Flight Simulator Market to Record CAGR of 4.7% Over 2025-2032; Growing Pilot Demand Drives Market Expansion

The global flight simulator market size was valued at USD 5.90 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach USD 6.21 billion in 2025. The market is anticipated to touch USD 8.59 billion by 2032, recording a CAGR of 4.7% over 2025-2032.

Fortune Business Insights™ presents this information in its latest report titled “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”.

A flight simulator is a training device that combines electrical and mechanical parts to recreate the experience of piloting an aircraft. It creates a realistic environment, allowing pilots to practice and improve their flying skills without using a real plane. The global flight simulator market growth is driven by its widespread use across different sectors of the aviation industry, including commercial airlines, military training, aviation educational institutions, and research and development. They offer a cost-efficient and effective method for training pilots, decreasing the dependency on actual flight hours and lowering the risks associated with real flights.

The global market witnessed a significant decline during the COVID-19 pandemic as airlines deferred non-essential maintenance and updates. With fewer aircraft undergoing service, the need for simulator training and enhancements lessened. However, as the aviation industry rebounds, the requirement for pilots and maintenance personnel is expected to rise, leading to an increased demand for flight simulators.

Growing Pilot Demand Drives Market Expansion

The aviation sector has demonstrated significant growth over the past few years. This growth can be attributed to a rise in global air traffic and tourism activities. These elements have also enabled airline operators to enhance their revenue from air travelers. However, many commercial pilots are leaving their jobs before retirement, which creates a shortage of skilled pilots in many countries. The airline industry needs new pilots, both first officers and captains. As a result, there will be a greater demand for flight simulator training systems to prepare pilots for commercial airlines in the future.

However, these simulators necessitate a considerable initial investment in equipment and infrastructure, which can pose a challenge for smaller training centers or airlines that have constrained financial resources.

Thales Group Installs AW139 Level D Simulator for Atlantic Airways

In February 2025, Thales group announced the successful installation of a Thales AW139 Level D Full Flight Simulator along with a lift coach for the helicopter operator and airline Atlantic Airways. This training system is tailored for the Atlantic Aviation routes Flying Foundation in the Faroe Islands.

Leading Firms Adopt Various Strategic Initiatives to Enhance Their Market Presence

The global market is concentrated with prominent companies, including CAE Inc., FlightSafety International Inc., L3Harris Technologies Inc., the Boeing Company, and Thales Group, among others. Leading firms are concentrating on mergers and acquisitions, developing markets, UAV simulators, technological innovations, and new product developments to enhance their market presence.

Notable Industry Development

• February 2025- Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS 2024) announced to addition of the Cessna 185F Skywagon to its existing fleet as part of a series that will be made available for free. This aircraft is set to be created in partnership with Carenado and was initially planned to be launched as a payware aircraft in the "Famous Flyer" series.

List of the Companies Profiled in the Report

• 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)

To get a detailed report summary and research scope of this market, click here:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/flight-simulator-market-102592

Further Report Findings

• North America led the global market in 2024, with a valuation of USD 2.11 billion in 2024. The growth in this region is driven by the presence of key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).


• Europe secured the second-largest flight simulator market share in 2024. The growth of the region is linked to the increasing need for aircraft simulators for budget-friendly training and an emphasis on safety and risk management. In addition, the increasing focus on environmental sustainability and operational effectiveness is projected further to enhance the market growth in this region. 


• Based on type, the full flight simulator segment occupied the leading position in the market. These simulators offer a safe and economical training setting that enables pilots to develop and refine their skills without the necessity of real aircraft. This factor is projected to drive the growth of this segment in the coming years.

Table of Segmentation