Special Air Services

What Special Air Services does

Special Air Services B.V. is a Dutch general aviation company founded in 1980 and headquartered at Teuge Airport near Apeldoorn, Netherlands, with a secondary location at Lelystad Airport via partnership with the Aviodrome Aviation Museum. The company operates a fleet of 8-10 owned aircraft (Cessna 150 with EFIS, Cessna 172, Fuji FA-200, and Piper Cub) plus manages 11 third-party aircraft through its Handling & Operations arm, and employs a management team supported by 80 on-call pilots. It is an EASA Approved Training Organization (ATO) and holds an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and RTF certification, which together authorize it to issue official pilot licenses (LAPL, PPL, CPL, ATPL) and ratings (Night, Instrument/BIR/CB-IR/IR, SEP, MEP, Aerobatic, Tailwheel, Banner Towing, Sailplane Towing), as well as to conduct commercial flight operations.

The company's revenue is generated across five streams: (1) flight training courses sold on a pay-as-you-go modular basis (LAPL from €11,156, PPL practical from €15,925-€17,479 with realistic full-course costs of €28,194-€30,039, CPL from €9,325-€9,400); (2) consumer flight experiences including trial lessons (€131-€440), scenic flights (€99-€410), introductory aerobatics (€325-€505), full-day pilot clinics (€795-€849), and Cessna 172/R22 simulator sessions (€40-€125); (3) aerial services including banner towing, aerial photography, and inspection flights; (4) private charters across 1,200+ European airports via the Low Cost Air Taxi Association; and (5) operational services including third-party aircraft management, CAMO maintenance, hangar and event space rental (up to 1,000 m²), and gift vouchers (€10-€250). Distribution is direct-to-consumer through the vlieglessen.nl e-commerce storefront with online booking and digital voucher delivery, supplemented by on-site sales at Teuge and Lelystad, and relationship-based B2B sales for handling and management contracts.

Strategically, the company emphasizes flexibility (modular courses, pay-as-you-go billing, student-determined pace), instructor availability (multiple instructors to minimize scheduling delays), and accessibility (uncontrolled airport base, weekend/holiday operations, museum-based secondary location). It has served over 100,000 passengers across 40+ years and holds a 9.4/10 average customer rating. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of SAS Beheer b.v. and trades under both 'Special Air Services' and 'Special Air Academy' (its training-focused brand). No external funding rounds, M&A activity, or institutional investment are evident.

Name

Special Air Services

Legal name

Special Air Services B.V.

Website

https://vlieglessen.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Special Air Services B.V. is a Dutch EASA-approved flight training organization and aviation services provider at Teuge Airport (plus Lelystad), offering pilot licensing (LAPL/PPL/CPL/ATPL), ratings, trial and scenic flights, simulator experiences, aircraft handling, and charters to individual pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and third-party aircraft owners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Training and Aviation Services

NAICS

Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211), Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation (481219)

SIC

Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Aviation Experiences (Charters, Scenic Flights, Helicopter Tours) (THAJALAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corporate & VIP Group Charter Operators (THABADAD), Business Jet Charter (On-Demand) (THABAFAA)

Keywords

• Flight training school
• Pilot licensing programs
• Scenic flights
• Aircraft handling services
• Aerial photography services

Headquarters

HQ city

Teuge

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Pilot Training Courses: Modular flight training programs including LAPL, PPL, CPL, and ATPL courses as well as ratings such as Night Rating, Instrument Rating, Aerobatic Rating, MEP, SEP, and BIR. Revenue is generated per lesson on a pay-as-you-go basis, with published course price points.
2. Flight Experiences (Trial Flights & Scenic Flights): One-time purchases of trial flight lessons in Cessna 172 (€131–€440), sightseeing flights (€99–€410), and aerobatic introduction flights (€325–€505). Sold via e-commerce with digital vouchers.
3. Private Charters: Business and private charter flights to European destinations, positioning as a member of the Low Cost Air Taxi Association.
4. Handling & Operations Services: Aircraft management, hangar rental, maintenance/CAMO, flight planning, and handling services for third-party aircraft owners. Currently handles and operates 11 third-party aircraft in addition to its own fleet of 8.
5. Hangar & Event Space Rental: Rental of hangar and event spaces for meetings, seminars, parties, and product launches, including a movable wall to separate from hangar and terrace options. Entire hangar (1000m²) available for larger events.
6. Simulator Sessions: Cessna 172 simulator sessions (€40–€125) and Robinson R22 helicopter simulator sessions available on weekdays.
7. Gift Vouchers: Flexible-value gift vouchers (€10–€250) redeemable for any flight experience or training on the website.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Special Air Services B.V. provides EASA-approved flight training (LAPL, PPL, CPL, ATPL, and ratings including Night, Instrument, MEP, SEP, Aerobatic, BIR, Tailwheel, Banner Towing, Sailplane Towing, RT) under its Special Air Academy brand, delivered on a fleet of 8-10 owned aircraft. It also sells one-off aviation experiences (trial flight lessons, scenic flights, aerobatic introductory flights, simulator sessions, pilot clinics) and gift vouchers direct-to-consumer via its website, and provides B2B services including aircraft handling/management, private charters, aerial advertising, aerial photography, inspection flights, and hangar/event space rental.

Product overview

Special Air Services operates as an EASA-approved Approved Training Organization (ATO) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holder, offering a modular portfolio of aviation products and services centered around flight training, recreational/scenic flight experiences, and operational services. The product portfolio is organized into five main pillars: (1) Flight Training — comprehensive pilot licensing programs (LAPL, PPL, CPL, ATPL), ratings (Night, Instrument/BIR/CB-IR/IR, SEP, MEP, Aerobatic, Tailwheel, Banner Towing, Sailplane Towing), and Radio Telephony certificates, all delivered on a Cessna 150, Cessna 172, Fuji FA-200, or Piper Cub from a fleet of 8–10 owned aircraft; (2) Simulator & Experience Products — trial flight lessons, scenic/round-trip flights, Cessna 172 and Robinson R22 helicopter fixed-base simulators, introductory aerobatics flights, and full-day pilot clinic programs; (3) Aerial Services — aerial advertising/banner towing, aerial photography, inspection flights, and private/business charters; (4) Operational Services — aircraft handling, management, purchase/sales, maintenance/CAMO, flight planning, hangar rental, and event venue rental; and (5) Gift Products — digital gift vouchers with configurable monetary value. The company operates from Teuge Airport (headquarters) and Lelystad Airport (Aviodrome branch), serving over 100,000 passengers across 40+ years of operation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Light Aircraft Pilot License (LAPL) Training EASA-approved pilot license enabling holders to fly independently within the European Union in light, single-engine aircraft up to 2,000 kg. Full course starting price €11,156, delivered on a pay-as-you-go basis.
• Private Pilot License (PPL) Training Comprehensive EASA pilot license allowing holders to fly worldwide with friends or family. Practical training from €17,479 (NL site) / €15,925 (EN site); full realistic cost with 55–60 hours is €28,194–€30,039. Includes theory, practical training, exams, landing fees, medical, and license fees.
• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Training Professional EASA pilot training course enabling students to start a career as a commercial pilot. Price from €9,400 (NL) / €9,325 (EN).
• Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) Training Frozen ATPL training course preparing students to become responsible and decisive captains for airlines, following EASA-approved training standards. Price list available via download.
• Night Rating EASA rating expanding pilot capabilities to navigate safely by sight at night. Course consists of at least 5 hours of night flying, 3 solo night landings, and 1 overland flight to another airport.
• Instrument Rating (IR) Training EASA training to fly with precision and navigate using cockpit instruments in clouds or fog. Includes BIR, CB-IR, and full IR(A) pathways with theory via Orbit Groundschool and practical competency-based modules.
• Single Engine Piston (SEP) Rating EASA rating certifying pilots to operate single-engine piston aircraft, required as a foundational endorsement for most flight training programs.
• Multi Engine Piston (MEP) Rating EASA rating covering the possibilities and challenges of flying aircraft with multiple engines, expanding pilot capabilities for more advanced operations.
• Aerobatic Rating EASA rating allowing pilots to perform aerobatic maneuvers. Requires minimum 30 hours as PIC after PPL, at least 5.5 hours of aerobatic flight, and 30 minutes of solo aerobatics. Always valid once obtained.
• Basic Instrument Rating (BIR) EASA lighter version of the Instrument Rating for flying through clouds or fog, with theory requirements matching CB-IR but practice fully competency-based with no minimum flight hours.
• Tailwheel Endorsement Endorsement enabling pilots to operate aircraft with conventional (tailwheel) landing gear configuration, typically trained on the Piper Cub.
• Banner Towing Rating EASA rating for towing advertising banners behind aircraft, offered as part of Special Air Services' aerial advertising operations using Piper Cub aircraft.
• Sailplane Towing Rating EASA rating enabling pilots to tow gliders (sailplanes) into the air, complementing the aerobatics and glider training programs.
• Radio Telephony (RT) Certificate Certificate for aviation radiotelephony communication, teaching mandatory phraseology for safe communication with air traffic control.
• Cessna 172 Simulator Experience Fixed-base flight simulator built from the original fuselage of Cessna 172N (registration PH-SKB), powered by X-Plane 12 professional software with instructor station for simulating weather, failures, and various scenarios. Three large displays provide panoramic view. Price €40–€125. Entertainment purposes only, not for official training. Weekday bookings.
• Robinson R22 Helicopter Simulator Experience Fixed-base helicopter simulator built into the original Robinson R22 fuselage with 160° panoramic curved screen and rotor blade vibration replication. Price €40–€125 for 30–120 minute sessions. Maximum 2 persons. Weekday bookings.
• Trial Flight Lesson (Proefvliegles) Hands-on trial flying lesson in a Cessna 172 departing from Teuge Airport where participants take the controls under instructor guidance. Options of 20, 40, or 60 minutes; weekday or weekend; optional video recording; CO2 offset via GreenCarbon. Price €131–€440.
• Sightseeing Flight (Rondvlucht) Scenic flight experience in a Cessna 172 over Gelderland and the Veluwe region departing from Teuge Airport. Options of 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes; up to 2 passengers at no extra cost. CO2 offset via GreenCarbon. Price €99–€410.
• Introductory Aerobatics Flight Aerobatic introductory flight experience flying loops, rolls, and hammerhead maneuvers in a Fuji Aero Subaru FA200. Options of 30, 45, or 60 minutes on weekdays; maximum 1 passenger (max 95 kg); minimum age 16. CO2 offset available. Price €325–€505.
• Pilot Clinic Full-day immersive pilot experience with theory, walk-around inspection, two flights, logbook signing, lunch, debriefing, and certificate presentation. Weekdays only, minimum age 14, minimum height 1.50m. Extras: VFR chart €39.95, signed logbook €39.95. Price €795–€849.
• Gift Voucher (Cadeaubon) Digital gift voucher with customer-selectable monetary value (€10–€250) redeemable for any Special Air Services activity. Valid for 2 years from issue date; printed expiration date on voucher is 1 year after purchase. Non-exchangeable for cash.
• Aerial Advertising (Luchtreclame) Aerial banner towing advertising service using Piper Cub aircraft, capable of slow flight for text readability and banner/glider towing operations.
• Aerial Photography (Luchtfotografie) Professional aerial photography services above the Netherlands, capturing high-quality images of houses, companies, and landscapes from the sky.
• Inspection Flights Aerial inspection services covering large areas efficiently, including fire patrol routes, oil and wreckage spotting over water, and other surveillance tasks using trained pilots familiar with the operational area.
• Private Charters (Zakenvluchten) Business aviation charter flights to European destinations with access to over 1,200 European airports. Member of the Low Cost Air Taxi Association. Departure times are flexible and determined by the customer.
• Handling & Operations Full-service aircraft management including aircraft purchase and sales, hangar storage, course coordination, pilot/co-pilot/safety pilot provision, maintenance/CAMO, flight planning and execution, and handling at various airports. Currently manages 11 third-party aircraft in addition to its own fleet of 8.
• Hangar Rental (Hangaarverhuur) Hangar and space rental at Teuge Airport, with options ranging from small meeting spaces to full hangar hire (1,000 m²), suitable for events, meetings, product launches, and seminars with optional terrace access.
• Aviodrome Scenic Flights (Lelystad) Sightseeing flights departing from Lelystad Airport at the Aviodrome Aviation Museum, with routes including Circuit (€85), Green (€180), Red/Yellow (€240), and Blue (€300) options, flown only on weekends and major holidays.
• Party / Event Location (Feestruimtes) Event venue rental in hangar spaces at Teuge Airport, available in large and small configurations, combinable with flight arrangements and fully customizable with movable walls and optional terrace access.

Quantifiable outcome

• Average customer rating of 9.4 out of 10
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Orbit GroundschoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrbit Groundschool provides the theoretical training for Instrument Rating (IR(A)), Basic Instrument Rating (BIR), and competency-based IR (CB-IR) programs. Theory subjects must be passed within 18 months. This is the primary theory partner for EASA-compliant instrument rating training.
• Blu BirdminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlu Bird provides Computer-Based Training (CBT) course materials for PPL theory preparation. Mentioned as an alternative theory provider alongside Orbit Groundschool for pilot students preparing for theory exams.
• Teuge Aeromedical ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuthorized aviation medical examiner (AME) located at Teuge Airport providing Class 2 and other medical examinations required for pilot licensing. Students are referred for mandatory medical assessments before IFR flying.
• GreenCarbonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreenCarbon provides CO2 emission offsetting for flight experiences. The company invests in local projects that actively reduce CO2. Customers can optionally add CO2 compensation at checkout or on the day of flight (e.g., €2.50–€10 depending on flight duration).
• Low Cost Air Taxi AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSpecial Air Services is a member of the Low Cost Air Taxi Association, positioning the company within a network of light aviation operators for charter services across Europe.
• Aviodrome Aviation Museum (Lelystad)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with the Aviodrome Aviation Museum at Lelystad Airport to offer sightseeing flights departing from Lelystad. Special Air Services operates a counter at the museum where passengers can book or check in for flights. Museum entrance ticket is not included in flight prices.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• PrivateFly: European on-demand private charter broker. Comparable in offering access to 1,000+ European airports for private aviation customers, overlapping with SAS's Low Cost Air Taxi Association charter offering.
• Helicentre London (L3Harris Airline Academy UK): UK-based EASA flight academy offering PPL/LAPL and modular ratings. Comparable modular training model and recreational flight experience products in the European market.
• European Aviation College (EAC): Dutch EASA ATO offering comparable PPL/CPL/ATPL and rating courses from the Netherlands. Directly comparable multi-vertical flight school competing for the same Dutch student base as Special Air Academy.

Broad incumbents

• VistaJet: Global business aviation operator with strong European presence. Comparable charter/experience positioning to SAS's zakenvluchten (business charter) service, but operating heavy jets rather than light aircraft.
• NetJets Europe: Largest European fractional/private jet operator. Same private aviation charter TAM, but operated at scale with aircraft ownership/fractional programs rather than light-aircraft charter.
• FlightSafety International: Global flight training and simulator services company. Comparable flight simulator and pilot training infrastructure, including a substantial simulator-based training business line that parallels SAS's Robinson R22 and Cessna 172 simulator offerings.
• BAA Training: Large European integrated ATPL training organisation offering EASA licensing and type ratings. Comparable training stack and target customers; competitive threat for aspiring professional pilots considering the Netherlands.
• CAE Oxford Aviation Academy: One of the world's largest EASA-approved integrated ATPL training networks. Provides comparable EASA licensing and rating courses at much larger scale; sets the price/quality benchmark for modular offerings like SAS's.

Regional players

• KLM Flight Academy: Dutch EASA flight school providing integrated ATPL/MPL training. Competes directly for aspiring commercial pilots in the Netherlands but on an integrated (not modular) model.
• Aviodrome (Aviation Museum): Dutch aviation-themed museum and Lelystad Airport attraction partner of SAS that also offers its own scenic flights. Comparable regional aviation experience proposition and shared secondary operating location.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/specialairservi
• Facebookfacebook.com/vlieglessen

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

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 Special Air Services