What Simnest Aviation does

Simnest Aviation Kft., headquartered in Hatvan, Hungary, designs and manufactures EASA-certified fixed-base flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) for professional pilot training. Its product portfolio comprises three core simulators: the Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC (flagship EASA FNPT II MCC / FAA FTD Level 4-5 device replicating the Airbus A320), the Simnest A320 AATD (compact variant with identical software), and the Simnest B737 FNPT II MCC (Boeing 737 simulator in NG and MAX layouts). Supporting these are proprietary software systems including the SMCU (Simnest Multifunctional Control Unit) for technician-free operation, the FMGS flight management software implementing Airbus Fly-By-Wire laws, and the electronic QTG (eQTG) validation tool compliant with ARINC-436 and EASA CS-FSTD(A).

The business sells directly to civil Approved Training Organizations (ATOs), pilot academies, and commercial airlines across Europe and APAC via consultative enterprise sales complemented by industry event demonstrations (EATS, APATS) and, since September 2024, an exclusive APAC channel partnership with Avion. Revenue streams include hardware sales (custom-configured simulators built to order), ongoing maintenance and 24/7 support, installation and certification assistance, retrofit upgrades for non-certified devices, and documentation packages. Simnest operates a wholly-owned subsidiary, Simnest Pilot Academy (itself an EASA Part-ATO and Wizz Air training partner), which has trained nearly 2,500 students and provides continuous real-world feedback informing product development. Leadership rests on a team spanning electrical and software engineering, active airline piloting (including 17,000+ flight hours of A320 TRI/TRE experience), and EASA rulemaking participation. As of October 2025, Simnest Aviation sits under the newly formed Simnest Group parent brand alongside Simnest Pilot Academy, with Cpt. Gyula Kühtreiber appointed as CEO of the group.

Name

Simnest Aviation

Legal name

Simnest Aviation Kft.

Website

https://simnest.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Simnest Aviation, founded in 2011 in Hatvan, Hungary, designs and manufactures EASA-certified fixed-base flight simulators (A320 FNPT II MCC, A320 AATD, B737 FNPT II MCC) with proprietary software (SMCU, FMGS, eQTG) for pilot training academies and commercial airlines across Europe and APAC.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs)

NAICS

Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing (33641), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Flight Training (611512)

SIC

Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)

akta.pro primary industry

Avionics Test, Simulation & Calibration Equipment (IMABAFAN)

akta.pro secondary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

Keywords

• Flight simulators
• Pilot training devices
• Aviation simulation
• FNPT training devices
• FSTD manufacturing

Headquarters

HQ city

Hatvan

HQ country

Hungary

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Flight Simulator Hardware Sales: Sale of fixed-base flight simulation training devices (FNPT II MCC, AATD) replicating Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft. Devices include full hardware components and proprietary software, with customization options including OEM parts, visual systems, and specialized configurations.
2. Maintenance and Support Services: Ongoing support services including telephone assistance, remote access-based support, 24/7 e-ticketing system, and on-site service maintenance. Includes proactive error prevention and troubleshooting before customer experience impact.
3. Installation and Certification Assistance: Transportation, installation, insurance and testing on customer premises alongside maintenance technicians' and instructors' training. Also includes assistance during authorization/certification process with aviation authorities.
4. Retrofit and Upgrade Services: Upgrade services for non-certified simulators to become certified FNPT II MCC flight training devices. Includes preliminary assessment, recommendation, actual upgrade process, and ongoing support.
5. Documentation Packages: Sale of documentation packages including FSTD Operator Document Package, APS MCC Training Manual, maintenance manuals, instructor guides, and organizational documents.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Simnest Aviation designs, manufactures, and sells EASA-certified fixed-base Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs) replicating the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 cockpit environments for professional pilot training. Its product line includes the A320 FNPT II MCC, the compact A320 AATD, and the B737 FNPT II MCC (NG and MAX variants), accompanied by proprietary software (SMCU, FMGS, eQTG), installation, certification assistance, retrofit upgrades, and ongoing support services.

Product overview

Simnest Aviation is a fixed-base flight simulation training device (FSTD) manufacturer offering a portfolio of type-representative simulators for professional pilot training. The core product line consists of three flight simulators: the Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC (flagship EASA-certified device representing the Airbus A320), the Simnest A320 AATD (compact variant with identical software), and the Simnest B737 FNPT II MCC (Boeing 737 simulator in NG and MAX layouts). Supporting the hardware products are proprietary software systems including the SMCU (Simnest Multifunctional Control Unit) for technician-free operation, the FMGS (Flight Management Guidance System) software implementing Fly-By-Wire laws, and the eQTG (Electronic Qualification Test Guide) for validation compliance. The company also operates Simnest Pilot Academy as its own ATO, and provides retrofit solutions for upgrading existing simulators to certified FNPT II MCC standard. The product ecosystem is unified by shared software platforms enabling identical cockpit experience and behavior across device tiers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC: Type-representative fixed-base flight simulator based on Airbus A320 aircraft, EASA FNPT II MCC certified
• Simnest A320 AATD
• Simnest B737 FNPT II MCC
• SMCU

Products and services

• Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC EASA FNPT II MCC / FAA FTD Level 4-5 fixed-base flight simulator representing the Airbus A320 aircraft. Type-representative device with Fly-By-Wire flight model, comprehensive system simulation including cross-effect and real degradation, full FTD-ready capability, one-button start-up, sandbox environment, and a complete eQTG validation system. Sold as a custom-configured unit to ATOs, pilot academies, and airlines for APS MCC, MCC, and type rating preparation training.
• Simnest A320 AATD Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) — compact version of the Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC simulator. Features realistic A320 cockpit layout and behavior with physical hardware and tactile switches, one-button start-up, SMCU control, and a space-efficient footprint (3.5m x 3.2m x 2.5m) using display-based visuals rather than projection. Runs the same software as the flagship FNPT II MCC device, providing consistent training at lower cost.
• Simnest B737 FNPT II MCC Type-representative fixed-base flight simulator based on the Boeing 737 aircraft. Available in NG and MAX layouts. Includes realistic B737 cockpit, SMCU control integration, and comprehensive training capabilities addressing cadet, instructor, and ATO executive needs for APS MCC and Boeing-focused pilot career preparation.
• Retrofit Solution Upgrade service that transforms non-certified simulators into certified FNPT II MCC flight training devices. Includes preliminary assessment, recommendation for successful certification, the upgrade process itself, authorization assistance with aviation authorities, and ongoing support services.
• Support Services Comprehensive post-sale support including telephone assistance, remote-access-based support from Simnest HQ for immediate troubleshooting, a 24/7 E-ticketing system, proactive error prevention before customer impact, on-site service maintenance, and a 24-month warranty. Designed to minimize simulator downtime for ATO customers.
• Simnest Pilot Academy Simnest's EASA Part-ATO Approved Training Organization providing professional pilot training, operating Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC simulators for APS MCC and MPL programs. Wizz Air training partner. Has trained nearly 2,500 students including more than 1,700 MCC and APS MCC graduates, with an over 90% student acceptance rate.

Quantifiable outcome

• 23 simulators installed across 8 countries with some devices exceeding 10,000 operational hours without major issues
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered strategic and core.

• KEYVAN AviationstrategicTechnology or Integration · 30 April 2025Data partnership integrating KEYVAN's certified aeronautical and navigation database into Simnest simulators. KEYVAN provides globally valid, regulation-compliant navigation data that enhances the realism and regulatory compliance of Simnest's training devices.
• AvioncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 11 September 2024Avion appointed as exclusive sales and service partner for Simnest Aviation in the Asia-Pacific region. Following 20+ successful installations in Europe, this partnership formalizes Simnest's expansion into APAC markets. Avion will handle sales, installation, and support services for Simnest simulators in the region. Avion has also ordered a Simnest A320 FNPT II APS MCC for its new Avion Flight Training Centre in Mumbai, India.
• EPSONstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 December 2019Strategic partnership making EPSON the sole supplier of projectors for Simnest A320 simulators. EPSON G7900U projectors and ELPLU03 lenses provide the visual projection system. Partnership includes exclusive supply of laser projectors from 2020 onward with more extensive worldwide support.
• Skywings Flight Training (Belgium)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint development partnership with Belgian Skywings Flight Training on new flight simulation software for the FlexFSTD project, supported by the Eureka Network. Collaboration on next-generation flexible FSTD framework aligned with EASA's future FSTD Capability Signature (FCS) requirements.
• FlightPath Aviation TrainingstrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRomanian pilot academy operating Simnest A320 simulators. Launched Romania's first APS MCC training program. Recently ordered second Simnest simulator, demonstrating strong partnership and returning customer value.
• Center Air Pilot Academy (CAPA)strategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDenmark's largest pilot academy and one of Simnest's earliest customers. Partnership spans nearly a decade with 3 Simnest simulators installed. Trains pilots for Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian. Received first Boeing demo simulator.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Frasca International: U.S.-based flight simulator manufacturer producing FTDs, FNPTs, and BATDs for airlines, flight schools, and military customers. Comparable as a mid-sized FSTD specialist with similar product positioning to Simnest.
• TRU Simulation + Training: Subsidiary of Textron Aviation that designs and manufactures full-flight simulators and FSTDs for commercial and military aviation. Directly comparable as an FSTD manufacturer serving pilot training organizations and airlines with similar product categories.
• ELITE Simulation Solutions: Swiss/European FNPT II MCC and AATD manufacturer with a comparable product portfolio targeting ATOs and flight academies. One of the closest direct competitors to Simnest in the European mid-tier FSTD segment.
• Sim-Industries: Dutch flight simulation company producing professional pilot training devices. Direct comparable as a European mid-market FSTD manufacturer targeting similar ATO customer base.
• Pacific Simulators: New Zealand-based flight simulator manufacturer producing FNPT and FTD devices for global pilot training customers. Comparable as a smaller FSTD specialist competing in similar ATO sales processes.

Broad incumbents

• CAE: Global leader in civil aviation training with a broad portfolio of full-flight simulators, FSTDs, and pilot training services. Competes with Simnest in the FNPT/FTD segment but at much larger scale, often bundling simulators with training services.
• FlightSafety International: Major provider of professional aviation training and full-flight simulators with a global training center footprint. Competes in the high-end of the simulator market that ATOs compare against when evaluating Simnest's FNPT II MCC offerings.

Emerging players

• Loft Dynamics: Swiss company specializing in VR-based helicopter and fixed-wing flight simulation training devices. An emerging competitor targeting the same ATO and pilot academy market with a differentiated VR delivery model.
• MPS (Micro Precision Systems): European avionics test, simulation, and calibration equipment provider with overlapping technology to Simnest's simulation and testing capabilities. Comparable as an adjacent avionics/simulation equipment specialist.
• VRpilot: Flight training device manufacturer leveraging VR and motion platforms for pilot training. Comparable as a smaller emerging player addressing the same ATO market with alternative simulation delivery models.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCKIXlePsH7I-fYKoy_CAgTg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/simnest
• Facebookfacebook.com/simnest

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 Simnest Aviation