Horizon Swiss Flight Academy

What Horizon Swiss Flight Academy does

Horizon Swiss Flight Academy Ltd. is a FOCA-approved Swiss flight academy and Part-147 maintenance training organisation founded in 1979 in Grenchen and now headquartered in Kloten near Zurich Airport. It operates as a sister company to Helvetic Airways within the Helvetic Airways Group AG (ownership tied to the Ebner family), making it both an independent flight school and a strategically embedded training arm of a Swiss regional carrier. The company serves three primary customer groups: aspiring ab initio commercial pilots, aviation operators (AOC holders) seeking initial and recurrent training, and aircraft maintenance technicians requiring EASA Part-147 type-rating courses on Embraer and Airbus platforms.

Its offering is structured around three divisions. The Flight Academy delivers the full EASA Part-FCL pathway from PPL through frozen ATPL, including a multi-modal curriculum combining classroom instruction, the proprietary Horizon E-Learning Campus (ELC) for asynchronous distance learning, and practical training delivered across an in-house Diamond DA42-VI fleet, the D-SIM-42 FNPT-II simulator (the first of its generation certified in Switzerland), and a network of 9+ partner flight schools in Switzerland plus overseas sites in the USA and South Africa. Technical Training provides EASA Part-147 type training for the Embraer ERJ 135/145, ERJ 170/190, E-Jet E2 (Horizon is among the first providers worldwide), and Airbus A320, delivered at Kloten, customer sites, and international airports including Zurich, Altenrhein, and Baden-Baden. Operator Training supplies airlines with A320 type ratings, CRM, ESET, flight crew selection (using the proprietary HUPEX assessment tool), and tailored training under EU-OPS.

The business model is predominantly B2C tuition for pilot training (course fees tiered across programmes, payable upfront with federal subsidy support up to CHF 60,000 via VFAL103) and B2B professional services for operator and technical training (quote-based contracts). Distribution relies on monthly info evenings, trade show presence, organic SEO, and embedded co-recruitment via the Airline Cadet Programme partnership with Helvetic Airways and easyJet Switzerland (Letters of Intent guarantee preferential employment). The CEO is Ron Teichmann (since April 2020); the Chairman of the Board is Leonardo de Luca. Since 1979 the company has trained over 4,000 pilots now flying with carriers including Helvetic, easyJet, Edelweiss, REGA, British Airways, Cargolux, and Emirates.

Name

Horizon Swiss Flight Academy

Legal name

Horizon Swiss Flight Academy Ltd.

Website

https://horizon-sfa.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Horizon Swiss Flight Academy is a FOCA/EASA-approved Swiss flight academy and Part-147 maintenance training organisation, delivering ab initio frozen ATPL pilot training, A320 type ratings, and Embraer/Airbus technical courses to aspiring pilots, airlines, and maintenance technicians, with over 4,000 alumni trained since 1979.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Pilot Training

NAICS

Flight Training (611512)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Regulatory, Compliance & Type Training (FAA/EASA/ICAO, Part 147/145) (EDAOAFAN)

Keywords

• Aviation pilot training
• EASA Part-FCL training
• Aircraft maintenance training
• Airline type rating
• Flight academy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Kloten

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Pilot Training Tuition: Horizon generates the majority of revenue from tuition fees for its EASA-approved flight training programmes spanning PPL, CPL, IR, frozen ATPL, and type ratings. Courses are offered as full-time or part-time programmes lasting 18–35 months. Pricing follows a tiered course-fee model with payments due 10 days after invoice and no later than course commencement. Cancellation fees of 15% apply for cancellations up to 4 weeks prior, with full fees due thereafter.
2. Operator Training Services: Horizon provides custom initial and recurrent training for aviation operators (AOC holders) including Crew Resource Management (CRM), Emergency and Safety Equipment Training (ESET), Flight Crew Selection assessments, Airbus A320 Type Rating (revalidation and renewal), and tailored on-site/online training modules. Revenue is generated through per-course or per-module contracts with airline and operator clients.
3. Technical Training (Part-147): EASA Part-147 approved maintenance type training on Embraer aircraft families (ERJ 135/145, ERJ 170/190, E-Jet E2) and Airbus A320. Training is provided for A, B1, B2, and C licence categories. Courses are conducted at Horizon's Kloten premises or at customer/on-site locations worldwide, including practical training at international airports (Zurich-Kloten, Altenrhein, Baden Airpark). First customer was Air Astana for Embraer 190 B1/B2 type courses.
4. E-Learning Platform and Courseware Licensing: Distance Learning courses provide access to the E-Learning Campus (ELC) during the entire course duration. The platform includes SimEx computerized exam systems, question databases (QDB), and course materials delivered 'as is'. Monthly extension fees apply for course duration extensions beyond the standard maximum allowable period.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Horizon Swiss Flight Academy is a FOCA-approved flight academy (CH.ATO.0146) and EASA Part-147 maintenance training organisation (CH.147.0018) offering integrated pilot training from PPL through frozen ATPL, EASA Part-147 aircraft maintenance type training for Embraer and Airbus platforms, and airline operator training including A320 type ratings and crew resource management. The company delivers theory via its proprietary E-Learning Campus (ELC) and practical training through Diamond DA42-VI aircraft and FNPT-II simulators, with a network of 9+ partner flight schools across Switzerland and overseas.

Product overview

Horizon Swiss Flight Academy operates as a FOCA-approved flight academy (CH.ATO.0146) and Part-147 maintenance training organization (CH.147.0018), offering three main divisions: Flight Academy, Technical Training, and Operator Training. The Flight Academy provides comprehensive pilot training from PPL through frozen ATPL via modular programs including classroom, distance learning (via Horizon E-Learning Campus), and practical flight training using Diamond DA42 aircraft and FNPT-II simulators. Technical Training offers EASA Part-147 certified type-specific maintenance training for Embraer E-Jet family (170/190, 135/145, E2) and Airbus A320 aircraft. Operator Training provides airline-specific initial and recurrent training including A320 type ratings, crew resource management, safety training, and flight crew selection services. The company also offers specialized programs like UPRT, Jet Orientation Course, and the Stay Current currency maintenance program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Flight Academy (Airplane Pilot Training) Comprehensive EASA Part-FCL compliant pilot training programme covering all licence modules from PPL through frozen ATPL for both airplane and helicopter categories, delivered via classroom, Distance Learning (E-Learning Campus), and practical flight training using Diamond DA42-VI aircraft and FNPT-II simulators, supported by a network of partner flight schools across Switzerland and overseas.
• Airline Cadet Programme (frozen ATPL) Integrated frozen ATPL training programme (full-time 18-35 months or part-time) conducted in partnership with Helvetic Airways and easyJet Switzerland, providing SPHAIR aptitude test, PPL, CPL, IR, MEP, MCC, JOC, and ATPL theoretical knowledge with direct employment pathway through Letters of Intent.
• Part-147 Technical Training (Embraer and Airbus) EASA Part-147 approved maintenance type training covering the entire Embraer E-Jet family (ERJ 135/145, ERJ 170/190, E-Jet E2) and Airbus A320, for A, B1, B2, and C licence categories. Practical training is delivered at Horizon Kloten, Zurich International Airport, Altenrhein, or at customer sites worldwide.
• Operator Training for Airlines and AOC Holders Initial and recurrent training programmes for airline operators and AOC holders including Airbus A320 Type Rating (initial, revalidation, renewal), CRM, ESET, Flight Crew Selection assessments, and tailored on-site or online training modules covering cabin service, RVSM, winter operations, security, dangerous goods, and quality training.
• Horizon E-Learning Campus (ELC) State-of-the-art online training platform providing Distance Learning courses for CPL, IR, and ATPL theoretical knowledge, including self-study lessons, Presence Learning Seminars, SimEx computerized internal examinations, and question databases (QDB). Demo course offered free of charge.
• Airbus A320 Type Rating Training Airbus A320 type rating training for pilots based on Airbus standards, including initial rating, revalidation (4 hours FFS plus 4 hours Proficiency Check), and renewal (Systems Review via CBT plus additional simulator sessions), delivered by Type Rating Instructors with airline experience.
• Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training course per FCL.745.A comprising 5 hours theoretical (partly via distance learning) and 3 hours practical training on Mudry CAP10B acrobatic aircraft. Among first providers in Switzerland and sole provider of UPRT Instructor Courses according to FCL.915(e).
• Stay Current Program Currency maintenance programme for MEP/IR ratings including simulator sessions, IR Proficiency Check, additional FNPT hours, and 1.5 hours of real aircraft training for annual Multi Engine Class Rating renewal.

Quantifiable outcome

• Since 1979, Horizon has helped over 4,000 pilots fulfil their dream of becoming airline pilots, flying with carriers worldwide.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, primary, secondary and minor.

• Helvetic AirwayscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon SFA and Helvetic Airways together form the Helvetic Airways Group AG. Helvetic Airways is the largest customer and sister company of Horizon. Most Helvetic pilots were trained by Horizon. The Embraer 190 fleet is used as training aircraft for Technical Training under Part-147. The Airline Cadet Programme partnership provides cadets with Letters of Intent for preferential employment upon graduation. Additionally, Helvetic Airways is the launch customer for the Embraer E2 fleet (8x E190-E2, 4x E195-E2), providing Horizon with real-world E2 training context.
• easyJet SwitzerlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince June 2018, easyJet Switzerland conducts pre-screening of Horizon Classic students through its Airline Cadet Programme. The first pre-screening in June 2018 yielded six candidates who received Letters of Intent guaranteeing preferred employment upon completion of frozen ATPL training.
• Chair AirlinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChair Airlines (successor to Germania Flug AG), Switzerland's youngest airline, relies on Horizon SFA for Airbus A320 Type Ratings and Cabin Crew training. The close collaboration enables Horizon cadets to enter directly into Chair Airlines upon graduation.
• Flugschule GrenchenprimaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-standing flight school partner with extensive fleet and experience. Ideal for complete SEP (Single Engine Piston) training from PPL to CPL. Students can stay in on-site accommodation. Previously completed SPHAIR course hours are fully credited. Partnership for PPL-CPL practical training and CPL-IR-ATPL theoretical training.
• EcoflightprimaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEcoflight is located in Mollis and provides PPL and CPL practical training for Horizon students, also serving as a SPHAIR training centre. Known for innovative training concepts. Ecoflight also partners with Horizon for aviation events (Hunterverein anniversary, trade shows). Fleet includes Bristell B23 aircraft with Garmin G3X.
• Flugschule BaselprimaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFlugschule Basel (FSB) is one of Switzerland's largest flight schools and the largest in the tri-border region (Switzerland-Germany-France). EASA-certified ATO since 1967. Horizon students in the Airline Pilot Cadet Programme can complete training from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Fribourg. Fleet of 9 aircraft (Piper, Tecnam) plus own maintenance facility.
• Flugschule FricktalsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBased at Schupfart airfield in Canton Aargau. Long-standing cooperation with a fleet of five basic training aircraft. Provides PPL and Night Flying training for Horizon students in the Airline Pilot Cadet Programme.
• Flugschule EichenbergersecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocated in Buttwil, Canton Aargau, with its own airfield. Provides PPL and CPL practical training for Horizon students. Also offers Horizon Distance Learning courses for theoretical subjects.
• Kreutzer Aviation ServicessecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSPHAIR flight school partner at Altenrhein. Excellent choice for students with SPHAIR experience as those hours are fully credited toward the PPL training at Horizon.
• Avilù S.A.secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAvilù is based in Lugano and provides single-engine piston training for Horizon cadets in the Airline Cadet Programme seeking frozen ATPL under the Horizon ATO. Training is aimed at cadets from Ticino and prepares them for employment with Swiss operators. Horizon and Avilù also prepare to accept cadets from outside Europe for EASA frozen ATPL training.
• Air Fribourg Services (AFS)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAFS is located at Écuvillens airfield in the French-speaking region (Romandie) of Switzerland. Provides Single Engine Piston training for Horizon cadets. SPHAIR experience is fully credited for Horizon SFA students.
• alpaviationsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributoralpaviation (formerly Malbuwit/alp-air) is based at Bern-Belp Airport. Fleet includes Cessna C172, C182, Piper PA28, Aero AT-3, and Mudry CAP10 acrobatic aircraft. The CAP10 is used for UPRT (Upset Prevention & Recovery Training) as part of the Airline Pilot Cadet Programme. One Diamond DA42 is stationed in Bern-Belp for IFR and MEP training for clients from the Bern region and western Switzerland.
• ZHAW (Zurich University of Applied Sciences)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon SFA and ZHAW collaborate on a dual study programme leading to a Bachelor of Science and frozen ATPL. The programme allows students to obtain both a BSc and a frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence simultaneously. The collaboration started in 2018 with the E-Learning Campus (ELC) go-live.
• CFAC (Center for Aviation Competence, University of St. Gallen)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon collaborates with CFAC for the General Knowledge course of the Advanced Federal Diploma (Höhere Fachschule). From September 2019, Dr. Andreas Wittmer's book 'Aviation Systems' is used as study material, concluding with a two-day seminar. This collaboration provides the academic component required for the HF diploma in pilot training.
• Lufthansa Aviation TrainingsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerHorizon SFA and Lufthansa Aviation Training collaborate by sharing D-SIM-42 simulators and DA-42 training aircraft. Additionally, Horizon rents Airbus A320 Full Flight Simulators from Lufthansa Aviation Training for its A320 Type Rating programme.
• PilotesuisseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPilotesuisse is a West Swiss information platform by airline pilots for aspiring pilots. Horizon SFA and Pilotesuisse share the common goal of presenting aviation training opportunities to interested candidates in the French-speaking region of Switzerland.
• EDUCA SWISSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEDUCA SWISS is a Swiss foundation for education promotion and financing. It supports Horizon students by providing free assistance in planning, budgeting, and arranging low-interest education loans to facilitate financing of pilot training programmes.
• D2 Flight Academy (New Bern, NC, USA)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFormerly Tradewind Aviation Services. Partner flight school in New Bern, North Carolina, USA. Horizon students travel here to accumulate PIC (Pilot-in-Command) experience hours required before CPL training (100 hours PIC as legally required). International partnerships resumed post-coronavirus travel restrictions.
• AvconJet Africa (Midrand, South Africa)secondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAvconJet Africa is located near Johannesburg, South Africa. Horizon students travel here to accumulate PIC experience hours required before CPL training. South Africa was accessible earlier than the USA during the coronavirus pandemic, allowing some students to continue their overseas training sooner.
• Diamond Aircraft IndustriessecondaryTechnology or IntegrationDiamond Aircraft (Wiener Neustadt, Austria) is Horizon's aircraft supplier for its Diamond DA42-VI fleet (HB-LVB, HB-LVC) and FNPT-II simulator. In December 2018, Horizon signed a contract for two DA42-VI aircraft and one FNPT-II simulator, delivered April-June 2019.
• Aero-Club OstschweizminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHorizon partnered with Aero-Club Ostschweiz at the OBA St. Gallen and Sitterdorf Experience Days to promote aviation careers and recruit future pilots through a Horizon stand at these regional events.
• AAZ (Academic Aviation Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHorizon SFA is a proud sponsor of AAZ. Horizon shares insights into the aviation world and the organisation with academic aviation enthusiasts spread across Switzerland.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• CAE: CAE is the world's largest aviation training company, operating integrated ATPL academies, type-rating centres, and part-147 maintenance training across multiple continents. It is the most relevant broad incumbent because Horizon competes with CAE for the same EASA-compliant ab initio, type-rating, and airline crew training customers, though at a far smaller scale.
• FlightSafety International: FlightSafety International is a global aviation training leader specializing in high-fidelity simulation and type-rating training for airlines and business aviation operators. Comparable to Horizon's Operator Training and Part-147 divisions serving AOC holders and corporate flight departments, though at significantly larger scale and with broader geographic reach.
• Lufthansa Aviation Training: Lufthansa Aviation Training is a European aviation training incumbent offering integrated ATPL, type ratings (including A320), and maintenance training. It is directly comparable to Horizon because they are also an active partner (sharing D-SIM-42 simulators, DA42 aircraft, and renting A320 FFS capacity to Horizon), illustrating the overlap between partnership and competition.
• Airbus Flight Academy (formerly ENAIRE Aviation Academy): Airbus Flight Academy is the European aerospace OEM's integrated ATPL training arm, offering EASA ab initio pilot training with strong airline placement credentials. Comparable to Horizon as a competing EASA Part-FCL academy, particularly for A320 type rating flow-through, but with broader institutional backing and global scale.

Direct peers

• Egnatia Aviation: Egnatia Aviation is a Greek EASA-approved integrated ATPL academy offering ab initio and modular pilot training. Directly comparable to Horizon as a competing European integrated ATPL school pursuing the same aspiring-cadet market, with a lower Greek cost base that enables more aggressive pricing.
• FTEJerez: FTEJerez (Flight Training Europe) is a Spanish-based integrated ATPL academy offering EASA Part-FCL training with partner airline pathways. A direct peer because it targets the same European EASA ab initio student pool as Horizon, typically at lower price points, and competes for airline-sponsored cadets seeking integrated ATPL.
• Airways Aviation: Airways Aviation is a multi-base European flight training group operating integrated ATPL programmes in the UK and other European countries. Directly comparable to Horizon as an EASA-approved integrated ATPL provider serving aspiring commercial pilots, including with airline cadet pathways and distance learning theory components.
• Skyborne Aviation: Skyborne Aviation is a UK-based integrated ATPL academy operating an EASA-approved programme from its own training base, including airline partnership pathways. A direct peer because it offers the same integrated zero-to-ATPL model as Horizon, competing for European and international cadets seeking EASA-compliant commercial pilot training.
• BAA Training: BAA Training is a European integrated ATPL and type-rating flight academy with bases in Lithuania and the UK, offering EASA Part-FCL ab initio programmes and a growing part-147 portfolio. Highly comparable to Horizon because both target the same EASA-compliant ab initio pilot market and compete for international cadets, but at materially lower cost bases than Switzerland.
• OSM Aviation Academy: OSM Aviation Academy is a Norwegian EASA-approved integrated ATPL flight school with multiple European locations. Directly comparable to Horizon as an integrated ATPL provider targeting aspiring commercial pilots, with similar modular training structures including MCC/JOC and partner flight school networks.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HorizonSFA
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/horizon-swiss-flight-academy-ltd-

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 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 Horizon Swiss Flight Academy