What is included in this Sample?
- * Market Segmentation
- * Key Findings
- * Research Scope
- * Table of Content
- * Report Structure
- * Report Methodology
Download FREE Sample Report
Commercial And Military Flight Simulation Market Size, Share, Growth and Industry Analysis, By Type (Commercial Full Flight Simulators, Commercial Flight Training Devices, Commercial Flight Training Services, Military Full Flight Simulators, Military Flight Training Devices, Military Flight Training Services), By Application (Commercial, Military), Regional Insights and Forecast From 2025 To 2034
Trending Insights

Global Leaders in Strategy and Innovation Rely on Our Expertise to Seize Growth Opportunities

Our Research is the Cornerstone of 1000 Firms to Stay in the Lead

1000 Top Companies Partner with Us to Explore Fresh Revenue Channels
COMMERCIAL AND MILITARY FLIGHT SIMULATION MARKET OVERVIEW
The global commercial and military flight simulation market size is estimated at USD 14.01 billion in 2025 and expected to rise to USD 22.36 billion by 2034, experiencing a CAGR of 5.34% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.
The United States Commercial and Military Flight Simulation market size is projected at USD 4.72 billion in 2025, the Europe Commercial and Military Flight Simulation market size is projected at USD 3.52 billion in 2025, and the China Commercial and Military Flight Simulation market size is projected at USD 3.69 billion in 2025.
A commercial and military flight simulator is a device that artificially recreates aircraft flight and its environment for pilot instruction, design, and other uses. It entails reproducing the equations that govern how aircraft fly, how they respond to flight control applications, the effects of other aircraft systems, and how the aircraft responds to external elements such as air density, turbulence, wind shear, cloud, precipitation, and others. Flight simulation is used for a variety of purposes, including pilot instruction, aircraft design and development, and research into aircraft characteristics and control handling skills.
In general language and technical texts, the phrase "flight simulator" may have slightly different meanings. Previously, it primarily referred to machines that could precisely simulate the behavior of airplanes during various processes and flight situations. This is now referred to as a "full flight simulator" in more recent definitions. The more comprehensive word "flight simulation training device" (FSTD) is used to refer to several types of flight training equipment, and it more nearly matches to the meaning of the phrase "flight simulator" in general English.
KEY FINDINGS
- Market Size and Growth: Valued at USD 14.01 billion in 2025, projected to touch USD 22.36 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 5.34%.
- Key Market Driver: Military applications accounted for nearly 55% of total simulator usage due to rising defense training demands.
- Major Market Restraint: Flight Training Devices held about 30% share, limiting wider adoption of higher-cost full simulation systems.
- Emerging Trends: UAV and Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) simulations contributed to around 35% of simulator applications across defense platforms.
- Regional Leadership: North America led the global market with approximately 38% share based on fleet size and training infrastructure.
- Competitive Landscape: Leading simulator manufacturers held nearly 56% and 20% of installed Full Flight Simulator share respectively.
- Market Segmentation: Commercial Full Flight Simulators accounted for 60% of market segmentation by type, dominating training technologies.
- Recent Development: Asia-Pacific grew rapidly, capturing about 30% of the market share in recent regional developments.
COVID-19 IMPACT
Drop in Pilot Hiring Affected the Market Growth
The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden rise in CAGR is attributable to the market's growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.
The COVID-19 epidemic resulted in a significant decrease in pilot employment and training as airlines cut operations and laid off pilots. As a result, fewer pilots were recruited and trained, resulting in a dramatic drop in demand for flight simulator and simulator training services.
Due to financial constraints during the pandemic, airlines delayed non-essential aircraft maintenance and improvements. Because fewer aircraft were being maintained, there was less demand for simulator-based maintenance training and simulator updates. However, as the aviation industry gradually recovers, it is expected that demand for pilots and aircraft maintenance will rise again during the predicted period. This will increase demand for airplane simulators and contribute to the industry's growth following the epidemic.
LATEST TRENDS
Defense Ministry Of India Announced The Procurement Of 2 Fixed Base Full Mission Simulators
The Defense Ministry of India announced the purchase of two fixed base complete mission simulators for the Jaguar aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in November 2021. The simulators would be purchased by the IAF for a total of INR 357 crore and placed at Air Force Stations in Jamnagar and Gorakhpur. Because of a number of other related advancements, this market sector is likely to grow at a rapid pace throughout the forecast period.
- According to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), simulator training hours for military pilots increased by 22% in 2023, totaling over 1.5 million hours across all branches, reflecting growing reliance on simulation over live flight time due to cost and safety factors.
- As per the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), over 60 commercial aviation training centers in Europe integrated VR-based simulators in 2022–2023, enhancing procedural training with an estimated 35% reduction in classroom dependency.
COMMERCIAL AND MILITARY FLIGHT SIMULATION MARKET SEGMENTATION
By Type
By Type, the market is fragmented into Commercial Full Flight Simulators, Commercial Flight Training Devices, Commercial Flight Training Services, Military Full Flight Simulators, Military Flight Training Devices, and Military Flight Training Services.
By Application
By Application, the market is bifurcated into Commercial and Military.
DRIVING FACTORS
Retiring of Pilots to Fuel Market Growth
One of the primary difficulties confronting many airlines and aviation industries throughout the world is a pilot shortage. The scarcity is primarily due to many pilots retiring as they get older, and not enough pilots are hired each year. For example, the Regional Airline Association said in June 2022 that a growing pilot shortage threatens the collapse of local community air service. However, scarcity of pilots lead to the expansion of the commercial and military flight simulation market growth.
Use of Simulators in Combat Training to Drive Market Forces
Simulators provide realistic combat training, allowing military pilots to hone their skills and practice different combat scenarios. They simulate the dynamics of aircraft operation, weapon systems, and tactical scenarios, allowing military pilots to practice combat abilities like air-to-air battles, air-to-ground attacks, and precise targeting in a safe and controlled environment. They provide a less expensive alternative to actual flight hours, lowering the costs involved with military pilot training.
- According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the aviation industry will require at least 350,000 new pilots by 2030, with flight simulation programs handling over 70% of core competency training for commercial pilots in 2023.
- Based on data from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), member countries conducted over 18,000 simulated combat missions in 2023, highlighting growing reliance on high-fidelity military simulators to cut live-fly costs and improve mission planning accuracy.
RESTRAINING FACTORS
Huge Financial Investments to Restrain Market Growth
Flight simulator development and manufacture necessitate substantial financial inputs. The advanced technology used in them, such as realistic visuals, cockpit controls, and other electronic systems, is quite expensive. Furthermore, simulators must be updated on a regular basis to match changing aviation standards, which adds to the investment expenditures. High initial investments result in greater expenses for end customers like as airlines, aviation schools, and the military.
- According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), setting up a Level D full-flight simulator can cost between $8 million and $20 million, making it financially burdensome for smaller aviation schools and regional defense contractors.
- As reported by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) UK, more than 40% of international flight schools experienced delays in simulator certification in 2023 due to varying national standards, impacting deployment timelines and cross-border pilot training.
-
Request a Free sample to learn more about this report
COMMERCIAL AND MILITARY FLIGHT SIMULATION MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS
Asia Pacific To Be The Leading Region Owing To Several Development Programs
The Asia Pacific area is expected to increase the most during the projection period. The Asia Pacific region's significant increase in military spending is a major driving element in the military aircraft market's quick rise. This region is currently dealing with political and territorial concerns, which are driving up demand for aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for border monitoring and protection. In addition, governments are investing in the integration of cutting-edge technologies to improve the effectiveness of training. The demand for military aviation training and simulation in this region is being driven by innovation and the requirement for improved aircraft simulators.
With China's escalating military aggression, a number of Asian countries are seeking to upgrade both their offensive and defensive capabilities. As a result, various fighter jet procurement and development programs have occurred over the years. As a result, the demand for simulators to teach pilots to operate jets successfully and effectively has expanded manyfold. As a result, many national governments have increased their simulator capabilities, leading the commercial and military flight simulation market share.
KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS
Market Players to Employ Tactics In Order to Amplify Market Position
Key market players in the building hardware market share are forming strategic alliances and collaborations to broaden their product portfolios, strengthen their market position, and serve a larger client base. To address changing client demands, businesses are concentrating on constant product innovation. Design, fixtures, and materials customization choices provide a competitive advantage in the market. Market participants are increasing their geographical footprint through acquisitions, mergers, and the establishment of manufacturing plants in new areas. This allows them to meet the growing demand for prefabricated bathroom pods in various regions.
- Cubic Corporation (USA): According to defense procurement data from the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Cubic Corporation delivered over 500 advanced simulation units to U.S. and allied forces in 2023, supporting both fixed-wing and rotary-wing pilot readiness.
- Alsim Flight Training Solutions (France): Based on findings from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Alsim installed more than 140 flight training devices across aviation academies in Europe and Asia in 2023, with models certified for Multi-Crew Coordination (MCC) and Jet Orientation Courses (JOC).
List of Top Commercial And Military Flight Simulation Companies
- Cubic Corporation (USA)
- Alsim Flight Training Solutions (France)
- L3 Link Simulation & Training (USA)
- ELITE Simulation Solutions (USA)
- HAVELSAN A.S. (Turkey)
- L3 Technologies(USA)
- Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel)
- The Boeing Company (USA)
- Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc. (Canada)
- Thales Group (France)
- CAE(Canada)
- Rockwell Collins(USA)
- FRASCA International(USA)
- TRU Simulation + Training Inc. (USA)
- FlightSafety International(USA)
- Lockheed Martin Corporation (USA)
REPORT COVERAGE
The report's devoted part informs about the impact of COVID-19 and its succeeding variant outbreaks on demand, supply, price, vendor uptake, and recommendations for long-term outcomes. The updated study contains insights, analyses, projections, and predictions for the market, considering the COVID-19 impact. The research profiles a report with extensive studies describing the firms in the market affecting the forecasting period. Detailed studies also offer a comprehensive analysis by inspecting factors like segmentation, opportunities, industrial developments, trends, growth, size, share, restraints, and others. This analysis is subject to alteration if the key players and probable analysis of market dynamics change.
Attributes | Details |
---|---|
Market Size Value In |
US$ 14.01 Billion in 2025 |
Market Size Value By |
US$ 22.36 Billion by 2034 |
Growth Rate |
CAGR of 5.34% from 2025 to 2034 |
Forecast Period |
2025-2034 |
Base Year |
2024 |
Historical Data Available |
Yes |
Regional Scope |
Global |
Segments Covered |
|
By Type
|
|
By Application
|
FAQs
The global commercial and military flight simulation market is expected to reach USD 22.36 billion by 2034.
The global commercial and military flight simulation market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.34% by 2034.
Characteristics like indoor and outdoor installation and integration of smart grid technologies are the major driving factors of the commercial and military flight simulation market.
The major market players in the commercial and military flight simulation industry are Cubic Corporation (USA), Alsim Flight Training Solutions (France), L3 Link Simulation & Training (USA), ELITE Simulation Solutions (USA), HAVELSAN A.S. (Turkey), L3 Technologies(USA), Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel), The Boeing Company (USA), Bluedrop Performance Learning Inc. (Canada), Thales Group (France), CAE(Canada), Rockwell Collins(USA), FRASCA International(USA), TRU Simulation + Training Inc. (USA), FlightSafety International(USA), Lockheed Martin Corporation (USA).
The commercial and military flight simulation market is expected to be valued at 14.01 billion USD in 2025.
Asia Pacific region dominates commercial and military flight simulation Industry.