FlightSafety International has signed an agreement to acquire the Commercial Training Solutions (CTS) business of Acron Technologies, expanding its commercial aviation training and simulation capabilities.
The transaction includes CTS’s Training Systems, Training Services, Aviation Academy, and Driver Training businesses. It is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
CTS has more than 80 years of experience in commercial aviation training and simulation. The business has delivered more than 850 training devices and currently has more than 300 full-flight simulators in operation worldwide.
Its operations in the US, UK and Thailand provide simulator manufacturing, training systems, training services and airline academy programmes. The acquisition will add these capabilities to FlightSafety’s existing simulator manufacturing and training network.
For the MRO and airline operations sector, the transaction is relevant as simulator capacity is closely linked to pilot qualification, recurrent training and fleet entry programmes. The expansion comes as airlines prepare for continued fleet growth and increased demand for trained flight crews.
FlightSafety International CEO Eric Hinson said, “We are thrilled to welcome CTS to FlightSafety. CTS’s commercial simulation and training expertise aligns with our long-term growth strategy and will allow FlightSafety to better serve the training needs of airlines throughout the world.”
David Coward, President of CTS, said, “FlightSafety International is the ideal investor for CTS. Together, we bring complementary capabilities, deep technical expertise, and a shared commitment to delivering world-class training solutions for the commercial aviation industry.”
The companies said the transaction will allow CTS to continue investing in training technologies and expanding its global operations.
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Demand for commercial aviation training is expected to increase as the global commercial fleet grows. The commercial airline fleet is projected to expand from about 28,000 aircraft in 2025 to more than 50,000 by 2045, increasing requirements for simulator-based pilot training and associated training infrastructure.
RBC Capital Markets and Harris Williams acted as financial advisors to Acron Technologies, while Kirkland & Ellis served as its legal advisor. Baker McKenzie advised FlightSafety International.
