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Simaero, a French-rooted major player in airline pilot training worldwide, has secured financing of €27.5 million1 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.
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.
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.
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.”
*Of which €7.5 million drawn to date
Simaero is a world-leading provider of pilot training on full-flight simulators and simulation engineering solutions. In global aviation, change is a constant. We promise to be a straightforward and continual presence in the complex training requirements of international airlines and pilots. With five training centres strategically located in France (headquarters), South Africa, China and India, Simaero trains over 5,000 pilots every year from 250+ civil and military carriers and 80+ countries. Our simulator fleet and training solutions cover the main commercial aircraft types, including Airbus, Boeing, ATR, and Embraer.
Marion BAUDRU
Simaero Marketing and Communications Manager
+33 (0)7 87 26 65 59
m.baudru@sim.aero
©Simaero Holding. 26 avenue de la demi-lune, 95700 Roissy-en-France, France
