Flight Simulator Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and Outlook (2023-2030)

Flight Simulator Market is segmented By Product Type (Full Flight Simulator, Fixed Flight Training Devices), By Application (Military & Defense, Civil), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030

Flight Simulator Market Size

The Global Flight Simulator Market reached USD 6.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 11.6 billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period 2023-2030. The growth of the aviation industry in emerging markets, such as Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and South America, is driving the demand for flight simulators.

As these regions experience increased air travel demand, there is a growing need to establish pilot training centers equipped with modern simulators. The expansion of aviation infrastructure and training facilities in emerging markets contributes to the growth of the global flight simulator market.

The rapid induction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the Military worldwide will significantly increase demand for flight simulators for military applications. Defense contractors are already developing the next generation of drones. In April 2023, Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar Defence announced plans to build a new unmanned combat drone by early 2024.

Flight Simulator Market Scope

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Flight Simulator Market Dynamics

Global Pilot Shortage 

The global aviation industry witnessed a stronger-than-expected recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the industry faces a significant shortage of qualified pilots due to layoffs and retirements. According to data from Oliver Wyman, the global aviation industry is expected to face a shortfall of 80,000 pilots by 2032. 

Flight simulators are crucial in addressing this shortage by providing efficient and effective training programs. Airlines are retraining pilots on new aircraft and are aggressively recruiting new pilots. The demand for flight simulators is expected to increase significantly in the coming years due to the need to train a new generation of pilots and ensure a steady supply of qualified professionals.

Launch of New Aircraft Variant

The two major global commercial aircraft manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus are launching new aircraft variants with increased fuel efficiency and longer operational range. Boeing is released the 737 MAX 8 narrow-body airliner, whereas Airbus has launched the A320 and A321 NEO (New Engine Option). The launch of new aircraft variants creates a corresponding demand for flight simulators for pilot training.

Pilots typically require two months to a year of training to certify new variants. Airlines and training centers need simulators that replicate the specific characteristics and features of new variant aircraft to train pilots for their operation. Therefore, the pace of aircraft innovation and development influences the growth of the global flight Simulator Market.

Lack of Interoperability

One of the challenges in the flight simulator market is the lack of standardized interfaces and protocols that enable interoperability between different simulator systems. Each simulator manufacturer typically develops proprietary methods and technologies which may not be compatible with those of other manufacturers.

The lack of interoperability restricts flexibility and limits the options available to customers. It can be challenging for flight training organizations and airlines to utilize simulators from different manufacturers to meet their specific training needs. It also hampers the ability to share simulation scenarios, training content and performance data seamlessly across other platforms.

Furthermore, the lack of interoperability also increases operating expenditure for the airlines. Modern airlines use different types of commercial aircraft. Therefore, each aircraft type requires its own flight simulator and the associated training ecosystem. The high cost of flight simulators means that airlines must undertake significant expenditures to train pilots. 

Flight Simulator Market Segment Analysis

The Global Flight Simulator Market is segmented based on type, application and region.

Fleet Upgradation by Global Airlines is Creating Major Demand For Civilian Flight Simulators

Civilian application of flight simulators accounts for a nearly two-thirds share of the global flight simulation market. To remain competitive and open new routes for expansion, airlines upgrade and expand their fleet with new aircraft. Airlines thus have to undertake intensive pilot training during fleet upgradation. 

New trainee pilots recruited by airlines must undergo significant simulator training before commencing actual flying. Furthermore, experienced pilots must undertake periodical simulator training to ensure that their normal operational capabilities are up to standard. It is a standard requirement for maintaining their commercial pilot’s license. 

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Global Flight Simulator Market Geographical Share

Expansion of Major Airlines Will Propel Market Growth in Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is witnessing significant growth in domestic and international passenger air travel as years of sustained economic growth has led to rising incomes and improved socio-economic conditions. The region is expected to account for nearly a quarter of the global market share for the flight simulator market. 

Many airlines in Asia-Pacific are undergoing expansion to cater to rising passenger demand. For instance, in November 2022, China Aviation Supplies (CASC) signed an agreement worth USD 17 billion for 140 new passenger aircraft from Airbus.

Furthermore, in February 2023, Air India, the newly-privatized Indian flag carrier, announced an order for 840 new passenger aircraft from Boeing and Airbus. The ongoing fleet expansion by major airlines will create significant demand for new pilot training infrastructure, thus boosting the demand for flight simulators in the region.  

Source: DataM Intelligence Analysis (2023)

Flight Simulator Market Key Players

The major global players include CAE Inc., Flightsafety International Inc., L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp., The Boeing Company, Fidelity Technologies Corp., Alenia Aeronautica, Airbus Group N.V., ATC Flight Simulator and Rockwell Collins.

COVID-19 Impact on Flight Simulator Market

COVID Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic brought a complete halt to the global airline industry, as domestic and international air travel ceased due to governmental restrictions. Since planes were grounded, many airlines laid off pilots. It greatly reduced the demand for flight simulators. Many airlines also went bankrupt due to the pandemic. Pilots in training had to utilize virtual training simulators.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, airlines started to growth as international tourism and travel witnessed a strong rebound. The aftermath of the pandemic has resulted in a pilot shortage and airlines are scrambling to recruit and expand workforce at a time of rapid rebound growth in global air travel. It significantly boosted demand for flight simulators in the aftermath of the pandemic. 

AI Impact

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to significantly impact pilot training. Integration of AI with flight simulation algorithms can lead to more immersive pilot training with enhanced realism. AI will also enable realistic flight emergency scenarios, thus ensuring significantly better quality of pilot training. AI-enhanced simulator can also offer personalized training scenarios for pilots according to their experience levels.

AI algorithms can also be used to optimize pilot training programs based on big data analytics. The integration of artificial intelligence will lead to the development of advanced and sophisticated flight simulation systems and is expected to positively impact the global flight simulator market in the coming years.   

Russia- Ukraine War Impact 

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has significantly altered the global aviation industry. EU and U.S. imposed sanctions on Russia, which cut off access to western flight simulation technology, causing major problems for the Russian aviation industry. Russia also banned western airlines from using Russian airspace for transcontinental flights in retaliation for sanctions. 

Western airlines will have to retrain pilots to take longer, alternate routes for flights to Asian destinations due to the ban on accessing Russian airspace. Furthermore, it will provide a major boost to Asian airlines flying to European destination, as they are not covered by the airspace ban. The conflict is likely to alter demand dynamics for flight simulators for a long time. 

By Type

• Full Flight Simulators
• Fixed Base Simulators
• Flight Training Devices
• Full Mission Flight Simulators

By Application

• Military
• Civilian
• UAVs

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • The UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In June 2023, CAE Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of flight simulation systems, announced that it was expanding its global network of flight training centers by opening a new center in Vienna, Austria. The center is expected to commence operations by mid-2024. It will house a full flight simulator for the Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft.
• On March 24th, 2023, China unveiled its first self-developed high-level flight simulator. The new simulator has been developed by Beijing Moreget Innovation Technology Inc and is designed for China’s new COMAC C919 passenger jet. 
• In May 2023, Singapore opened its largest retail flight simulation center with civilian and military aircraft simulators. Wings academy.sg has two simulators for the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet, one for the F-16C Falcon fighter jet and one for the Boeing 737-800 commercial airliner. 

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the Global Flight Simulator Market segmentation based on type, application and region and understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel data sheet with numerous flight simulator market-level data points with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Type mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The Global Flight Simulator Market Report Would Provide Approximately 50 Tables, 48 Figures And 190 Pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Airlines
• Aircraft Manufacturers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies