FTD.aero

What FTD.aero does

FTD.aero is a Polish manufacturer of fixed base flight training devices (FTDs) for Boeing 737-800, 737-8 MAX, and Airbus A320 CEO/NEO aircraft. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Komorniki/Poznań, the company designs and builds certified EASA FTD-2 and FAA Level 5/6 type-specific simulators, EASA FNPT II MCC / FAA AATD & Level 4 generic simulators, non-certified cockpit procedure trainers, and custom simulator builds, serving airlines, flight schools/ATOs, and aviation universities.

The technical platform is built on in-house developed electronics, a proprietary CANBUS-based communications architecture, and modular hardware that mirrors OEM aircraft modules, enabling in-field conversions and upgrades. Differentiated components include an advanced electric Active Control Loading system, scientifically developed proprietary flight models, OEM-sourced Flight Data Packages from Boeing and Airbus, a Level-D-grade image generator with a 200x40 collimated visual display, automated eQTG, and remote diagnostics. Each FSTD incorporates nearly 9,800 precision parts. The company also operates GearUP!, its own flight simulation centre since 2015, accumulating over 13,000 operational hours — providing real-world operator feedback that feeds product design.

FTD.aero generates revenue primarily through capital equipment sales of simulators priced via custom quotes given high configuration variability, with incremental recurring revenue from support, maintenance, software upgrades, and in-field upgrade/conversion services (e.g., FNPT II to FTD-2, B738 to B73M). Sales are driven by an enterprise field-sales motion led by an active B737 captain with TRI ratings, complemented by an Authorized Partner model (e.g., Rotate in Korea), industry-event presence (WATS, EATS, APATS, AERO), and a 360° virtual tour. The team has grown from 3 to nearly 30 employees, with installations across 50+ countries and a customer roster that includes Turkish Airlines Flight Academy, T'way Air, LOT Polish Airlines Flight Academy, Urbe Aero, IFA, Flyschool Air Academy, Solaseed Air, Polish Aviation Academy, and J.F. Oberlin University.

Name

FTD.aero

Legal name

FTD.aero

Website

https://ftd.aero

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

FTD.aero is a Polish manufacturer of fixed base flight simulators for Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft, certified by EASA, FAA, and Korea's MOLIT. Founded in 2009, it serves airlines, flight academies, and aviation universities across 50+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTD)

NAICS

Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Other Support Activities for Air Transportation (48819)

SIC

Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Training & Light Sport Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAE)

Keywords

• Fixed base flight simulators
• Aviation training devices
• Pilot training equipment
• Flight simulator manufacturing
• EASA FTD-2 simulators

Headquarters

HQ city

Komorniki

HQ country

Poland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Flight Simulator Hardware Sales: Sale of fixed base flight simulators ranging from Procedure Trainers and FNPT II MCC devices to certified EASA FTD-2 and FAA Level 5 & 6 type-specific simulators. Products are sold to airlines, flight academies, universities, and training organizations globally. Pricing is quote-based given the high customization and configuration nature of each device.
2. Support, Maintenance & Software Upgrades: Ongoing support services including software improvements, hardware upgrades, real-time monitoring, preventive maintenance, and remote diagnostics to ensure maximum uptime and training continuity. Support agreements and spare parts supply generate recurring revenue from installed base.
3. Custom Configuration & Upgrades: In-field upgrades and conversions of existing simulators to higher certification levels (e.g., FNPT II to FTD-2, B738 to B73M MAX conversion), generating incremental revenue from installed devices.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

FTD.aero designs and manufactures Fixed Base Flight Simulators (FTDs) for Boeing 737-800, 737-8 MAX, and Airbus A320 CEO/NEO aircraft, certified by EASA (FTD-2, FNPT II MCC) and FAA (Level 4, 5, 6). The portfolio spans non-certified Cockpit Procedure Trainers, mid-tier FNPT II MCC devices, and top-tier type-specific FTD-2 simulators, sold to airlines, flight academies, aviation universities, and training organizations worldwide.

Product overview

FTD.aero manufactures flight simulation training devices ranging from simple procedure trainers to certified fixed-base simulators. The product portfolio consists of: (1) EASA FTD-2 | FAA Level 5 & 6 Type-Specific Simulators for Boeing B737-800, B737-8MAX and Airbus A320 CEO/NEO with OEM Data Package; (2) EASA FNPT II MCC | FAA AATD & Level 4 generic flight simulators for B738, B73M, and A320; (3) Cockpit Procedure Trainers for B737 and A320 aircraft types; (4) Custom/Tailored simulators built to customer specifications; and (5) GearUP! - the company's own in-house flight simulation center. Products are designed for airline flight training, ranging from ab-initio familiarization to type-specific training, and are delivered worldwide to aviation institutions, universities, flight schools, and airlines across 50+ countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• EASA FTD-2 | FAA Level 5 & 6 Fixed Base Flight Simulator Type-specific fixed base flight simulator for Boeing B737-800, B737-8MAX and Airbus A320 CEO, A320 NEO aircraft. Uses OEM Data Package with spot-on flight model and is certified by EASA and FAA for type-specific flight training. Features Level-D Image Generator, 200x40 Collimated Visual Display System, electric Active Control Loading, fully automated eQTG, remote diagnostics, and supports up to 50% Type Rating credits.
• EASA FNPT II MCC | FAA AATD & Level 4 Fixed Base Flight Simulator Fully-enclosed fixed-base flight simulator for B738, B73M, and A320 aircraft using proprietary flight model and aircraft systems software. Meets EASA FNPT II MCC and FAA AATD / Level 4 certification requirements for APS MCC and ATP-CTP training. Features Active Control Loading, OEM components, and is upgradable in-field to FTD-2 or FAA Level 5 & 6 standards. Supports MCC APS, MPL Phase 2 (up to 80 hours), IR, ME, JOC, pre-Type Rating, SOP, and FMS training.
• B737-800 | B737 MAX | A320 Cockpit Procedure Trainer

Quantifiable outcome

• Simulators have logged over 13,000 operational hours at GearUP! training centre since 2015
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Turkish Airlines Flight AcademyflagshipTechnology or Integration · 12 November 2025FTD.aero signed a contract with Turkish Airlines Flight Academy for delivery of two state-of-the-art EASA FNPT II MCC (APS) flight simulators (B73M and A32N), both built to airline-grade (FTD-2) fidelity and standards. The contract followed months of detailed evaluation, rigorous testing by A320 and B737 experts, and on-site visits to both FTD.aero's facility and the customer's location.
• IFA - International Flight AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 July 2025IFA - International Flight Academy in Portugal contracted FTD.aero to build, deliver, and install a B73M FNPT II MCC FSTD at their facility at Viseu Airport (LPVZ). The device features advanced upgrades and OEM aircraft components for immersive APS MCC training. Expected EASA FNPT II MCC qualification in early 2026.
• RotatecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 September 2020Rotate, a Seoul-based flight simulation centre located across from Gimpo International Airport, was appointed FTD.aero's Authorized Partner in Korea following delivery of a B738 Advanced Fixed-Base Simulator. Rotate provides local sales, pilot training, and airline assessment services using FTD.aero's devices, and the companies continue to collaborate on FTD certification by MOLIT.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris (Commercial Aviation Solutions, formerly L3 Commercial Aviation) manufactures a broad portfolio of flight simulation and training products including FTDs for the B737 and A320 — a much larger incumbent with overlapping product lines and global customer reach.
• CAE: CAE is the world's largest civil aviation training and simulation company, producing a full spectrum of FTDs and full-flight simulators for the B737 and A320 — directly competing with FTD.aero in type-specific simulators while also offering pilot training services.
• FlightSafety International: FlightSafety International operates one of the world's largest networks of pilot training centers and manufactures its own FTDs and FFSs — a long-standing incumbent competitor with deep airline relationships and broader service offerings than FTD.aero.

Direct peers

• Frasca International: Frasca International produces flight training devices and simulation equipment for general aviation, airlines, and military customers — directly comparable to FTD.aero in its role as a smaller-scale, certified simulator manufacturer serving flight schools and airlines.
• ALSIM: ALSIM (France) manufactures EASA- and FAA-certified flight training devices for airline, business aviation, and helicopter markets — a similarly sized European competitor with overlapping FNPT II / FTD product lines and certification strategy.
• Reiser Simulation and Training: Reiser Simulation and Training (Germany) designs and produces helicopter and fixed-wing flight simulation devices, including FNPT II and FTD level products — a European-headquartered direct peer comparable in size and product niche to FTD.aero.
• TRU Simulation + Training: TRU Simulation + Training, a Textron company, manufactures fixed-base flight simulators and full-flight devices with a strong focus on commercial aviation and a comparable niche positioning in cost-effective, high-fidelity training equipment.
• Precision Flight Controls: Precision Flight Controls designs and manufactures high-quality flight simulation components, controls, and partial training devices — comparable as a smaller-tier, niche-focused flight training equipment supplier with a similar professional-use customer base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCkwHjTLDdHZMzaGciNq8_Jw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ftdaero

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 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 FTD.aero