North America Flight Training Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Aircraft Type (Airplane [Airbus 320, Boeing 737 and Others] and Helicopter), By License Type (Commercial Pilot License, Private Pilot License, Airline Transport Pilot License, and Others), By Training Program (Commercial Pilot Training Program, Cadet Pilot Training Program, and Others), By Training Mode (Flight Training, Simulator Training [BATD, AATD, FFS, and FTD], Ground Training, and Recurrent Training), and Regional Forecast, 2024- 2032

The North America flight training market size was valued at USD 1,708.5 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 1,950.9 million in 2024 to USD 4,232.4 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period.

Flight training is a structured program designed to educate individuals on the knowledge and skills necessary to operate an aircraft safely. It involves a combination of classroom instruction, simulator training, and hands-on experience in actual flight.

The market growth is attributed to increasing post-pandemic travel and new aircraft deliveries, creating a significant need for pilots. Pilot training is necessary for aspiring pilots to learn the skills and knowledge to operate an aircraft safely and efficiently. A growth prospect in the number of flight training & simulation schools and subsequent generation of demand from airlines is expected to boost market growth. For instance, in March 2023, Delta Airlines Inc. unveiled a flight academy to train more pilots to meet the struggles of pilot shortage in the regional market. These airlines are expected to operate in partnership with training provider Skyborne Airline.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the flight training market, resulting in a substantial reduction in the number of flights and a shift in demand patterns. The long-term impact of COVID-19 on the flight training market is still uncertain. However, it is more likely that the industry is expected to continue to adapt to the new normal, incorporating more technology and remote learning into its training programs. This could lead to a more resilient and efficient flight training market in the future.

North America Flight Training Market Trends

Rapid Integration of Augmented Virtual Reality in Flight Training is a Key Trend in the Market

A concept known as Virtual Reality (VR) enables people to fully submerge themselves in a computer-generated setting, such as the flight surface of an aircraft. To enhance this immersion, audio and visual representation are provided through a head-mounted display that resembles a headset. Operators can work together with this setting through physical buttons, hand gestures, or levers.

Virtual reality in aviation training has gained traction among businesses due to its advantages, which include lower training costs, rapid training, and enhanced employee understanding and holding. Compared to e-learning in outdated classroom locations, VR has shown to be a successful learning model.

In July 2022, ERAU, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, launched VR in its private pilot training program, which resulted in a 30% training time reduction. The VR aids students in preparing with confidence and decreasing the distraction encountered in pilot training's initial stage.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a prominent emerging technology that allows a projected image simulation in a computer-generated environment. Learning pilots can understand and learn programs faster, with effective skill retention and better outcomes. Through frequent practice in highly realistic environments, logistical complexity, cost, and training time are reduced while the potential for training frequency is increased.

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North America Flight Training Market Growth Factors

Rising Demand for Airline Pilots Following Mass Retirement of Pilots to Drive Market Growth

A recent study found that the pilot shortage in North America was around 12,000 pilots in 2023. At the same time, nearly 14,000 qualified US pilots will be forced to retire within five years. The retirement age for commercial airline pilots has not been raised since 2007. This mass retirement of aircraft pilots will bring about a major change since the phenomenon creates a subsequent rise in demand to replace the retiring pilots with new pilots. The mass retirement of existing pilots is expected to develop a surplus demand for aircraft pilots, needing approximately 12,000 pilots to take charge.

This, in turn, is expected to boost the demand for pilots in the market. Numerous airlines have started initiating pilot training programs to counter the problem. The severe pilot shortages at major airlines, including United, Delta, American, and Southwest, are bringing about change to rethink how it trains pilots and recruits the next generation of the airline workforce. United has opened a new flight school, while competitors and regional airlines have partnered with independent flight schools and launched their respective programs. For instance, in March 2023, as a response to the ease of restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting increased travel demand, airlines hired nearly 50,000 employees last year. However, the industry is struggling to find enough qualified pilots. The pilot shortage prompted United Airlines to take a new approach and organize its training program for aspiring pilots.

• In October 2023, Canadian North, an eminent Canadian airline, partnered with Alberta-based Mount Royal University to initiate training of Inuit students to address the country's pilot shortage.

Increasing Air Travel to Fuel Market Progress

The demand for and expansion of air travel has significantly increased in the last several years, which has positively impacted the aviation sector. With more than 100,000 commercial flights taking place every day across the globe, air travel and passenger traffic are significantly increasing in the commercial aviation industry.

For instance, according to the ICAO, air transport sales are expected to increase by an average of 4.3% yearly over the next 20 years. In April 2022, the overall demand for air travel increased by 78.7% compared to April 2021.

Airline workers are acquiring new aircraft and placing mass orders to increase their fleet to fulfil this surging demand for air travel. As a result of the expanding fleet, there will be a greater need for trained pilots, which will present new prospects for pilot training facilities to deliver

proficient, greatly skilled, and qualified pilots. In addition, given the increased demand in the U.S., a number of significant airlines are concentrating on accelerating their fleets.

For instance,

• In September 2023, Air Canada, the flag-bearing airline of Canada, unveiled their plan to acquire Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft to their fleet. The acquisition is being done for their ongoing fleet renewal initiative and fuel efficiency drive. The new aircraft will be used to replace the older fleet.


• In December 2022, United Airlines announced that it had placed the biggest wide-body aircraft order from a U.S. airline in the history of commercial aviation, ordering 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with the preference to buy an extra 100. The airline plans to receive the new wide-body aircraft between 2024 and 2032 and will be able to choose from 787-8, 9, or 10 models, offering flexibility to support multiple routes.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Substantial Cost of High-Tech Full-Flight Simulators to Hinder Market Progress

The swift progress in aircraft technology has made it necessary to have a fully functional aircraft training infrastructure, which includes advanced full-flight simulators and others necessary for effective pilot training. But, these simulators and devices are very expensive, which drives up the cost of training, hindering North American flight training market growth.

For instance, the cost of full-motion FAA-qualified full-flight simulators ranges from USD 10,000,000 to USD 50,000,000. Due to these outrageous expenses, companies that offer training courses are forced to charge hefty fees for their programs..

North America Flight Training Market Segmentation Analysis

By Aircraft Type Analysis

Increasing Demand for Air Travel across the Globe is Fueling the Airplane Segment Growth

By aircraft type, the market is categorized into airplane and helicopter.

The airplane segment held the largest market share in 2023, owing to strong demand and presence globally. Airplane segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR throughout the projected period due to the rising demand for pilots, the increase in air travel, and the increasing fleet of airlines.  Additionally, there is a surge in air traffic demand due to the growing number of people traveling by air. This is driven by a rising middle-class population and disposable incomes, as well as a demographic dividend. Therefore, a rise in the purchasing power of consumers, leading to an overall increase in air travel, is expected to drive segment growth over the forecast period.

• In March 2023, Piper Aircraft, a general aviation aircraft producer in the U.S., agreed to supply new trainer-class aircraft to North Carolina-headquartered flight training institute Blue Line Aviation. The contract will provide the flight school with 55 trainer aircraft and room for 60 more trainers.

The helicopter segment is anticipated to rise at a significant CAGR due to the growing demand for helicopters for commercial purposes, such as air ambulances and tourism. Additionally, the increase in the growing procurement of military aircraft is one of the major reasons for segment growth during the forecast period. 

By License Type Analysis

Growing Air Traffic and Significant Pilot Shortages Propelled Commercial Pilot License Segment Growth

According to license type, the market is divided into private pilot license, airline transport pilot license, commercial pilot license, and others. 

The commercial pilot license segment accounted for the dominating market share in 2023 and is expected to boost significantly over the forecast period, owing to a rise in the demand for commercial pilots. The demand for commercial pilots is expected to continue to rise in the coming years due to several factors. The pilots’ shortage is primarily driven by the significant growth in passenger air traffic, which has translated into record demand for professional pilots globally. Age-based retirement combined with fleet growth remains the main driver of pilot demand. Third-party analysis shows that commercial aviation and business aviation markets are forecast to grow continuously over the next decade, therefore increasing demand over the forecast period.

The airline transport pilot license segment is expected to surge at the highest CAGR owing to the increasing need for pilots after the widespread retirement of current pilots. Several airlines have started their flight training institutions to train aspiring pilots in response to the growing demand for ATPL.

For instance,

• In March 2023, Delta Airlines uncovered its Propulsion Pilot Career Path program and set up a pilot academy to train the airline's upcoming generation of pilots.


• In June 2023, Delta Propel Flight Academy, which operated in collaboration with Skyborne Aviation Academy, unlocked its access to the first class of students.

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By Training Mode Analysis

Growing integration of Emerging Technology to Boost Simulator Training Segmental Growth  

Based on training mode, the market is separated into simulator training, ground training, flight training, and recurrent training.

The simulator training segment is anticipated to rise at a significant CAGR from 2024 to 2032, owing to the surging demand for simulator training in the region. Leading companies prefer this type of training as a consistent technique of instruction for pilots. Flight institutes have initiated acquiring and manufacturing a variety of simulators. For instance,

• In April 2023, Embraer and CAE announced the opening of the novel Phenom 300E (FFS) full flight simulator in Las Vegas, Nevada, in response to the rising demand for private jet training in the U.S. The company Embraer-CAE Training Services (ECTS), a combined project between Embraer and CAE, will run the entire flight simulator.

The flight training segment registered the largest share in 2023, owing to the growing demand for pilots. Flight schools are experiencing increased enrollment, and airlines are offering competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain qualified pilots. The long-term demand for new, highly trained pilots remains strong, creating a direct path to a successful career at the airlines. Therefore, this will drive segmental growth over the forecast period.

By Training Program Analysis

Large-Scale Adoption in U.S. and Canada Boosted the Cadet Flight Training Program

Based on training program, the market is divided into commercial pilot training program, cadet pilot training program, and others.

The cadet flight training program segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The segment dominated the market owing to the large-scale adoption of cadet pilot programs in the U.S. and Canada. In Addition, Airlines from all over the world are choosing cadet pilot flight schools in this region to get their pilot trained and type-rated on specific aircraft. For Instance, IndiGo, India's foremost low-cost airline, has partnered up with L3 Harris pilot training schools for their cadets. After the completion of training, the airline directly hires for the role of Junior First Officer on the Airbus A320 aircraft, flying IndiGo domestic and international routes.

The commercial flight training program segment held a significant market share in the pilot training market in 2023. The segment's growth is attributed to the growing emergence of new pilot training schools in the region. These schools are now equipped with advanced training technology such as AR and VR, which creates a new pathway for efficient and safe training methods.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

The market is segmented into two countries, namely, the U.S. and Canada.

The U.S. dominated the North America flight training market share in 2023. This remarkable growth can be attributed to emerging flight schools, particularly in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. It is due to these upcoming flight schools that the market share for the area will grow to dominate the market over the forecast period. For instance,

• In February 2023, Spirit Airlines and Lynn University unveiled the launch of the Spirit Wings Pilot Route program at Lynn's Burton D. Morgan Aviation College in Boca Raton, Florida. The partnership allows students to attend a traditional university while gaining valuable experience to prepare for their future careers.

The Canada pilot training market is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the emergence of new training institutes and the growth of facilities for training in the area. The growth in the ATPL segment is observed due to a growing demand for trained pilots following the mass retirement of existing pilots.

List of Key Companies in North America Flight Training Market

OEMs Collaborate with Service Providers from Other Regions for Competitive Advantage

There are a large number of flight schools, training facilities, and state-owned universities in the market that offer flight training nationwide. A small number of major companies, among them multinational conglomerates that also offer flight training out of the country, control the majority of the North America flight training market growth. ATP Flight School, CAE, Purdue University, and L3 Harris Flight Academy are some of the leading companies in the market.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• CAE Inc. (Canada)


• ATP Jet Simulation, Inc. (U.S.)


• Paragon Flight Training Co. (U.S.)


• FlightSafety International Inc. (U.S.)


• L3Harris Technologies Inc. (U.S.)


• Pan AM Flight Academy (U.S.)


• Purdue University (U.S.)


• Thrust Flight (U.S.)


• Phoenix East Aviation (U.S.)


• FLYING ACADEMY (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• September 2023 - CAE, a Canada-based flight training and simulator provider, partnered with Air Transat, a Canadian airline, to launch Ascension Academy with a new cadet training program to enable qualified, trained pilots for the airline.


• August 2023 - A U.S.-based University, Purdue Global, associated with LIFT Academy, a U.S.-based flight training school. The collaboration supports working adults and creates reachable training openings for aviation experts.


• July 2023- ATP Flight School unveiled the opening of its 83^rd training center in Los Angeles. Prior to this, the company had its establishments in long beach and riverside areas. The new facility is said to be spread over a 15,000 sq. ft. Facility.


• June 2023 - Thrust Flight announced a partnership with Spirit Airlines. The Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program will allow Thrust Flight pilots who have met the requirements for an air-transport pilot certification to transition to Spirit as a first officer quickly.


• October 2022- Spirit Airlines partnered with CAE Phoenix to unveil the Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway program, which aims to expand its pool of highly skilled professional pilots. The program offered at CAE's Flight Academy in Phoenix, Arizona, will provide graduates with a quick path to a successful career as a Spirit pilot.

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The report provides a detailed analysis of the North America flight training market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, demand for flight training, and service types. Besides, the report offers insights into the flight training institutes, market trends, and market players and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors above, the report encompasses several factors that drive the growth of the market in recent years.

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