Flight Simulator Market Size, Share, & Industry Analysis, By Type (Full Flight Simulator and Flight Training Devices), By Platform (Fixed Wing Simulator, Rotary Wing Simulator, and UAV Simulator), By Application (Commercial and Military), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global flight simulator market size was valued at USD 5.90 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 6.21 billion in 2025 to USD 8.59 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. North America dominated the flight simulator market with a market share of 35.76% in 2024.

A flight simulator is an electrical and mechanical training device that replicates the experience of flying an aircraft. It provides a realistic virtual environment where pilots can practice and develop their aviation skills without the need for an actual aircraft. These devices use advanced technology, such as computer-generated graphics, motion systems, and accurate flight dynamics, to create a highly immersive and interactive training experience.

These simulators are widely used in various aviation industry sectors, such as commercial airlines, military training, aviation schools, and research and development. It provides a cost-effective and efficient means of training pilots, reducing reliance on actual flight hours and minimizing risks associated with real-world operations. The increased demand for highly skilled pilots is expected to drive the growth of the global market size from 2025 to 2032.

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GLOBAL FLIGHT SIMULATOR MARKET KEY TAKEAWAYS

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 5.90 billion
• 2025 Market Size: USD 6.21 billion
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 8.59 billion
• CAGR: 4.7% from 2025–2032

Market Share:

• North America dominated the flight simulator market with a 35.76% share in 2024, driven by the presence of major OEMs like CAE Inc. and L3Harris Technologies, along with rising demand for pilot training for commercial and military aircraft.
• By type, the Full Flight Simulator segment led the market in 2024 due to growing air travel demand, pilot shortages, and the need for realistic training environments.
• The UAV Simulator segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR, supported by growing demand for drone pilots across commercial, civil, and military sectors.

Key Country Highlights:

• United States: Largest market globally with extensive presence of simulator OEMs and training infrastructure. Growth supported by pilot shortages, military upgrades, and technological innovation (e.g., CAE 700MXR for eVTOL).
• France: Home to Thales Group, a leader in immersive and mixed-reality flight training solutions.
• Spain: Indra Sistemas S.A. continues to expand its global training footprint, especially in Europe and Latin America.
• Germany: Advancing use of MR/VR in pilot training; companies like ART collaborate to drive innovation in simulator interfaces.
• India: Rapidly expanding flight training industry. Gen24 Flybiz partnered with Avion Group to introduce Airbus A320 simulators to meet domestic training demand.
• China: Increasing domestic airline and defense training demand due to rapid aviation sector growth.

Flight Simulator Market Trends

Integration of Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) is a Prominent Market Trend

Technological advancement is a key trend gaining popularity in the market. Major players in the market are focusing on developing new technologically advanced solutions by integrating Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR). These technologies provide enhanced immersion and realism, which allows pilots to experience a simulated environment with accurate visuals and motion feedback. MR, VR, and AR comprise interactive training scenarios that improve pilot skills and decision-making.

For instance, in April 2023, Advanced Real-Time Tracking (ART), a Germany-based company that specializes in infrared all-in-one hardware, partnered with Vrgineers, a leading cockpit training solutions company, to introduce innovative Mixed Reality (MR) pilot simulation technologies. The two companies partnered to integrate the XTAL 3 Virtual Reality (VR) headset and SMARTTRACK3/M into a mixed-reality pilot training system for future pilot training.

Virtual Reality (VR) is a fully immersive experience comprising computer-generated environments, objects, or 360º videos. So this means that the term "virtual reality" can only be used in programs that change the surroundings around the user. To cite an example, VR is completed by using sensory stimulators to trick the user's brain into believing that they are in a separate reality. This can be accomplished using headsets known as Head-Mounted Displays (HMD).

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Skilled Pilots is Expected to Boost Market Growth

The aviation industry has exhibited strong growth in the last few years. This is credited to an increase in air traffic and tourism activities globally. These factors have also proved to help airline operators maximize the revenue from air passengers. However, the increasing pressure on commercial pilots is one of the key reasons for leaving the workforce before retirement age. The reduced workforce has directly impacted the unavailability of skilled pilots in various countries.

The airline industry experiences high requirements for active new pilots as first officers and captains. These factors are likely to raise the demand for flight simulator training systems through this simulator to prepare pilots for commercial airlines in the future.

• In November 2024, Loft Dynamics, which produces certified Virtual Reality (VR) Flight Simulation Training Devices (FSTDs), revealed a range of industry-changing functionalities to better and more efficiently respond to the global pilot shortage and excessively high rates of training-related crashes. Central to this is LofTWIN, a demonstration mode that digitalizes flight tuition by globally established pilots and airplane OEM instructors.

Rising Demand for Simulators from Defense Sector is Expected to Propel Market Growth

Simulators provide realistic combat training, which allows military pilots to enhance their skills and simulate various combat scenarios. They replicate the dynamics of aircraft operation, weapon systems, and tactical scenarios, which enables military pilots to develop and refine their combat skills, such as air-to-air engagements, air-to-ground attacks, and precision targeting, in a safe and controlled environment. They offer a cost-effective alternative to actual flight hours, reducing expenses associated with military pilot training.

They provide a safe environment for practicing high-risk maneuvers and emergency procedures. This helps in reducing risks to lives and expensive equipment. Aircraft simulators are also used to simulate a wide range of aircraft types, such as fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Furthermore, technological advancements, such as improved visuals and realistic interfaces, have also contributed to the flight simulator market growth.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Initial Investments and Regulatory Compliance are Expected to Hamper Market Growth

Flight simulators require a significant upfront investment for equipment and infrastructure, which can be a barrier for smaller training centers or airlines with limited financial resources.

The price of simulator devices depends on several factors, such as training needs, aircraft or ship type, the level of device qualification, its features, and others. Due to the wide range of simulator products available, the cost can range up to several thousand dollars. Simulators can be costly and require constant updates and maintenance.

In commercial and defense sectors, it ranges from USD 5 million to USD 30 million or more. As a digital technology, simulation-based training is flexible. Furthermore, flight simulators need to meet strict regulatory standards and certifications, which can pose challenges for manufacturers and operators in terms of ensuring compliance and maintaining necessary approvals.

Market Opportunities

Emerging Markets and Increasing Demand for UAV Pilots from Various End User Industries Will be a Prominent Market Opportunity

The flight simulator industry is witnessing several opportunities that are driving its growth. Some of the prominent opportunities are the rising demand for UAV pilots, the growth of emerging markets, and the adoption of cloud-based simulation. Many training centers have older flight simulators that need upgrades or replacements, which creates opportunities for companies offering modern and cost-effective solutions. The development of aviation infrastructure and the emergence of new airlines in the Middle East & Africa region create opportunities for flight simulator companies to support pilot training requirements.

• For instance, in March 2023, Saudi Arabia revealed its plan to establish a new national airline called Riyadh Air, with the objective of transforming the city of Riyadh into a prominent global aviation hub, competing against other major regional players such as Dubai and Doha. Riyadh Air has set a target to commence operations to over 100 international destinations by 2030.

Market Challenges

Long Development Cycles and Technological Complexity to Challenge Market Development

Long advancement cycles in the flight simulator industry challenge the development of new simulators. Maintaining the simulator's complexity and technical integrity requires a lot of time taking maintenance and testing. This duration is influenced by the complexity of airship frameworks and the necessity for thorough testing and certification processes. Each stage of improvement, including planning, manufacture, and testing, requires intricate coordination among various teams and adherence to regulatory guidelines, which can altogether extend timelines. Technological complexity presents another layer of challenge.

Impact of COVID-19

Stringent Regulations to Challenge Market Development

The flight simulator market experienced a major dip in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, airlines had financial difficulties, so they postponed non-essential aircraft maintenance and upgrades. Since fewer aircraft were being serviced, the need for simulator-based maintenance training and simulator upgrades decreased. However, as the aviation industry slowly recovers, the demand for pilots and aircraft maintenance is anticipated to increase again during the forecast period. This increase in demand will lead to a higher demand for aircraft simulators, which is expected to contribute to the growth of the industry following the pandemic.

Segmentation Analysis

By Type

Full Flight Simulator Segment Dominated Market Due to Rising Demand for Skilled Pilots

By type, the market is categorized into full flight simulator and flight training devices.

The full flight simulator segment accounted for a dominating share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR in the coming years. The demand for highly skilled pilots is rising due to the growth in air travel and the retirement of experienced pilots. Full flight simulators provide a safe and cost-effective training environment that allows pilots to acquire and enhance their skills without the need for actual aircraft. Owing to such factors, there is a surge in demand for full flight simulators, which is expected to increase the growth of the segment during the forecast period.

The flight training device segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR from 2025 to 2032. Flight training devices are advanced equipment for training flights to replicate the conditions and equipment of a certain aircraft type. They attempt to simulate an aircraft's cockpit instruments, equipment, gear, panels and controls inside an open flight deck or in a closed cockpit section. Flight training devices play a very significant role in pilot training at their entry level as a bridge to more advanced simulators such as flight training devices. They are employed extensively by flight schools and airlines to train new pilots or to convert existing pilots from one aircraft type to another.

By Platform

Fixed Wing Simulator Segment Commanded the Market, Owing to Fleet Expansion

By platform, the market is divided into fixed-wing simulator, rotary-wing simulator, and UAV simulator.

The fixed-wing simulator segment dominated the global market in 2024. A fixed-wing simulator is a sophisticated training device designed to replicate the flight characteristics and systems of a fixed-wing aircraft. The segment growth is driven by the expanding fleet of aircraft and increasing air traffic. The expanding fleet of aircraft and increasing air traffic create a demand for new and skilled pilots, which further contributes to the market growth.

The UAV simulator segment is expected to grow with the highest CAGR in the coming years. The increase in growth is due to the rising demand for drone pilots as applications of drones have significantly risen and are expected to continue this trend during the forecast period. UAVs are being increasingly used in many industries, such as military, agriculture, civil, and commercial purposes. This emerging demand for UAVs gives rise to a high demand for trained UAV pilots, driving the demand for efficient training tools such as simulators.

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By Application

Rising Demand for Aircraft Simulators from Pilot Training Organization Boosted Commercial Segment Expansion 

By application, the market is segmented into commercial and military.

The commercial segment dominated the market in 2024. It is expected to be the fastest-growing segment due to the rising demand for aircraft simulators from pilot training organizations globally. The cost-effectiveness of flight simulators, sustainability in aviation, and rising air travel are expected to be major reasons for the growth of the commercial segment.

The military segment is predicted to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The segment's growth is due to the increasing military fleet. Furthermore, the rising need for training pilots due to the addition of new advanced aircraft to fleets is predicted to aid market growth. The emergence of flight simulation software such as DCS- Digital Combat Simulator for flight training is expected to drive segment growth.

FLIGHT SIMULATOR MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

In terms of geography, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

North America

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Presence of Eminent Players Boosted Market Expansion in North America

North America dominated the flight simulator market share and was valued at USD 2.11 billion in 2024. The region's growth can be attributed to the presence of major OEMs. With a series of strategic acquisitions, including the commercial business of prominent players TRU Simulation + Training Inc. (Canada), CAE has taken the lead in driving consolidation in the market. CAE's acquisition of L3Harris Technologies' Military Training business is one of the biggest acquisitions in the market and approximately doubles CAE's core military training business in the U.S. In June 2021, CAE Inc. completed the acquisition of L3Harris Technologies' Military Training business for a deal amount of USD 1.05 billion. Additionally, the emergence of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and all-electric aircraft is expected to drive the growth of the avionics segment during the forecast period.

The U.S. market for flight simulators is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in North America, owing to a number of flight simulators and pilot training companies. Additionally, the presence of a highly technologically driven aviation industry is expected to lead to overall market growth.

Europe

Europe captured the second-largest share in 2024. The growth of the regional market is attributed to increasing demand for aircraft simulators for cost-effective training and a focus on safety and risk mitigation. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and operational efficiency is also expected to boost market growth in the region.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific held a significant market share in 2024 and is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. Market growth is attributed to the rising demand for aircraft simulators for pilot training organizations. For instance, in February 2023, Gen24 Flybiz, an India-based emerging flight training company, signed a contract with Avion for the procurement of eight Airbus A320 aircraft simulators after the acquisition of Avion Group and Avion Simulators. The establishment of their new training center with two Avion A320 simulators is set to be transported to India and certified by the Indian Civil Aviation Authority, DGCA.

Rest of the World

The Rest of the World is anticipated to witness moderate growth in the market during the forecast period. The growing aviation industry in South America is predicted to propel market growth. Moreover, in the Middle East, the expansion of airline fleets to meet increasing passenger demand catalyzes market growth.

Competitive Landscape

Key Market Players

Mergers & Acquisitions, Emerging Markets, UAV Simulators, and Product Innovations are the Key Focus Areas of Leading Players 

The global flight simulator market is consolidated with key players, CAE Inc., FlightSafety International Inc., L3Harris Technologies Inc., the Boeing Company, Thales Group, and others. Major players focus on mergers & acquisitions, emerging markets, UAV simulators, technological advancements, and product innovations to increase their market share. For instance, in July 2022, CAE unveiled its latest pilot training innovation, the CAE 700MXR aircraft simulator. Specifically designed for the eVTOL market, this cutting-edge simulator is set to transform flight training in complex urban environments. With its compact mini-motion platform and 360⁰ field of view visuals, the CAE 700MXR offers highly realistic and physics-based customized simulation systems for single-pilot operations.

LIST OF KEY FLIGHT SIMULATOR COMPANIES PROFILED:

• CAE Inc. (Canada)
• FlightSafety International Inc. (U.S.)
• L3Harris Technologies Inc. (U.S.)
• The Boeing Company (U.S.)
• Thales Group (France)
• TRU Simulation + Training Inc. (U.S.)
• Raytheon Technologies Corporation (U.S.)
• Indra Sistemas S.A. (Spain)
• Aero Simulation Inc. (U.S.)
• HALVESAN (Turkey)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• February 2025- Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS 2024) announced to release of the Cessna 185F Skywagon as an addition to their pre-existing fleet as a part of a series intended to be released for free. The aircraft is expected to be developed in collaboration with Carenado and was previously intended to be released as a payware "Famous Flyer" series aircraft.
• December 2024- EasyJet announced a partnership with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The EasyJet fleet is accessible within the sim incorporates the Airbus A319, A320, A320neo, and A321neo. However, only the A320neo and A321neo are part of the simulator's default airplane lineup. The A319 and A320, staples of EasyJet's real-world operations, are not on the list.
• November 2024- Simaero, a France-based flight training institution, unveiled the launch of a flight training school in New Delhi, India, in 2025. The flight training center is expected to feature eight full-flight simulators for narrow-body aircraft and eventually expand its simulator fleet to wide-body aircraft as well.
• November 2024- Microsoft unveiled Pimax, a Virtual Reality (VR) equipment producer and supplier of the ultra-wide field of View (FoV) and high-resolution shopper VR gadgets, as an official VR partner for its upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS 2024). The Pimax 'Crystal Light' VR headset offers a high-resolution show, as well as other highlights custom-made for flight simulation enthusiasts.
• May 2022- CAE is set to deploy the first CAE 7000XR Series Dassault Falcon 6X full-flight simulator (FFS) at its Burgess Hill training center in the U.K. As the exclusive training provider for the Dassault Falcon 6X, CAE has developed an innovative pilot training program to support the new aircraft type's entry into service.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report provides a detailed market analysis. It comprises all major aspects, such as R&D capabilities and optimization of the operating services. Moreover, it offers insights into the flight simulator market share, trends, regional analysis, Porter's five forces analysis, and the competitive landscape of various companies profiled with market competition. It primarily highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, it mainly focuses on several factors that have contributed to the global market growth in recent years.

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