Civil Aerospace Training and Simulation Market Segmented By Simulator Type (Full Flight Simulator (FFS), Flight Training Devices (FTD), and Other Training Devices), By Application (Commercial Aviation and Space), By Regional, By Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 16.34 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.62%
Fastest Growing Segment	Full Flight Simulator (FFS)
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 22.69 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Civil Aerospace Training and Simulation Market will grow from USD 16.34 Billion in 2025 to USD 22.69 Billion by 2031 at a 5.62% CAGR. The Global Civil Aerospace Training and Simulation Market involves the provision of synthetic learning devices, including full flight simulators, alongside structured instruction to qualify pilots and maintenance staff for commercial operations. Market growth is fundamentally supported by stringent regulatory safety requirements and the urgent necessity to replenish personnel levels amidst rising global travel. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, total annual passenger traffic rose by 10.4 percent compared to the previous year, necessitating increased flight crew throughput.

A significant challenge that could impede market expansion is the substantial capital expenditure required for complex simulation hardware. The prohibitive costs associated with procuring and certifying advanced training devices can limit the operational capacity of smaller training organizations and regional carriers, thereby restricting the broader availability of essential pilot instruction.

Key Market Drivers

The acute shortage of qualified pilots and aviation personnel acts as a primary catalyst for the Global Civil Aerospace Training and Simulation Market. As airlines aggressively ramp up operations to meet post-pandemic travel demands, the widening gap between workforce supply and operational requirements has necessitated a substantial increase in training throughput. This scarcity is compounded by mandatory retirements and stricter competency-based training standards, forcing operators to invest heavily in cadet programs and advanced simulation hours to expedite certification without compromising safety. According to Boeing, July 2025, in the 'Pilot and Technician Outlook', the global aviation industry will require 660,000 new pilots through 2044 to sustain operations. Furthermore, the scope of this human capital challenge extends beyond flight decks; according to CAE, June 2025, in the 'Aviation Talent Forecast', the civil aviation sector must generate approximately 1.5 million new professionals, including technicians and cabin crew, by 2034 to support industry growth.

Concurrently, the accelerated expansion of commercial airline fleets is driving significant demand for platform-specific simulation hardware and recurrent training services. Carriers are modernizing their fleets with next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft, which requires the procurement of corresponding Full Flight Simulators (FFS) and Flight Training Devices (FTD) to facilitate type-rating certifications. This fleet renewal cycle ensures a continuous revenue stream for simulation manufacturers and training centers as airlines phase out older models. According to Airbus, June 2025, in the 'Global Market Forecast', the market anticipates a demand for 43,420 new passenger and freighter aircraft deliveries over the next two decades, underscoring the critical need for scalable training infrastructure to accommodate this influx of modern airframes.

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Key Market Challenges

The substantial capital expenditure required for procuring and certifying advanced simulation hardware constitutes a formidable barrier to the growth of the Global Civil Aerospace Training and Simulation Market. Full flight simulators and other synthetic learning devices require immense upfront investment due to their intricate engineering and the rigorous compliance standards mandated by aviation authorities. This heavy financial burden disproportionately affects smaller independent training centers and regional airlines, effectively preventing them from upgrading their infrastructure or expanding their training capacity. Consequently, the market experiences a concentration of resources among a few major players, while smaller entities are unable to provide the necessary volume of pilot instruction, creating a significant bottleneck in the global training supply chain.

This economic pressure is further exacerbated by the tight financial margins within the broader aviation sector, which restricts the liquidity available for such heavy asset investments. When operators generate returns that do not justify the cost of borrowing or capital allocation, purchasing multimillion-dollar training devices becomes financially unviable. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, the global airline industry return on invested capital was projected to be 5.7 percent, which remained well below the weighted average cost of capital. This financial disparity makes it difficult for aviation stakeholders to secure funding for capital-intensive equipment, directly stalling the deployment of new simulators needed to support market expansion.

Key Market Trends

The Widespread Integration of Extended Reality (XR) is reshaping instructional delivery by supplementing traditional hardware with portable virtual environments. Training centers are deploying Virtual Reality (VR) systems to offload procedural tasks from expensive Full Flight Simulators, allowing pilots to practice cockpit flows in a self-paced setting. This reduces the operational load on heavy training devices while enhancing muscle memory through repetitive, unmonitored practice. According to Lufthansa Aviation Training, July 2025, in the 'LAT successfully introduces Virtual Reality (VR) in Lufthansa Group pilot training' press release, Brussels Airlines utilized a VR-based solution to replace traditional fixed-base training sessions, with plans to expand the system to all 10 A320 operators within the group.

The Development of Specialized Curricula for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is a critical evolution as manufacturers transition to commercial readiness. The AAM sector demands hybrid training programs bridging fixed-wing and rotary-wing disciplines to address the unique powered-lift characteristics of electric aircraft. This trend is driving the establishment of dedicated academies and regulatory-compliant courseware to build a qualified pilot pipeline for air taxi networks. According to Archer Aviation, February 2025, in the 'Archer Receives FAA Certification To Launch Its Pilot Training Academy' press release, the company secured its Part 141 certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, officially authorizing its flight school to qualify pilots for its commercial Midnight aircraft.

Segmental Insights

The Full Flight Simulator segment is anticipated to witness the fastest growth in the Global Civil Aerospace Training and Simulation Market, driven by stringent regulatory standards for pilot competency. Aviation authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, require substantial simulator hours for licensing and recurrent training to guarantee flight safety. Additionally, commercial airlines prioritize these simulators to minimize fuel consumption and wear on actual aircraft while safely replicating complex emergency scenarios. This combination of regulatory compliance and operational efficiency underscores the rapid expansion of this segment.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific commands a leading position in the Global Civil Aerospace Training and Simulation Market, primarily fueled by robust fleet modernization and escalating air travel demand. Emerging aviation hubs, particularly in China and India, are experiencing a significant uptake in aircraft deliveries, triggering an urgent need for skilled flight and maintenance personnel. This demographic shift compels airlines to invest heavily in comprehensive training infrastructure. Additionally, stringent oversight from regulatory bodies like the Civil Aviation Administration of China mandates advanced simulation standards, further accelerating the region's market expansion and solidifying its global dominance.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, FlightSafety International revealed a significant investment in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and augmented reality, to modernize its flight simulator training programs. As part of this initiative, the company partnered with GE Digital to develop an application based on a flight analytics platform, which compares data from actual flights with simulator sessions to mitigate operational risks. Furthermore, the organization integrated mixed-reality systems and biometric capabilities into its training devices to enhance the fidelity and effectiveness of pilot instruction. This move highlighted a trend in the global civil aerospace training and simulation market towards adopting data-driven and immersive technologies to improve safety outcomes and training efficiency.
• In September 2024, Airbus announced the construction of a new Training and Flight Operations Campus in Toulouse, France, to address the forecasted global need for millions of trained aviation workers over the coming decades. This extensive facility was designed to be the largest of the company’s pilot training centers worldwide, with the capacity to enroll approximately 10,000 trainees annually. The campus was planned to house up to 12 Full Flight Simulators and 12 procedure trainers, alongside structure labs and spaces for virtual reality training. This massive infrastructure investment demonstrated a significant commitment to the civil aerospace training and simulation market, aiming to support airline customers with state-of-the-art facilities for crew and maintenance training.
• In August 2024, L3Harris Technologies secured a comprehensive pilot training contract with Aer Lingus UK, marking the first direct agreement for training services between the two organizations. This collaboration encompassed a wide range of programs designed to support pilots at various career stages, including A330 Dry Training, Cross Crew Qualification, and Line Flying Under Supervision. The training was scheduled to take place at the company's London Training Centre, highlighting a commitment to maintaining high standards in commercial aviation safety. This deal underscored the ongoing demand within the global civil aerospace training and simulation market for tailored, high-quality instruction to support airline fleet operations and pilot proficiency.
• In April 2024, CAE Inc. announced a strategic partnership with NAV CANADA to significantly expand training capacity for essential air traffic services professionals. Under this collaboration, the company agreed to provide initial training for Flight Service Specialists and Air Traffic Controllers, utilizing the air navigation service provider's curriculum. The initiative involved the establishment of a new, purpose-built Air Traffic Services Training Centre at the company's campus in Montreal, with the first classes commencing in the fall of 2024. This agreement represented a major development in the civil aerospace training market, leveraging the expertise of a leading training provider to address the growing demand for skilled aviation personnel and ensure the continued safety and efficiency of the air traffic system.

Key Market Players

• L3Harris Technologies Inc.
• CAE Inc.
• The Boeing Company
• FlightSafety International Inc.
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation
• Indra Sistemas SA
• ALSIM EMEA
• ELITE Simulation Solutions AG
• Multi Pilot Simulations BV
• Lockheed Martin Corporation

By Simulator Type	By Application	By Region
Full Flight Simulator (FFS) Flight Training Devices (FTD) Other Training Devices	Commercial Aviation and Space	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Civil Aerospace Training and Simulation Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Civil Aerospace Training and Simulation Market, By Simulator Type:

• Full Flight Simulator (FFS)
• Flight Training Devices (FTD)
• Other Training Devices

• Civil Aerospace Training and Simulation Market, By Application:

• Commercial Aviation and Space

• Civil Aerospace Training and Simulation Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE