FlightSafety International has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Acron Technologies’ Commercial Training Solutions (CTS) business, a move it says will expand its training and simulation capabilities in the commercial aviation market.
The deal covers CTS’s Training Systems, Training Services, Aviation Academy and Driver Training portfolio. FlightSafety said the acquisition would broaden and complement its simulator manufacturing capabilities and global training footprint.
CTS has more than eight decades of experience in commercial aviation training and simulation, according to the companies. CTS has delivered more than 850 training devices over its history, with more than 300 full-flight simulators currently in operation worldwide. The business has training and manufacturing locations across the US, UK and Thailand supporting pilot and driver training systems and airline academy programmes.
“We are thrilled to welcome CTS to FlightSafety,” said Eric Hinson, CEO, FlightSafety International. “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.”
“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,” said David Coward, President, CTS. “Through this transaction we will be able to invest further in training technologies, expand our global reach, and provide even greater value to our customers while maintaining the high levels of service they expect.”
The announcement comes amid broader growth in airline training demand. FlightSafety cited projections that the global commercial airline fleet will rise from about 28,000 aircraft in 2025 to more than 50,000 aircraft by 2045, increasing the need for training capacity and simulation technology.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.
RBC Capital Markets and Harris Williams acted as financial advisers to Acron Technologies on the transaction, with Kirkland & Ellis as legal adviser. Baker McKenzie served as legal adviser to FlightSafety.
