FlightSafety International Announces Expansion of Columbus Learning Center
Expansion increases pilot training capacity to meet growing demand, and advances Columbus as a global aviation hub
Columbus, OH (July 16, 2026) — FlightSafety International Inc. (FSI), the global leader in aviation training and simulation technology, today announced the expansion of its Columbus Learning Center, one of the company’s flagship training facilities located adjacent to John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The expansion increases the center’s capacity from 14 to 20 Full-Flight Simulators, allowing FSI to meet growing customer demand and train more aviation professionals from around the world.
The expansion represents the latest milestone in FSI’s continued growth in Central Ohio. Since opening its Columbus Learning Center in 1999, the company has expanded the facility multiple times to support increasing demand for aviation training. In 2021, FSI relocated its global headquarters to Columbus, further strengthening its long-term commitment to a region recognized for its aerospace industry, highly skilled workforce, and strong partnerships among business, higher education, and research institutions.
“2026 marks two major milestones in FlightSafety’s history: our 75th anniversary and the completion of the expanded Columbus Learning Center,” said Ben Carter, Executive Vice President of Learning Center Operations, FlightSafety International. “As Columbus continues to grow as a global aviation hub, it plays a central role in FlightSafety’s future. This expansion will enable us to meet the increasing demand for high-fidelity training while reinforcing our commitment to preparing aviation professionals around the world to save lives through exceptional training experiences.”
Today, more than 125 instructors support nearly 4,000 pilots who train at the Columbus Learning Center each year, delivering approximately 175,000 hours of aviation training annually to professionals from around the world. Collectively, FlightSafety delivers 2.3 million hours of training annually across their network of global Learning Centers.
The additional simulator capacity positions the Learning Center to increase annual training reservations by 42% once additional simulators become operational. The increased capacity will allow FSI to welcome more aviation professionals to Central Ohio while supporting continued workforce growth across both the Columbus Learning Center and the company’s global headquarters.
FlightSafety employs over 370 people in Central Ohio and continues to expand its presence through investments in advanced training technologies, customer experience, and workforce development. Additionally, FSI Defense, a FlightSafety International company, provides simulation technology and employs flight instructors and additional staff to support training operations at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
About FlightSafety International Inc.
FlightSafety International is the world’s preeminent professional aviation training company and supplier of flight simulators, visual systems, and displays to educational, commercial, government, and military organizations. In 2026, the company celebrates its 75th anniversary, marking more than seven decades of advancing aviation safety through rigorous, real-world training programs delivered to pilots, technicians, and other professionals from 170+ countries. FSI currently operates one of the world’s largest fleets of advanced Full-Flight Simulators at learning centers and training locations on six continents. For more information, please visit flightsafety.com.
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