Virtual reality flight training company Loft Dynamics has announced a USD 24 million Series B funding round, which it said will accelerate the expansion of its technology into the commercial airline sector.
The investment, led by The Friedkin Group, with participation from Alaska Airlines and existing investors, brings the company’s total funding to USD 60 million.
Loft Dynamics said its technology, which uses a combination of VR headsets, motion platforms, and replica cockpits, offers a more accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional, warehouse-sized flight simulators.
The company claims its simulators are up to 12 times smaller and “a fraction of the cost of legacy systems”. The company’s helicopter simulators have already received regulatory qualification from major aviation authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
“Pilot training hasn’t kept pace with the rest of aviation,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “We’re still sending trainees across the country to sit in USD 10-20 million, warehouse-sized domes – technology that hasn’t evolved in decades. In an era of pilot shortages and increasing air mobility, that’s simply no longer sustainable.”
The new funding will be used to develop a next-generation training suite, including full-motion VR simulators for Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft.
These new systems will feature multi-crew replica cockpits, body and eye tracking, and AI-powered training intelligence to measure pilot performance and provide personalised feedback.
The company is also developing a “LofTWIN” virtual demonstration mode, which will allow instructors to record immersive lessons for pilots to review at any time.
As part of the investment, Dan Friedkin, Chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group, will join the Loft Dynamics board of directors.
Friedkin, a pilot and entrepreneur with a global portfolio of businesses, said, “Loft Dynamics is defining the next era of aviation training. This investment enables them to scale their solution globally, fast-track innovation, meet an urgent industry need and elevate pilot safety in the process.”
Alaska Airlines, which participated in the funding round through its corporate venture capital arm, Alaska Star Ventures, is a key strategic partner.
Pasha Saleh, Alaska Airlines’ Corporate Development Director, said the airline is “excited to support Loft Dynamics in bringing FAA-qualified VR technology to commercial airline training” and looks forward to working with the company to “revolutionise pilot training”. The airline has already partnered with Loft Dynamics to co-develop the first Boeing 737 VR simulators.
Loft Dynamics is also developing a spatial computing-powered home training kit, which will enable pilots to review sessions and train remotely, further increasing the accessibility of its technology.
Riesen said the funding is a sign that the industry is ready for a change in pilot training methods. “We’re building a safer, smarter, more accessible future for aviation training, one that serves operators, regulators, and pilots and protects the millions of passengers who rely on them,” he added.
Loft Dynamics is planning to accelerate the expansion of its technology into the commercial airline sector.
