Hungary – Under the name Simnest Group, a new parent brand brings Simnest Aviation and Simnest Pilot Academy even closer to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and innovation. Cpt. Gyula Kühtreiber, former Head of Flight Operations and Recruitment Manager at an airline, current TRE, has been appointed CEO to lead the Group’s strategic evolution.

Simnest Aviation is one of the leading manufacturers in its category, with 23 EASA-certified, type-representative Simnest A320 and B737 FNPT II MCC simulators installed across Europe. Its sister company, Simnest Pilot Academy – a Wizz Air training partner – operates four Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC simulators and has trained nearly 2,500 students, including more than 1,700 MCC and APS MCC graduates, making it one of Europe’s most sought-after simulator-based pilot training organizations.

Although the two companies have long operated in close synergy, the establishment of Simnest Group aims to align their resources for even greater efficiency and a more unified market presence. As a result, the Simnest brands will deliver an even higher level of customer service, a stronger customer-centric mindset, innovative product development, and a continuously expanding portfolio for both aviation professionals and future pilots.

Alongside the organizational transformation, the Simnest Group and its brands are also undergoing a visual renewal: the corporate logos are being refreshed, a unified brand identity is being introduced, the website is being redesigned, and at all future industry exhibitions and events, the Group and its member brands will be represented together.

“The remarkable achievements of Simnest Aviation and Simnest Pilot Academy are undeniable. In just a few years, both companies have evolved from small Central European start-ups into leading European organizations in their respective fields. I firmly believe that by building on these accomplishments, on the expertise and dedication of our colleagues, and on my experience in airline management and the wider aviation industry, we can reach new heights. Together, we aim to contribute to uncompromising, high-quality pilot training not only in Europe but beyond, both on the manufacturing and training sides.” – said Cpt. Gyula Kühtreiber, CEO of Simnest Group.

The new Group CEO will be introduced at EATS 2025, held on November 5–6 in Cascais, Portugal, where the entire Group will be represented for the first time at stand 616.

About Simnest Aviation
Simnest Aviation is a major player in the fixed-base FSTD manufacturing market. The company has 23 type-representative simulators operating across eight European countries, and its proprietary FMGS software is also used in North America and Asia. Its product lineup – including the Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC, its simplified version, the Simnest A320 AATD, and the Simnest B737 FNPT II MCC – is designed to closely replicate the real aircraft, down to the finest details. This high level of realism has helped ATOs around the world expand their training portfolios and secure pilot training contracts with major airlines such as Brussels Airlines, Jettime, Norwegian, Scandinavian Airlines, and Wizz Air.

About Simnest Pilot Academy
Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, Simnest Pilot Academy provides an almost unique approach by training its cadets entirely on simulators. Over the past years, the Academy has trained nearly 2,500 students, including more than 1,700 MCC and APS MCC graduates. The number of students has nearly doubled every year, and today the Academy trains future pilots on four Simnest A320 FNPT II MCC simulators, which have recently surpassed 30,000 total operating hours. The fleet will expand further next year with the addition of a Simnest B737 FNPT II MCC simulator, enabling the Academy to serve students pursuing Boeing-oriented career paths as well. The Academy’s quality standards are reflected in its Wizz Air training partnership, established in 2023. Since then, over 300 APS MCC courses have been completed by future Wizz Air pilots at the Academy.

Source: Simnest Group