Helicopter Simulator Operator Coptersafety Targets Expansion After Private Equity Acquisition

MML Keystone has acquired Coptersafety, Europe's largest independent helicopter full flight simulator training provider, in a transaction that will fund capacity expansion and new locations.

Helsinki-based Coptersafety operates five full flight simulators covering light-medium and medium helicopter platforms used in emergency services, offshore, government, and VVIP operations. The company generates approximately 95% of sales internationally from its facility near Helsinki-Vantaa airport.

The acquisition from Sentica Partners, which backed Coptersafety since 2015, includes plans to add simulators and establish new training locations. No financial terms were disclosed.

"This partnership will allow us to expand capacity, invest in additional simulators along with new locations, and continue delivering the highest quality training to our customers worldwide," said Hannu Marjoniemi, CEO and Co-Founder of Coptersafety.

Coptersafety holds approvals from EASA, the FAA, the UK CAA, and Transport Canada, among other civil aviation authorities. The company provides mandatory recurrent training to professional helicopter operators globally.

The existing management team will continue leading the business and retain equity ownership alongside MML Keystone.

MML Keystone Co-Managing Partner Sharand Maharaj said the company identified "scarce safety infrastructure" in European helicopter simulator capacity: "In a market where approvals are hard-won and capacity cannot be conjured overnight, Coptersafety has built a business with disciplined capacity economics and highly recurring demand."

The transaction reflects private equity interest in aviation training assets, particularly where regulatory requirements create mandatory, recurring revenue streams and capacity constraints support pricing power.

Founded in 2011, Coptersafety operates from a purpose-built training center in Helsinki.