CAE announced it will increase its ownership stake in SIMCOM Aviation Training (SIMCOM) by purchasing a majority of shares from Volo Sicuro for $230 million. The transaction, expected to close in the coming days, will be financed through CAE’s existing credit facility and cash on hand.
As part of the deal, Flexjet, LLC, an affiliate of Volo Sicuro, will retain a minority stake in SIMCOM. Additionally, CAE and SIMCOM have extended their exclusive business aviation training services agreements with Flexjet and its affiliates for another 5 years, solidifying a 15-year partnership.
SIMCOM, a provider of pilot training for business aviation aircraft, leverages CAE’s advanced training technologies, including CAE 7000XR Series full-flight simulators (FFSs) and CAE 400XR Series flight training devices (FTDs). The company operates four training centers across the United States, including a state-of-the-art facility in Lake Nona, Florida.
This increased investment in SIMCOM aligns with CAE’s strategic focus on expanding its business aviation training offerings and strengthening its position in the global market. Through 2032 the company is forecasting that some 1.3 million new aviation professionals will be needed – ranging from pilots to technicians to cabin crew. All these people will need training and CAE is looking to be the go-to source to fulfill this need.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
