01 Increasing Adoption of Extended Reality and Immersive Simulation Technologies Flight simulation is increasingly incorporating extended reality (XR), including virtual and augmented reality, to provide more flexible and immersive training environments. These technologies can complement conventional high-fidelity simulators by supporting procedural training, cockpit familiarization and task-specific exercises with potentially lower infrastructure requirements. The shift is expanding the range of simulation devices available to training organizations while enabling regulators to accommodate newer training technologies. In July 2026, EASA introduced a new FSTD regulatory framework that included qualification provisions and guidance for extended-reality technologies, alongside a capability-based qualification approach.
02 Growing Expansion of Simulation-Based Training Beyond Conventional Pilot Training Flight simulation is increasingly extending into training for unmanned aircraft operators, maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers and other aviation roles. The broader use of synthetic environments allows organizations to rehearse complex or hazardous scenarios without relying entirely on live aircraft or operational infrastructure. This is creating additional applications for simulation hardware, software and networked training environments. In September 2025, ICAO identified the structured use of simulation for air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance engineers, cabin crew, ground handlers and UAS operators as an emerging area for global harmonization, particularly as VR, AR and AI technologies advance.
01 Persistent Pilot Training Requirements Support Simulator Utilization Airline fleet expansion and continuing pilot-training requirements are supporting demand for flight simulators because they allow pilots to practice normal, abnormal and emergency procedures without the cost, fuel consumption and operational risks associated with live aircraft training. Regulatory training requirements further create recurring demand because pilots need periodic competency and proficiency training.
01 High Acquisition and Infrastructure Costs Can Limit Simulator Deployment High-fidelity flight simulators require substantial investment in motion systems, visual displays, avionics replication, software and supporting infrastructure. These costs can be difficult for smaller flight schools and training organizations to absorb, particularly when simulator utilization is insufficient to spread fixed costs over a large number of trainees. Consequently, lower-cost training devices and service-based procurement models are becoming important alternatives.
01 Expansion of Advanced Air Mobility Creates New Simulator Training Demand The emergence of eVTOL and other advanced air-mobility aircraft is creating opportunities for specialized simulation because pilots must be trained on new flight characteristics, propulsion systems, cockpit interfaces and operating procedures. Simulation can support type-specific training before operators develop extensive real-world flight experience. As regulatory frameworks mature, dedicated training devices can become part of the certification and recurrent-training ecosystem.
01 Increasing Simulator Numbers Place Greater Demands on Regulatory Oversight The rapid growth in the number and technological complexity of flight simulators is increasing the workload required for qualification, evaluation and continued regulatory oversight. Regulators must maintain safety standards while evaluating newer technologies and managing limited technical staffing resources. This creates a challenge for maintaining timely simulator certification as simulation technologies and training applications evolve.
March 2026 CAE Inc. expanded its flight simulation and training solutions portfolio with advanced simulator technologies designed for commercial aviation, defense, and pilot training applications.
January 2026 L3Harris Technologies expanded its flight simulation solutions with enhanced training systems supporting military aviation and commercial pilot development programs.
November 2025 Thales expanded its aviation training technology portfolio with advanced flight simulation solutions supporting airline and defense training requirements.
September 2025 Collins Aerospace (RTX) expanded its simulation and training solutions portfolio with advanced flight simulator technologies for commercial and military aviation.