Directional Aviation has inked a definitive agreement to acquire Orlando, Florida-based aviation simulation training company SimCom from J.W. Childs Associates for an undisclosed amount. The transaction is expected to close over the coming weeks. Eric Hinson will continue to lead SimCom as CEO, the companies said.
“Our family of companies provides a full range of services to the private business aviation industry. Simulator-based training is a huge part of our industry, one that touches every single pilot and flight provider,” said Kenn Ricci, principal at Directional Aviation, which also owns Flexjet, Nextant Aerospace, Sentient Jet, and Constant Aviation, among others. “With this acquisition, we now can provide access to one of the world’s most highly respected brands in our industry—one known for its technology and advanced flight-training capabilities.”
The demand for SimCom’s training services is projected to increase significantly because of the worldwide pilot shortage, according to the company. Global air traffic is set to grow by approximately 4.6 percent annually until 2030, resulting in a need for almost 70,000 new pilots each year, it said, citing ICAO data.
SimCom provides initial and recurrent pilot training for jet, turboprop, and piston aircraft using FAA-qualified flight training devices and full-motion simulators. Besides Orlando, SimCom also has pilot training centers in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Kirmington, UK.