Loft Dynamics, a Swiss company specializing in VR flight training, has secured US$24 million in a series B round led by Friedkin, with participation from Alaska Airlines, Sky Dayton, Craft Ventures, and UP.Partners.

The funding brings Loft Dynamics’ total capital raised to US$60 million.

Loft Dynamics is known for developing FAA- and EASA-qualified VR helicopter simulators used by organizations such as Airbus Helicopters and the Los Angeles Police Department.

The new investment will support the company’s expansion into commercial airline pilot training, including the launch of VR simulators for Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft.

These simulators are designed to be smaller and cheaper compared to traditional full-flight simulators.

Loft Dynamics is also working on a home training kit to allow remote pilot training.

Dan Friedkin, chairman and CEO of Friedkin, will join the company’s board as part of the deal.

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🔗 Source: Tech.eu

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ VR simulation dramatically reduces training infrastructure costs and space requirements

Traditional flight simulators represent massive capital investments that limit training accessibility across the aviation industry.

Current full-flight simulators cost between $10-20 million and require warehouse-sized facilities, creating significant barriers for widespread pilot training1.

Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators are up to 12 times smaller than traditional simulators while costing only a fraction of the price, potentially democratizing access to high-quality flight training1.

This cost advantage builds on a nearly century-long evolution in flight simulation technology, dating back to Edwin Link’s 1929 “Blue Box” trainer that revolutionized pilot training by making it more affordable and accessible2.

The Link Trainer’s success during World War II, training over 500,000 pilots, demonstrated how cost-effective simulation technology can rapidly scale pilot training during periods of high demand2.

2️⃣ Pilot shortage crisis creates urgent demand for scalable training solutions

The aviation industry faces a severe workforce crunch that makes traditional training methods increasingly inadequate for meeting demand.

Approximately 14,000 qualified pilots are expected to retire within the next five years, creating a significant gap in the aviation workforce3.

Meanwhile, the North American flight training market is experiencing rapid growth, expanding from $1.95 billion in 2024 to a projected $4.23 billion by 2032, reflecting a 9.8% annual growth rate3.

This timing aligns with Loft Dynamics’ expansion into commercial airline training, as airlines like Alaska Airlines are investing directly in VR training technology to address their workforce needs1.

The urgency is highlighted by recent safety data showing 20 fatal airline accidents in 2021 that resulted in 176 fatalities, raising concerns about whether outdated training methods adequately prepare pilots for modern aviation challenges4.

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