FlightSafety International to Acquire Acron Technologies' Commercial Training Business
Berkshire Hathaway-owned FlightSafety International has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Commercial Training Solutions from Acron Technologies, expanding its capabilities in the commercial aviation training market as global aircraft fleet demand surges.
FlightSafety International Reaches Agreement to Acquire Acron Technologies' Commercial Training Solutions
FlightSafety International Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary and leading global aviation training provider, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Commercial Training Solutions business from Acron Technologies, a portfolio company of TJC LP. The transaction, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, will significantly expand FlightSafety's presence in the commercial aviation market.
The acquisition encompasses CTS's Training Systems, Training Services, Aviation Academy, and Driver Training portfolio. With over 80 years of experience in commercial aviation training and simulation, CTS has delivered more than 850 training devices throughout its history and currently operates over 300 full-flight simulators worldwide across facilities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Thailand.
"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."
Eric Hinson, CEO of FlightSafety International
The deal comes as FlightSafety, which relocated its global headquarters to Columbus, Ohio in 2021, celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026. The company recently expanded its Columbus Learning Center from 14 to 20 full-flight simulators, demonstrating its commitment to growing training capacity.
Growing Demand Drives Acquisition
The acquisition is positioned to capitalize on surging demand in commercial aviation training. Boeing's 2026 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts the global commercial aircraft fleet will grow nearly 80 percent to more than 50,000 airplanes by 2045, with approximately 44,000 new aircraft deliveries needed to support passenger traffic doubling over the next 20 years. Airbus's Global Market Forecast projects similar growth, anticipating the passenger aircraft fleet will nearly double from 23,310 aircraft at the end of 2025 to 45,550 aircraft by 2045.
This fleet expansion is driving significant workforce needs. Boeing's 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook projects the global aviation industry will require approximately 2.4 million new aviation professionals through 2044, including 660,000 pilots, 710,000 maintenance technicians, and 1 million cabin crew members.
The global flight simulator market reflects this growth trajectory, valued at approximately 6.2 to 7.4 billion dollars in 2025 and projected to expand at annual growth rates of 3.5 to 6.9 percent through 2033-2034, driven by increasing air traffic, pilot shortages, and regulatory training requirements.
"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. 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."
David Coward, President of CTS
Strategic Positioning
FlightSafety, which was acquired by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway in October 1996 for approximately 1.5 billion dollars, operates one of the world's largest fleets of advanced full-flight simulators at learning centers and training locations on six continents. The company provides training programs to pilots, technicians, and other professionals from more than 170 countries.
The addition of CTS's commercial aviation capabilities will complement FlightSafety's existing simulator manufacturing and global training infrastructure, positioning the combined entity to meet growing demand as the commercial airline industry expands.
RBC Capital Markets and Harris Williams acted as financial advisors to Acron Technologies on the transaction, with Kirkland & Ellis serving as legal advisor. Baker McKenzie served as legal advisor to FlightSafety International.