge/sway cueing; and the RealView visual system integrates with Lockheed Martin Prepar3D and X-Plane image generators. The company holds certifications from FAA, EASA, CASA, ANAC, DGCA, SACAA, and other civil aviation authorities, claiming a 100% certification success rate, and is ISO9001 certified since 2017.

ELITE's revenue model combines one-time hardware sales of custom-built flight training devices (including bespoke OEM programs for Pilatus, Diamond Aircraft, and G GmbH/Airbus) with recurring software licenses, software/navdata updates, and maintenance/support contracts across the installed base of more than 1,000 devices at 600+ flight schools in 35+ countries. The go-to-market is enterprise field sales via the six regional offices, complemented by an inside-sales quote-request channel on flyelite.com, industry trade shows (e.g., EATS Berlin), and channel partnerships. Target customer segments span commercial flight schools, aviation training organizations, universities and technical colleges, airlines and corporate training centers, military and government aviation authorities (e.g., Irish Air Corps, NCAT Nigeria), and ATC organizations (Skyguide, DFS, Eurocontrol), with emerging focus on eVTOL/Advanced Air Mobility pilot training. Leadership includes John Dixon (President), René Huddlestone (Director of Marketing & Sales), Christopher Réville (Chief Commercial Officer), and Peter Pirchl (Chairman of the Board).

Name

ELITE Simulation Solutions

Legal name

Elite Simulation Solutions AG

Website

https://flyelite.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ELITE Simulation Solutions is a Swiss manufacturer of certified flight training devices (FSTDs) serving flight schools, universities, airlines, military, and ATC organizations worldwide with proprietary simulation software, motion systems, and 20+ aircraft platforms across 35+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Simulation Training Devices

NAICS

Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft & Parts (3720), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Avionics Software, Certification & Safety-Critical Systems (DO-178/DO-254) (IMABAFAK), Emerging Aviation Maintenance (UAS/Drone, eVTOL & Advanced Air Mobility) (EDAOAFAO)

Keywords

• Flight simulation devices
• Certified flight training
• Aviation simulation equipment
• Pilot training simulators
• Flight training devices

Headquarters

HQ city

Davos Dorf

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Flight Training Device Sales: ELITE sells custom-built flight simulation training devices (FAA, EASA, CASA, CAA certified) ranging from desktop BATD/AATD trainers to full-size enclosed FTD2 simulators. Devices span fixed-wing (Cessna, Piper, Diamond, Cirrus, Beechcraft, Tecnam, Airbus A320, Boeing B737, Embraer E2, Pilatus PC-7/PC-9M, Learjet 35A, etc.) and rotary-wing (Robinson R44, H125/H135, AS350/AS355) platforms. Pricing varies by configuration with custom FTD builds commanding premium prices.
2. Software Licenses and Updates: ELITE sells software licenses for its proprietary XTS Pro flight simulation platform with bundled aircraft models. Navdata updates, software upgrades, and feature enhancements are sold separately. ELITE software originally developed in cooperation with Federal Institute of Technology Zurich.
3. Support, Maintenance and Recertification Services: ELITE offers worldwide technical support, maintenance contracts, recertification assistance (onsite or remote), and update services. With over 1000 devices sold, the support team provides both remote and onsite assistance. Re-certification support and warranty services are offered as part of maintenance contracts.
4. Motion Systems and Hardware Add-ons: ELITE sells motion platform add-ons (6DOF motion systems), visual system upgrades, OEM avionics (Garmin GTN650/750, G1000/G1000NXi), instructor cabins, canopy enclosures, and conversion kits. Motion options available on most simulators as optional upgrades.
5. Custom FTD Development: ELITE develops and delivers bespoke EASA FTD2 simulators for aircraft manufacturers and major training operators. Examples include EASA FTD2 for Pilatus (PC-7, PC-9M), Learjet 35A for GFD GmbH (Airbus subsidiary), Airbus H135 dual-control FTD, and Embraer E290 FTD2.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ELITE Simulation Solutions designs, develops, and manufactures FAA, EASA, CASA, CAA, ANAC, DGCA, and SACAA-certified flight training devices (FSTDs) ranging from desktop BATD/AATD trainers to full-size enclosed EASA FTD2 simulators for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The company bundles proprietary XTS Pro simulation software, custom cockpit replicas with OEM avionics integration, 6DOF electric motion platforms, and RealView visual systems, serving flight schools, universities, airlines, military, and aircraft OEMs worldwide.

Product overview

ELITE Simulation Solutions is a Swiss flight simulation company founded in 1987 offering a comprehensive portfolio of flight training devices. The portfolio includes: Fixed Wing Simulators (PI135 BATD, PI235 AATD, PI1000 AATD, S311 Eco Flyer, S812/S923 convertibles, C172 Skyhawk/G1000, DA40/DA42, Tecnam P2006T, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, Air Tractor, Cirrus SR20/SR22, A320/B737 FNPT II MCC, and motion platforms); Rotary Wing Simulators (H125/H135, AS350/AS355, Robinson R44, TH-100, EHFCU); Motion Systems (6DOF General Aviation and A320 motion platforms); and Custom FTD Development (EASA FTD2 certified devices for aircraft manufacturers). Services include ELITE iOS instructor station, certification support, visual systems, and global support. The company integrates external EFB applications (ForeFlight, SkyDemon) and visual engines (Laminar Research, Lockheed Martin P3D).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Fixed Wing Flight Simulators (PI Series, S-Series, C172, DA40/DA42, Tecnam P2006T, Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, Cirrus SR20/SR22, Air Tractor) Certified fixed-wing flight training devices covering BATD (PI135), AATD (PI235, PI1000), FNPT II (S311, S812, S923, A320 FNPT II MCC, B737), and FAA/EASA Level 4-6 trainers across single-engine piston, multi-engine piston, turboprop, and jet aircraft (Cessna, Piper, Diamond, Cirrus, Tecnam, Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Pilatus, Learjet, Air Tractor). Targeted at flight schools, ATOs, universities, and individual pilots needing FAA/EASA-loggable training.
• Rotary Wing Flight Simulators (H125, H135, AS350/AS355, Robinson R44, TH-100, EHFCU) Helicopter flight training devices certified to FAA AATD/Level 6 and EASA FNPT II/FNPT II MCC/FTD2 standards covering Airbus H125/H135, AS350/AS355, Robinson R44, entry-level TH-100, and EHFCU Helicopter Flight Control Unit variants. Includes OEM Garmin GTN650H/GTN750H and G500H avionics integration. Sold to helicopter training schools, military organisations, and OEMs.
• A320 FNPT II MCC Simulator (with ProSim ECAM integration) Airbus A320 type representative FNPT II MCC (Multi-Crew Coordination) simulator with EASA FNPT II MCC APS and FAA Level 4/5/6/AATD certifications, featuring high-fidelity cockpit replica with OEM Airbus seats and sidesticks, FMS/MCDU emulation, and ProSim-supplied ECAM (Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor) software. Designed for airline cadet programmes, pre-type rating, and MCC training.
• Boeing B737 NG/MAX Simulator Boeing 737 type representative simulator with EASA FNPT II MCC APS and FAA AATD certifications, supporting both B737 NG and MAX variants with full glass cockpit and over 350 possible injected failures. Used for type-rating preparation, MCC training, and airline cadet programmes.
• 6DOF Motion Platforms (General Aviation and A320 Motion Simulators) Proprietary Six-Degrees-of-Freedom (6DOF) electric linear actuator motion platforms add-on for flight training devices, providing pitch, roll, yaw, heave, surge, and sway cueing. Available for general aviation trainers and as full A320 motion simulators with replica flight deck, FMS/MCDU emulation, and triple-monitor curved displays. Designed for pre-type rating and high-fidelity immersive training.
• Custom EASA FTD2 Development (Embraer E2, Learjet 35A, Pilatus PC-7/PC-9M, King Air 350, Airbus H135) Bespoke EASA FTD2-class simulator development services co-engineered with aircraft manufacturers and training operators, replicating aircraft such as Embraer E2 (E290), Learjet 35A (for Airbus subsidiary GFD), Pilatus PC-7/PC-9M (14 devices across 7 countries for Pilatus), King Air 350, and Airbus H135 dual-control variants. Each device carries multi-authority certification and tailored OEM-component integration.
• eVTOL Simulators Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) flight simulation devices for pilot training and familiarisation on the new category of electric aircraft. Targeted at eVTOL manufacturers, urban air mobility operators, and emerging AAM training programmes.
• ELITE iOS Instructor Operator Station Proprietary touchscreen Instructor Operator Station (iOS) software platform for ELITE flight training devices, providing real-time scenario control, weather and failure injection, interactive moving map display, flight monitoring, performance evaluation, and flight data recording. Web-based, operable on any device. Sold as part of ELITE's certified simulator packages.
• ELITE RealView Visual System & Scenery ELITE RealView high-fidelity visual simulation system offering TV-based displays, curved projection screens, triple-projector, and dome configurations with global airport coverage, real-time weather modelling, and dynamic lighting. Integrates with Lockheed Martin Prepar3D and X-Plane 11 image generators. Sold as part of new simulators or as upgrades for the installed base of over 1,000 devices.
• Certification Support Services Regulatory certification support services accompanying ELITE FTDs with a stated 100% success rate across FAA, EASA, CASA, CAA, ANAC, DGCA, SACAA, and other civil aviation authorities. Covers initial qualification, MCC certification, rotary-wing certification, and ongoing recertification assistance delivered onsite or remotely.
• Worldwide Support, Maintenance & Recertification Services Worldwide technical support, maintenance contracts, navdata updates, software upgrades, recertification assistance (onsite or remote), and warranty services for the installed base of over 1,000 ELITE flight training devices across six continents. Delivered from six regional offices (Zurich, Orlando, Delhi, Prague, Melbourne, Beijing) with both remote helpdesk and onsite dispatch capability.
• ELITE XTS Pro Flight Simulation Software & Aircraft Models Proprietary ELITE XTS Pro flight simulation software platform sold as standalone licences and bundled with aircraft models (Cessna, Piper, Diamond, Beechcraft, Cirrus, Airbus, Boeing, Pilatus, Embraer, etc.). Controls flight models, systems, failures, and FMS/Flight Management System emulation. Originally developed in cooperation with the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. Software upgrades and navdata updates sold separately as recurring revenue.

Quantifiable outcome

• Training hours reduction in full-flight simulators through effective pre-type rating preparation
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and major.

• ProSim Training SolutionsflagshipTechnology or Integration · 1 November 2022Partnership established November 2022 for A320 type representative FNPT II MCC simulation devices. ELITE provides hardware, cockpit replication, and manufacturing while ProSim supplies its ProSim322 software with sophisticated ECAM implementation. First two combined devices sold to customers in Germany and Greece. Described as 'THE reference point for A320 FNPT II and FTD customers world-wide.'
• Diamond Aircraft IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2004Joint venture established in 2004 for the development and delivery of 12 DA42 G1000 flight training devices. ELITE and Diamond have maintained an ongoing partnership for nearly two decades, with Diamond simulators forming a core part of ELITE's product catalog. ELITE has delivered approximately 10 simulators for Diamond aircraft to date.
• Pilatus AircraftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership spanning approximately 20 years. ELITE has delivered 14 flight training devices for Pilatus aircraft (PC-7, PC-9M) operating in 7 countries. ELITE is one of Pilatus's most valuable subcontractors/suppliers in the global aircraft simulation business, according to Pilatus Senior GBTS Account Manager Bert Küppers.
• GFD GmbH (Airbus subsidiary)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerELITE is mid-project developing a custom Learjet 35A FTD2 for GFD GmbH, an Airbus subsidiary. This project exemplifies ELITE's custom FTD development capabilities for major aerospace OEM subsidiaries.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Aviatify: Aviatify is an emerging simulation company providing flight training devices targeting flight schools and ab initio training programs. They overlap with ELITE's lower-tier BATD/AATD products and represent competition in the entry-level professional training segment.
• Loft Dynamics: Loft Dynamics (formerly VRM Switzerland) builds VR-based helicopter and eVTOL flight simulation training devices with EASA and FAA certification. They compete with ELITE's rotary wing portfolio (R44, H125, H135, AS350) and overlap in the emerging eVTOL/AAM training category where ELITE has also launched offerings.
• MultiSim: MultiSim is a UK-based manufacturer of certified FNPT II and FTD flight training devices, focusing on commercial and business aviation training. They are an emerging competitor in the same European flight training market as ELITE, particularly in the multi-engine and MCC training segments.

Direct peers

• TRU Simulation + Training: TRU Simulation + Training (a Textron company) designs and manufactures full-flight simulators and FTDs for commercial, business, and military aviation. They are a direct competitor in the FTD2 and FNPT II space, particularly for type-rating and jet platforms like A320/B737, which ELITE also targets with its ProSim-partnered A320 FTD.
• Reiser Simulation and Training: Reiser Simulation and Training (a Rheinmetall subsidiary) is a German manufacturer of full-flight simulators and FSTDs for both civil and military aviation. They directly compete with ELITE in the European market for helicopter (H135/H145) and fixed-wing FTD2 devices, including for military customers.
• Frasca International: Frasca International is a US-based manufacturer of flight simulation training devices and a direct competitor to ELITE in the FTD, FNPT, and AATD segments. Both companies serve flight schools and universities with similar product tiers, and Frasca's Piper, Cessna, and Diamond aircraft simulators directly overlap with ELITE's portfolio.
• Sim-Industries: Sim-Industries is a Dutch manufacturer of fixed-base flight simulation training devices targeting professional flight schools and universities in Europe. Their FNPT II and AATD products directly compete with ELITE's S311, PI1000, and S812/S923 product lines in the European flight training market.

Broad incumbents

• FlightSafety International: FlightSafety International is a major provider of professional aviation training, flight simulation devices, and pilot training services, primarily serving business, commercial, and government customers. It competes with ELITE in the FTD and full-flight simulator segments, and like CAE has significantly greater scale and a global network of training centers.
• CAE: CAE is the world's largest civil aviation training and flight simulation company, offering a full spectrum of FSTDs from FTDs to Level D full-flight simulators. While ELITE focuses on the FTD and FNPT II segment with custom boutique solutions, CAE competes across the entire value chain with greater scale, global training center network, and broader product portfolio.

Others

• ProSim Training Solutions: ProSim Training Solutions is a Spanish software company providing flight simulation software for airliner platforms (A320, B737). They are a partner of ELITE (since 2022) for A320 FNPT II MCC devices, supplying the ECAM software, making them a technology collaborator rather than direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/elitesimulations
• Facebookfacebook.com/FlyELITE
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/elite-simulation-solutions-ag
• Xx.com/elitesimulation

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about ELITE Simulation Solutions