TRU Simulation + Training, a Textron-owned company, and FlightSafety International are forming a joint venture to provide training solutions for Textron Aviation’s line of business and general aviation aircraft.
TRU and FlightSafety announced during the NBAA Convention in Orlando, Florida, that they will combine their “assets and capabilities, including their simulators, courseware, and world-class teams, to support their global customers’ training needs.”
“The combination of our training capabilities will enable us to provide best-in-class pilot and maintenance training programs to our customers around the world,” said David Davenport, co-CEO and president, commercial, for FlightSafety International. “For more than 40 years FlightSafety has served Textron Aviation customers, and this venture will allow us to offer more flexible training options leveraging the capabilities of both organizations.”
Davenport became co-CEO of FlightSafety along with Ray Johns with the passing of Bruce Whitman, who died early this month at 85 after a career with FlightSafety that began in 1961.
“We also want to recognize Bruce Whitman’s significant contributions,” Davenport said. “He was instrumental in the initial planning and actively participated in the development of this important agreement. As always, Bruce’s focus was to ensure that the joint venture would benefit our customers and enhance the training they receive.”
Gunnar Kleveland, president of TRU Simulation + Training Inc. explained the importance of the joint venture. “With Textron Aviation continuing to expand its product portfolio with aircraft such as the Latitude, Longitude, Hemisphere, Denali and SkyCourier, it is critical we provide the full scope of training services our customers require,” he said. “This joint venture will allow us to better address that demand.”
TRU will serve as the exclusive supplier of new Textron Aviation simulators to the joint venture. TRU will also continue its other operations, including the design and manufacture of training simulators and provide training solutions for the global aviation industry and military customers.
The transaction is expected to close in the next several months, subject to finalizing definitive documentation and regulatory approval.
