Market Intelligence: -Simulator Training Center

Simaero, a French-rooted major player in airline pilot training worldwide, has secured financing of €27.5 million from the Eiffel Investment Group. The company plans to utilize the funding to acquire additional full-flight simulators. This will accelerate its expansion to better serve the continuously rising demand of the aviation industry. Eiffel’s financing commitment is subject to conditions that consider the positive impact on local employment and carbon footprint. These factors will modulate the cost of debt.

A significant player in the airline pilot training industry

Simaero is a French group specializing in airline pilot training on full-flight simulators. Approved and certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and many other local authorities, the company offers a comprehensive range of training solutions to help pilots worldwide meet their regulatory requirements regarding simulator training hours.

Since its creation in 2002, the company has established itself as one of the global leading players in the industry. Today, Simaero provides its services to 250+ customers in 80+ countries, including major airlines such as Air France, Air Caraïbes, DHL, Flynas, and Air Algérie, and strategic public players such as the French Air Force.

A steady growth over the last five years

Since 2018 and the investment of RIVE Private Investment as part of a “Management Buy In,” Simaero has rapidly expanded in France and abroad, with local subsidiaries in South Africa, China, and, more recently, India. The group’s recognized expertise in its industry and ability to adapt to strict regulations set by local civil aviation authorities led to a revenue of over €25 million in its last financial year, an increase of +80% from the previous year.

€27.5M* to embark on a new phase of sustainable growth

Simaero management team and shareholders collaborated closely with the Eiffel team to create two Impact Covenants. These covenants demonstrate the company’s dedication to boosting employment in France and decreasing its carbon footprint throughout the financing period. These commitments also provide an incentive for the company, as their successful implementation can lead to a significant reduction in financing costs.

Nicolas Mouté, CEO of Simaero, comments: “Our partnership with Eiffel marks an important milestone in our development. This financing will enable us to strengthen our position in the airline pilot training industry and meet the aviation industry’s growing demand for training and flight safety. We are glad to be working with Eiffel since their approach aligns with our dedication to enhancing our CSR practices.”

Edouard Grimm, Managing Director of Eiffel Investment Group, concludes: “Simaero holds a dominant and promising position in its market with its strategic location between Europe, Africa, and Asia. We are delighted to support its expansion. This financing fully illustrates our strategy of supporting the development of the finest SMEs in France.”

About Simaero

Simaero is a leading player in Full Flight Simulators operations and Pilot Training worldwide. Headquartered in Paris, France, Simaero gives its 250 customers access to over 30 Full Flight Simulators in its five locations in Paris CDG and Dinard, France; Johannesburg, South Africa; Delhi, India and Zhengzhou, China. Simaero is an Approved Training Organization for pilots, certified by EASA and more than 40 other civil aviation authorities, including South Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Brazil, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and UAE. Its academy offers a complete set of Type Rating training solutions covering a comprehensive range of aircraft types, including Airbus A320, A330, A340, and A350; Boeing 737, B757, B767, B777, B787; ATR 42/72-500/600, ERJ 145, Beech 1900, Dash 8, MD80/82, and Fokker 100.  Simaero also provides Simulator Engineering Services to numerous customers across the world. The service includes simulator relocation, repair, upgrade, and preparation for certification and operation. In Joint Venture with HNCA, Simaero provides simulator engineering and maintenance services in China.

About Eiffel Investment Group

Eiffel Investment Group is an asset manager with ca. €5 billion under management (data as of end of 2022, including undrawn commitments). Eiffel Investment Group’s clients are large institutional investors (insurers, mutual funds, pension funds, banks, large family offices, and public investors) as well as individuals, through intermediary distribution. Eiffel Investment Group cultivates a strong industrial expertise, particularly in the field of energy transition, but also in health, agri-food and digital. It finances companies and their assets through four main strategies: private debt, energy transition infrastructure, private equity, and listed equities and credit. Eiffel Investment Group’s mission is to invest for a sustainable world. Its investment strategies aim to generate not only a strong financial performance but also a positive impact on the environment and society. The Eiffel Investment Group team has approximately 80 talented employees, mainly in Paris, with presence in Amsterdam, Warsaw, and New York. The Eiffel Transition Infrastructure fund is exclusively reserved for professional clients.

Source: Simaero Press Release