DÜBENDORF and KATHMANDU — Mar. 3, 2026 — Loft Dynamics, the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight training, announced the launch of a new helicopter safety training initiative in Nepal, in partnership with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Airbus Helicopters. The program aims to reduce helicopter accidents and strengthen pilot preparedness in the world’s most challenging aviation environment, supporting Nepal’s efforts to move toward a zero-fatality goal. 

Nepal’s aviation sector operates in a unique environment characterized by high-altitude terrain and variable weather patterns. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s (CAAN) 2025 Safety Report highlights that navigating these complex conditions requires the highest levels of pilot proficiency. This is particularly true for helicopter operations, which serve as a lifeline for the country—providing essential transport, rescue, and tourism services to Nepal’s most remote regions. 

The new month-long safety program, based in Kathmandu, will feature a Loft Dynamics H125 VR flight simulator, alongside helicopter training courses developed by Airbus Helicopters in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. As part of the initiative, all Nepali helicopter pilots will be required to complete four hours of simulator-based training focused on mountain flying and H125 recurrent emergency training. Training will be delivered by world-renowned instructors, including Lorenz Nufer and Nick Mayhew who will lead mountain-flying instruction, and Klaus Kraus from Airbus International Services and Yann Guérin, head of training operations at Airbus Helicopters, who will oversee recurrent emergency training. 

“At Airbus Helicopters, our unwavering priority is to move the industry toward a future of zero accidents,” said Arnd von Fabeck, head of aviation safety management and international network at Airbus Helicopters. “Achieving this requires more than just advanced aircraft; it requires pilots who are prepared for the most unforgiving conditions. By showcasing Loft Dynamics’ VR technology with our specialized training curricula during this dedicated Safety Roadshow, we are providing Nepali pilots with a concrete hands-on training experience to master mountain flying and emergency scenarios. This initiative is a vital step in our global mission to enhance operational safety through innovation and local empowerment.” 

“From day one, Loft Dynamics was founded to make exceptional, immersive, and safe pilot training accessible—especially in places where it has historically been out of reach—and this partnership brings that mission to life,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CTO of Loft Dynamics. “Traditional full-flight simulators are usually not feasible in places like the Himalayas. By bringing a compact, immersive VR training system directly to Nepal, pilots can now train safely and more effectively for the exact conditions and scenarios they fly in. That access isn’t limited to Nepali pilots—it also opens the door for pilots and operators across neighboring South Asian countries. Working with EASA and Airbus Helicopters, we’ve created a much-needed access point to training that was once difficult, costly, or simply unavailable.” 

The initiative is implemented in the framework of the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project, a regional technical cooperation program implemented by EASA which supports aviation safety, regulatory convergence and capacity-building through sustained collaboration with civil aviation authorities and industry stakeholders across South Asia. 

About Loft Dynamics 
Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight training, and the first company with VR simulators qualified by both the FAA and EASA. Trusted by Alaska Airlines, Airbus Helicopters, the Los Angeles Police Department, and more, we serve the full aviation ecosystem—spanning commercial airlines, eVTOLs, and diverse helicopter operators, as well as schools, OEMs, governments, and regulators. Our mission is to make high-quality, immersive pilot training more accessible, affordable and scalable than ever before. We produce full-motion VR simulators for helicopters, airlines, and eVTOLs that are ten times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators. We also provide a connected suite of solutions that integrate our simulators worldwide, including at-home training kits, virtual instruction from the world’s top pilots and AI-driven training intelligence. Loft Dynamics is leading a global paradigm shift in pilot training and powering the next generation of highly skilled pilots. Learn more at LoftDynamics.com. 

Contact 
[email protected] 

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DÜBENDORF, Switzerland — Jan. 21, 2026 — Loft Dynamics, the pioneer behind the world’s first EASA- and FAA-qualified virtual reality (VR) flight simulators, announced that Sebastien Borel has been appointed chief executive officer. Founder Fabi Riesen will serve as chief technology officer and remain a member of the company’s board. The appointments are effective immediately.

The leadership evolution reflects Loft Dynamics’ next phase of growth as adoption of its qualified VR flight training solutions continues to expand across the global aviation ecosystem. With increasing demand from operators, OEMs, airlines and training organizations—and growing regulatory acceptance of VR-based training—the company is strengthening its leadership to accelerate commercialization while continuing to lead in innovation.

“What we’ve built at Loft Dynamics has always been driven by a clear vision for how pilot training should evolve,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CTO of Loft Dynamics. “As the company continues to grow and serve a broader global market, having the right leadership in place is critical. Sebastien brings a rare combination of deep aerospace experience, commercial leadership and firsthand understanding of aviation operations. I couldn’t be more excited, or more confident, to partner with him. This structure allows me to focus even more deeply on technology and product vision, working closely with our engineering teams, while partnering with Seb to scale what we’ve built with the rigor and reach the industry demands.”

Borel brings more than two decades of experience across commercial aviation, aerospace technology and global partnerships. Previously, he was chief commercial officer at Lilium. Prior to that, he held senior leadership roles at Airbus and Honeywell, including serving as chief commercial officer of Airbus subsidiary NAVBLUE, where he led global commercial strategy for digital flight operations and training solutions used worldwide. Earlier in his career, he began at Jeppesen, a Boeing company, gaining deep exposure to flight operations, navigation and aviation data systems. He is also a licensed commercial pilot.

“Fabi and the team at Loft Dynamics made a major step change in pilot training,” said Sebastien Borel, CEO of Loft Dynamics. “They didn’t just introduce a new technology. They helped redefine how pilot training can be delivered at scale, with realism, regulatory credibility and operational relevance at its core. That foundation is already driving meaningful change across the industry. This next chapter is not about changing direction. It’s about building on that momentum—scaling what works, expanding access globally and supporting a broader range of operators across the aviation ecosystem. I’m excited to partner closely with Fabi and the team as we grow Loft’s impact and help shape the future of pilot training.”

Riesen will remain deeply involved in the company as CTO and board member, continuing to shape Loft Dynamics’ technology, culture and long-term vision. The leadership structure pairs founder-led innovation with experienced commercial leadership, positioning Loft Dynamics to deepen collaboration across helicopter operators, airlines, OEMs and training organizations worldwide.

With this structure in place, Loft Dynamics remains focused on advancing the standard of pilot training through highly realistic, scalable and accessible solutions across the global aviation ecosystem.

About Loft Dynamics
Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight training, and the first company with VR simulators qualified by both the FAA and EASA. Trusted by Alaska Airlines, Airbus Helicopters, the Los Angeles Police Department, and more, we serve the full aviation ecosystem—spanning commercial airlines, eVTOLs, and diverse helicopter operators, as well as schools, OEMs, governments, and regulators. Our mission is to make high-quality, immersive pilot training more accessible, affordable and scalable than ever before. We produce full-motion VR simulators for helicopters, airlines, and eVTOLs that are ten times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators. We also provide a connected suite of solutions that integrate our simulators worldwide, including at-home training kits, virtual instruction from the world’s top pilots and AI-driven training intelligence. Loft Dynamics is leading a global paradigm shift in pilot training and powering the next generation of highly skilled pilots. Learn more at LoftDynamics.com.

Contact
[email protected]

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A meaningful recognition

This month, Switzerland’s Technology Fund, a program under the Swiss Confederation’s climate strategy, recognized that impact. After evaluating the environmental contribution of our technology, the Fund selected Loft Dynamics for a loan guarantee, a designation reserved for Swiss companies whose innovations help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy efficiency, renewable energy or the conservation of natural resources.

Access driving impact

Beyond the ecological advantages of VR training, another important factor in the Fund’s evaluation was the evidence that our approach makes it possible to shift a meaningful share of training hours out of the aircraft altogether. Because our simulators are far more affordable than legacy devices, we have been able to deploy more of them across more geographies, giving operators access to training where it simply was not available before. And because the realism matches what pilots experience in the actual aircraft, operators see strong acceptance and consistent use. In customer surveys, operators reported that between 50 percent and 85 percent of the training hours they now complete in our simulators were previously done in the aircraft.

5,579 tons of CO₂ saved

As we know, traditional aircraft-based training (especially for helicopters) requires burning fuel, flying to suitable terrain, coordinating aircraft availability and waiting for the right weather conditions. Many of those hours can now be completed more safely and effectively in a qualified VR simulator.

Because of that shift, the environmental benefits have become significant. Since 2021, operators using Loft simulators have saved an estimated 5,579 tons of CO₂ (the equivalent of removing 1,150 cars from the road for an entire year. And the momentum is building. In 2025 alone, CO₂ savings grew 34% year over year, driven by increased adoption and usage of our simulators.

A more sustainable future for aviation training

The Technology Fund’s recognition reinforces something we care deeply about: building a safer and more sustainable way to train pilots. It also reflects how accessible, high-quality VR training is strengthening environmental and safety benefits as operators shift more of their programs into simulation. And as more VR devices are qualified and adopted, those benefits continue to compound.

We are energized by this milestone and committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable training.

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The collaboration debuts with LoftHOME, an at-home spatial training kit that allows pilots to practice real-world procedures and scenarios anytime, bridging at-home rehearsal with certified simulator training

SAN FRANCISCO and DÜBENDORF Switzerland — Nov. 17, 2025 — Loft Dynamics, the pioneer behind the world’s first EASA- and FAA-qualified virtual reality flight simulators, announced a strategic partnership with Trifork, a global technology company and leader in spatial computing. Together, the companies are developing an industry-defining solution called LoftHOME, an at-home pilot training kit that extends Loft Dynamics’ qualified training ecosystem to Apple Vision Pro. This will allow Loft Dynamics to bring its high-fidelity, regulator-approved flight instruction to pilots anywhere, anytime and at scale. 

For decades, pilot training has relied on full-motion simulators which are trusted but costly and cumbersome, limited in number, and often far from where pilots live and work. That model restricts how often pilots can train and how flexibly operators can schedule instruction. LoftHOME aims to change that by delivering the same realism and rigor trusted by regulators in a flexible, immersive format on Apple Vision Pro.  

LoftHOME: A Seamless Training Flow from Home to Simulator and Back  

The LoftHOME experience follows the complete training flow, from cockpit familiarization and procedure rehearsal in an immersive 3-D environment to briefing, in-simulator instruction, and post-simulator debriefing. It can be used with or without a Loft Dynamics simulator. Pilots and instructors can even join simulator sessions remotely, using the same software and environments found in Loft Dynamics’ full-motion simulators. The result is a seamless, connected learning journey that extends from home to training center and back again. 

A Shared Vision for Accessible, Continuous Training  

“Our vision has always been to make the highest-quality pilot training safe and universally accessible,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “With Trifork, we’re bringing incredibly realistic, regulator-backed training into pilots’ everyday environments via Apple Vision Pro, from their living rooms to the airport gate. The goal isn’t just convenience; it’s continuity: a connected training ecosystem that links remote rehearsal with qualified simulator instruction, empowering pilots, instructors, and operators to train more often and more effectively. Trifork is the ideal partner to help scale this vision and deliver lasting impact across the aviation ecosystem.”  

Engineering Scale Meets Regulatory Trust 

“Trifork is pioneering spatial computing solutions that reshape how enterprises learn, train, and operate,” said Karan Yadav, CEO of Trifork North America and global lead for spatial computing. “Our work with organizations like Lufthansa Aviation Training shows how immersive tools can create real operational gains. This partnership with Loft Dynamics enables a new, flexible training model that can expand from initial skills development to regulated, multi-crew, airline-level instruction, all with a flexible, efficient and scalable spatial computing solution.” 

What’s Next 

Loft Dynamics and Trifork will launch pilot programs for LoftHOME with select airlines and training centers before expanding to additional use cases, including aircraft transition, multi-crew cooperation, and operational and emergency procedures. Each is designed to connect at-home rehearsal with in-center, regulator-credited training. 

About Loft Dynamics 

Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight training, and the first company with VR simulators qualified by both the FAA and EASA. Trusted by Alaska Airlines, Airbus Helicopters, the Los Angeles Police Department, and more, we serve the full aviation ecosystem—spanning commercial airlines, eVTOLs, and diverse helicopter operators, as well as schools, OEMs, governments, and regulators. Our mission is to make pilot training safer and more accessible, affordable and scalable than ever before. We produce full-motion VR simulators for helicopters, airlines, and eVTOLs that are ten times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators. We also provide a connected suite of solutions that integrate our simulators worldwide, including at-home training kits, virtual instruction from the world’s top pilots and AI-driven training intelligence. Loft Dynamics is leading a global paradigm shift in pilot training and powering the next generation of highly skilled pilots. Learn more at LoftDynamics.com.    

About Trifork Group 

Trifork (Nasdaq Copenhagen: TRIFOR) is a pioneering global technology company, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative digital products and solutions. With 1,197 employees across 71 business units in 16 countries, Trifork specializes in designing, building, and operating advanced software in public administration, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, energy, aviation, and retail. The Group’s R&D arm, Trifork Labs, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic, high-potential technology companies. Learn more at trifork.com.  

Contacts: 
[email protected]   
[email protected]  

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OKLAHOMA CITY and DÜBENDORF, Switzerland Nov. 13, 2025 — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO), which operates the world’s largest and most diverse law enforcement aviation fleet, has awarded a contract to Davenport Aviation to provide the Loft Dynamics virtual reality (VR) flight simulator. The simulator is the first VR flight simulator qualified by both the FAA and EASA. CBP will install Loft’s Airbus H125 VR flight simulator at its Oklahoma City training center — marking the first-ever use of VR flight training by a U.S. federal law enforcement agency and reflecting a broader industry shift toward safer, more immersive and more accessible pilot training.

AMO flies more than 240 aircraft, including more than 100 Airbus H125 helicopters, and carries out complex, high-risk missions ranging from drug interdiction and human trafficking prevention to disaster response and 24/7 border surveillance. Its 600-plus pilots operate in fast-changing conditions with little margin for error. Until now, their training has depended entirely on live helicopter flights, which are limited by aircraft and instructor availability, weather and the inherent risk of practicing emergency procedures in the air. 

This contract makes CBP the first branch of the Department of Homeland Security to use VR for aerial training. While the agency has previously used virtual reality for ground-based use-of-force exercises, this marks its first deployment of immersive simulation for aviation. 

CBP is also the second major U.S. law enforcement agency — following the Los Angeles Police Department — to contract with a company that relies on Loft Dynamics’ VR technology. As some of the country’s most advanced public safety organizations modernize their training programs, it’s clear that virtual reality is no longer experimental, but operationally powerful. 

CBP’s use of immersive simulation signals a broader paradigm shift in how aviation and public safety organizations prepare their teams for complex real-world missions. 

About Loft Dynamics   

Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight training, and the first company with VR simulators qualified by both the FAA and EASA. Trusted by Alaska Airlines, Airbus Helicopters, the Los Angeles Police Department, and more, we serve the full aviation ecosystem — spanning commercial airlines, eVTOLs, and diverse helicopter operators, as well as schools, OEMs, governments, and regulators. Our mission is to make pilot training safer and more accessible, affordable, and scalable than ever before. We produce full-motion VR simulators for helicopters, airlines, and eVTOLs that are ten times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators. We also provide a connected suite of solutions that integrate our simulators worldwide, including at-home training kits, virtual instruction from the world’s top pilots, and AI-driven training intelligence. Loft Dynamics is leading a global paradigm shift in pilot training and powering the next generation of highly skilled pilots. Learn more at LoftDynamics.com.  

CONTACT: [email protected] 

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MESA, ARIZONA and SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA – Oct. 23, 2025 — PHI Air Medical, one of the largest air ambulance providers in the United States has become the first air medical operator in the Americas to implement full-motion virtual reality (VR) flight simulation for pilot training. The company has installed a full-motion VR simulator from Loft Dynamics—the first VR system qualified by both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)—at its training base in Mesa, Arizona. PHI is now launching an entirely new training program centered around VR and its Airbus H125 simulator, giving pilots round-the-clock access to immersive, mission-specific training that mirrors the urgency and complexity of real-world operations. 

PHI transports more than 22,500 patients each year across 82 bases nationwide, operating more than 100 helicopters and logging more than 12.5 million flight hours. With Loft Dynamics’ VR simulator now onsite, PHI has reimagined how its pilots train—enabling continuous, scenario-based practice tailored to the realities of emergency air operations. 

“We fly into the unknown every day—remote crash sites, busy city centers, adverse weather, unfamiliar terrain—and we do it in service of patients who don’t have time to wait,” said Duke Baker, director of aviation operations at PHI Air Medical. “With this technology, we can safely give our pilots any mission at any time, right at our home base, and rehearse until the maneuvers become instinctive—engrained in muscle memory and reflex. And it’s not just a win for us—it’s a signal to the entire industry of what’s now possible. This technology is powerful.” 

PHI instructors are building a dynamic curriculum using Loft Dynamics’ full-motion platform, complete with a 360-degree 3D cockpit, force feedback and six-degrees-of-freedom motion. Crews can now routinely train for zero-visibility landings, high-altitude rescues, nighttime operations with night vision goggles (NVGs), variable patient loads, and more. 

“This is exactly where VR was meant to go,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “Into the hands of people flying complex, time-critical missions. PHI’s adoption of this technology shows what’s possible when training is no longer limited by geography, cost or availability. Together we’re proving that the most realistic, high-stakes scenarios can be trained for—anytime, from anywhere. This isn’t just a milestone for PHI or air medical operators—it’s a turning point for how the entire industry prepares its pilots.” 

PHI is working closely with its local FAA office to integrate the Loft Dynamics simulator into its approved training program under Part 135—further demonstrating how VR can meet the rigorous standards of commercial air medical operations. These efforts are expected to set the tone for broader use of VR across the sector. 

While PHI is the first to install VR simulation in an air medical training program, others are preparing to follow. Boston MedFlight signed a letter of intent earlier this year to install a Loft Dynamics H145 simulator, signaling growing momentum across the industry. 

About Loft Dynamics 

Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight training, and the first company with VR simulators qualified by both the FAA and EASA. Trusted by Alaska Airlines, Airbus Helicopters, the Los Angeles Police Department, and more, we serve the full aviation ecosystem—spanning commercial airlines, eVTOLs, and diverse helicopter operators, as well as schools, OEMs, governments, and regulators. Our mission is to make pilot training safer and more accessible, affordable and scalable than ever before. We produce full-motion VR simulators for helicopters, airlines, and eVTOLs that are ten times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators. We also provide a connected suite of solutions that integrate our simulators worldwide, including at-home training kits, virtual instruction from the world’s top pilots and AI-driven training intelligence. Loft Dynamics is leading a global paradigm shift in pilot training and powering the next generation of highly skilled pilots. Learn more at LoftDynamics.com.  

Contact:  
[email protected]  

About PHI  

PHI Air Medical is a leading air medical transport provider, operating over 80 air medical bases in the nation. These bases provide outreach education to local communities and healthcare systems across the nation. Safely transporting more than 22,500 patients each year, each PHI Air Medical base maintains a crew of highly trained pilots, flight nurses, and paramedics – prepared to respond to emergency medical transport requests. 

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DÜBENDORF, Switzerland, and CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Sept. 30, 2025 — Loft Dynamics, the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight training, announced that its Airbus H125 simulator has been qualified at FAA Level 7, the highest fidelity standard for Flight Training Devices (FTDs).  

The qualification, conducted at Marshall University, enables it to be the first U.S. university to integrate an FAA-approved VR flight simulator into its civil training curriculum. This accomplishment signals a paradigm shift in pilot training: careers can now begin in high-fidelity VR, shifting critical training away from aircraft and into environments that are safer, more accessible, and equally realistic.  

Fabi Riesen: A New Blueprint for Training the Next Generation of Pilots  

“When EASA first qualified our VR simulator in 2021 and then the FAA in 2024, it was a breakthrough for the industry—it proved immersive VR could meet regulatory standards for the first time,” said Fabi Riesen, founder and CEO of Loft Dynamics. “Level 7 now extends that foundation, and what makes this especially significant is how it’s being applied: embedding FAA-approved VR at the university level as a new blueprint for training pilots. By combining advanced VR simulators with essential aircraft-based instruction, we can improve safety, expand access and set a stronger foundation for pilots from their first lesson through retirement. This milestone shows what’s possible when the entire aviation ecosystem—innovators, schools, regulators and OEMs—comes together to embrace innovation as the way to confront longstanding challenges and raise the standard for pilot training worldwide.” 

Why FAA Level 7 Qualification Matters 

An FAA Level 7 qualification is recognized as so realistic that nearly the entire pilot training path can be completed in the simulator. Unlike traditional simulators, Loft Dynamics’ VR technology delivers true immersion—allowing pilots to build core competencies in a more accessible, cost-effective and scalable way. With this qualification, pilots can progress from their first private pilot lessons through commercial, instrument and airline transport ratings, as well as recurrent checks and specialized training, all on one device.

Loft Dynamics’ VR Simulator Capabilities and Advantages  

Loft Dynamics’ H125 VR simulator—the only VR simulator approved by Airbus Helicopters—delivers the fidelity and realism required to meet FAA Level 7 standards. Key features include: 

• Six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform 

• Full replica cockpit with authentic avionics and tactile controls, 

• Immersive, high-resolution VR visuals that provide a true 360-degree view of real-world terrain and lighting.  

• Accessibility: about one-tenth the size and one-twentieth the cost of conventional full-flight simulators. 

Marshall University’s Vision 

At Marshall University, Loft Dynamics’ newly qualified Level 7 VR simulator will be integrated as a core part of the training curriculum.  

“Marshall University is proud to be the first to bring FAA-approved VR simulator training into a university program,” said Nancy Ritter, the university’s chief of aviation operations and chief instructor. “This fundamentally transforms how we prepare pilots. For the first time, our students can complete their entire FAA-recognized training path in one device, practicing everything from takeoffs and autorotations to sloped landings—safely and repeatedly—before they ever step into an aircraft. 

“It also makes Marshall a resource for the broader aviation community. The simulator will help expand aviation in Appalachia, where helicopters are essential for public safety and citizens rely on air ambulances in mountainous terrain. It creates new opportunities for other pilots and operators to train here as well. This partnership with Loft ensures our program isn’t just keeping pace with aviation’s future—it’s helping to shape it.” 

Industry Validation from Airbus Helicopters  

Romain Trapp, executive vice president of customer support and services at Airbus Helicopters, commented, “Loft Dynamics’ innovation has accelerated the credibility and adoption of VR training across aviation in just a few short years, making unprecedented progress at the regulatory level. Airbus has been deeply involved in this journey—working closely with Loft to align the simulator with flight test data, validate its fidelity and ensure it flies exactly like an H125—to improve access to simulation training and boost safety in the industry. With its Level 7 qualification at Marshall University, together we are placing this technology at the very foundation of pilot education—reducing risk, expanding access at a time when the world urgently needs more pilots, and building confidence from the very first VR session. So much progress has already been made, and bringing qualified VR training into universities will be an even greater catalyst—rewriting pilot training from the very beginning of a career and redefining what’s possible for the next generation.” 

Global Impact on Pilot Training  

The qualification at Marshall—and the new benchmark it sets for pilot training—is only the beginning. Loft Dynamics is working with schools, operators and regulators worldwide to deliver VR-based pilot training to the next generation of aviators. Discover Loft Dynamics’ FAA and EASA-qualified VR flight training solutions and experience the technology firsthand with a demo. 

About Loft Dynamics 

Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight training, and the first company with VR simulators qualified by both the FAA and EASA. Trusted by Alaska Airlines, Airbus Helicopters, the Los Angeles Police Department, and more, we serve the full aviation ecosystem—spanning commercial airlines, eVTOLs, and diverse helicopter operators, as well as schools, OEMs, governments, and regulators. Our mission is to make pilot training safer and more accessible, affordable, and scalable than ever before. We produce full-motion VR simulators for helicopters, airlines, and eVTOLs that are ten times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators. We also provide a connected suite of solutions that integrate our simulators worldwide, including at-home training kits, virtual instruction from the world’s top pilots, and AI-driven training intelligence. Loft Dynamics is leading a global paradigm shift in pilot training and powering the next generation of highly skilled pilots. Learn more at LoftDynamics.com. 

Contact: [email protected]  

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AUG 21, 2025 – Loft Dynamics, the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight training, has raised a $24 million (USD) Series B funding round led by Friedkin with participation from Alaska Airlines and existing shareholders Sky Dayton and Craft Ventures, as well as UP.Partners. The round brings Loft Dynamics’ total funding to $60million (USD) and marks a major step forward in expanding its commercial airline offerings while continuing to grow its core helicopter business.

Loft Dynamics developed the world’s only FAA- and EASA-qualified VR helicopter simulator, used by operators such as Airbus Helicopters, the Los Angeles Police Department and Air Greenland. With this latest investment, the company is applying its cutting-edge technology and regulatory credibility to transform airline pilot training at scale.

“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 $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. We’re building a new standard—one that’s far more realistic and accessible. High-quality, regular training leads to better pilots. And better pilots mean safer skies.”

Loft Dynamics’ immediate focus is developing a next-generation, cloud-connected training suite—the world’s first fully integrated hardware and software system built to make pilot training safer, more effective, immersive and scalable.

Initial offerings will include existing helicopter simulators and new full-motion Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 VR airliner simulators—up to 12 times smaller and a fraction of the cost of traditional full-flight simulators. Loft’s new airliner simulators will include a multi-crew replica cockpit with all aircraft haptics, body and eye tracking plus AI-powered training intelligence to measure pilot performance and deliver tailored feedback. It will also feature LofTWIN—a virtual demonstration mode that lets instructors record immersive lessons for pilots to replay at any time. These systems will enable pilots to train safely and regularly for any condition, including rare, high-risk scenarios and past aviation tragedies.

To further increase training accessibility, Loft Dynamics is also developing a spatial computing–powered home training kit, allowing pilots to review sessions, access immersive content, and train remotely—from the base or their living room.

As part of the investment, Dan Friedkin, chairman and CEO of Friedkin, will join Loft Dynamics’ board of directors, partnering closely with Series A investors Sky Dayton (partner at Craft Ventures, founder of Boingo Wireless, EarthLink and CloudKitchens) and Ben Marcus (co-founder and managing partner at UP.Partners), both of whom also serve on the board. An accomplished pilot and entrepreneur, Dan Friedkin leads a global portfolio of businesses across aviation, automotive, hospitality, sports, investments and entertainment.

“Loft Dynamics is defining the next era of aviation training,” said Dan Friedkin. “This investment enables them to scale their solution globally, fast-track innovation, meet an urgent industry need and elevate pilot safety in the process. Loft brings the vision and execution capability this moment demands.”

“Through Alaska Star Ventures, our corporate venture capital arm, we are excited to support Loft Dynamics in bringing FAA-qualified VR technology to commercial airline training,” said Pasha Saleh, corporate development director, Alaska Airlines, “We look forward to working closely with Loft to revolutionize pilot training, making it more immersive and effective. This investment will not only enhance our industry-leading training program but also pave the way for future training solutions across the aviation industry.”

“This funding round isn’t just a milestone—it’s a signal,” added Riesen. “A signal that the wider industry is ready for change. We’re proud to have the backing of Friedkin, Alaska Airlines and our existing shareholders. I’m thrilled to welcome Dan to our board—his strategic insight and passion for aviation will be invaluable as we scale. Together, 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.”

About Loft Dynamics

Loft Dynamics AG is the global leader in virtual reality (VR) flight training, and the only company with VR simulators qualified by both the FAA and EASA. Trusted by Alaska Airlines, Airbus Helicopters, the Los Angeles Police Department, and more, we serve the full aviation ecosystem—spanning commercial airlines, eVTOLs, and diverse helicopter operators, as well as schools, OEMs, governments, and regulators. Our mission is to make pilot training safer and more accessible, affordable, and scalable than ever before. We produce full-motion VR simulators for helicopters, airlines, and eVTOLs that are ten times smaller and significantly more cost-effective than legacy simulators. We also provide a connected suite of solutions that integrate our simulators worldwide, including at-home training kits, virtual instruction from the world’s top pilots, and AI-driven training intelligence. Loft Dynamics is leading a global paradigm shift in pilot training and powering the next generation of highly skilled pilots. Learn more at LoftDynamics.com.

Contact: [email protected]

About Friedkin

Friedkin is a privately held family of global brands spanning automotive, entertainment, hospitality, investments, and sports. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company is led by Chief Executive Officer Dan Friedkin, and united by a mission to build breakthrough brands that redefine the status quo. Every decision at Friedkin is grounded in four core values—Excellence, Care, Commitment, and Evolution—driving a culture of innovation, bold ambition, and enduring transformation. The Friedkin portfolio includes Gulf States Toyota, 30WEST, Accelerated Solutions Group, AS Roma, Ascent Automotive Group, Auberge Resorts Collection, Congaree, Copilot Capital, Diamond Creek, Everton Football Club, GSFSGroup, Imperative Entertainment, Legendary Expeditions, NEON, Northside Lexus, The Friedkin Group International, USAL and Westside Lexus. For more information, please visit www.friedkin.com.

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Today, we’re proud to share that he’s joining forces with us to usher in a safer, more immersive, and more accessible era of pilot training across North America. This partnership is about more than expanding our reach—it’s about rethinking how helicopter pilots train: moving away from infrequent, high-risk, and resource-heavy methods, and toward a model that’s realistic, repeatable, and radically safer. That’s where VR changes everything.”

A Personal Mission to Make Flying Safer

Scott’s commitment to pilot safety is deeply personal. As the founder and CEO of Pylon Aviation, an authorized Airbus Helicopters distributor serving the U.S. and Canada, he has been a trusted advisor and operator in rotorcraft aviation for over 35 years. He’s accumulated more than 11,000 flight hours and flown over 35 different helicopter models and 100 fixed-wing aircraft—from modern jets to WWII-era warbirds. His depth of operational and technical experience is rare in the industry.

Scott has also contributed to a wide range of training, testing, and certification programs—including high-speed envelope expansions and NVG certifications—and is one of only four FAA-licensed helicopter aerobatic pilots worldwide. He’s a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and regularly performs at major airshows, including EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

Having spent decades flying, instructing, certifying, and advising, Scott has seen just how high the stakes are in rotorcraft operations. Helicopter flying remains one of the most dangerous forms of aviation, with accident rates nearly 50 times higher than those of commercial airliners. Even more telling: nearly one-third of all helicopter accidents occur during training or checking.

And yet, training methods have remained largely unchanged for decades—reliant on limited access to full-flight simulators or costly, weather-dependent aircraft time. Many of the most critical maneuvers—like autorotations—are simply too risky to practice in the air. The result: too many pilots are underprepared for the scenarios that matter most.

Without a doubt, this technology sets a new standard in aviation training and will shape the next generation of pilots to be the most prepared, most skilled, and safest we’ve ever seen.

That’s where Loft Dynamics comes in. Our VR simulators give pilots the ability to train for high-risk, mission-critical maneuvers in a fully immersive environment—without needing an aircraft, relying on weather, or traveling to full-flight simulator centers. They’re also the first and only VR simulators qualified by both the FAA and EASA, validating their use in formal training and checking.

What stood out to Scott wasn’t just the certifications—it was the shift in what’s possible. He saw how VR enables pilots to train more frequently, with greater realism and less risk. That’s what made him an early believer—and now, an official advocate—of our next-gen approach to pilot training.

“For as long as I’ve been flying, we’ve accepted that some of the most dangerous maneuvers just can’t be trained safely. We’ve worked around that reality, but it’s come at a cost,” said Scott Urschel. “What Loft Dynamics has built changes that equation. For the first time, pilots can train for the real-world scenarios that matter most—safely, repeatedly, and with total immersion. It’s the most meaningful advancement I’ve seen in pilot training in decades—and it’s finally available at scale. I’ve used the sim myself and even trained my son on it—and watching him grow confident and capable in that environment was one of the most rewarding moments of my career. Without a doubt, this technology sets a new standard in aviation training and will shape the next generation of pilots to be the most prepared, most skilled, and safest we’ve ever seen. I’m proud to stand behind Loft’s VR solutions and to help bring them to more operators across North America.”

A Natural Alignment of Values

Scott has spent his career doing more than just flying—he’s helped operators select and equip the right aircraft for their mission, built long-term trust with the operators he serves, led certification programs, and mentored pilots across a wide range of platforms. His pilot-first, safety-driven approach aligns perfectly with Loft Dynamics’ mission to cultivate more proficient aviators—whether they’re logging hours for a career or flying for personal passion.

By joining Loft Dynamics as a strategic partner and independent sales agent, Scott will help bring our qualified VR simulators to operators across North America—drawing on his deep relationships and rare blend of technical and operational insight.

The Future of Training Is Here

This isn’t about selling a simulator. It’s about shifting an industry. At Loft Dynamics, we believe safe, immersive, high-frequency training shouldn’t be the exception—it should be the norm. And with Scott’s deep expertise, long-standing relationships, and unwavering commitment to pilot safety, we’re one step closer to making that a reality.

We’re honored to have Scott Urschel on board—not just as a partner, but as a fellow advocate for a safer future in aviation.

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At the top of the world, where Arctic winds shape every flight, Air Greenland faces some of the harshest flying conditions on the planet. As a 64-year-old flag carrier, the airline conducts a wide range of essential operations — from passenger flights and charters to search and rescue missions — under Europe’s most complicated operating license. For Air Greenland, pilot training is not just about meeting regulations; it’s about ensuring safety and operational readiness in some of the most unforgiving conditions on Earth.

The Challenge: High Costs and Limited Access

Air Greenland spent years evaluating flight simulation training devices (FSTDs) in search of a training platform that could meet its unique operating challenges. This need was particularly urgent for Air Greenland, as the company was sending its pilots to simulator centers far away in Europe to meet training and checking requirements. This meant Air Greenland was investing inordinate time and resources in regular pilot training, a status quo that unnecessarily increased the company’s overhead and environmental impact.

The Solution: Immersive, Safe, and Accessible Training

In November 2022, Air Greenland received an FAA and EASA-qualified Loft Dynamics H125 VR simulator — a device that has drastically improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s pilot training.

Air Greenland pilots are now able to conduct training and proficiency checks at their home base in Nuuk, which saves the company time and money while enabling it to train a much wider range of normal and non-normal procedures. Air Greenland can perform license and operator proficiency checks on-site, which means pilots no longer have to travel thousands of kilometers for training. The simulator also ensures greater safety, environmental sustainability, and lower mechanical costs, as helicopters don’t have to spend as much time in the air.

Marco Peyer is an Air Greenland instructor, and he explains that the process of finding the right simulator was difficult: “We found nothing suitable — only systems that posed a risk of negative training. That changed when we discovered the Loft Dynamics VR FSTD, which enables pilots to effectively practice normal and abnormal flight situations without risk. This doesn’t just mean practicing emergency procedures that could not be replicated in an aircraft — it also means reducing accident risk across the board by providing a safe and realistic alternative for regular training and checking.”

The Loft simulator offers more thorough and rigorous training, greater accessibility and efficiency, and significantly lower costs

The Technology: A Purpose-built and Data-driven VR FSTD

Air Greenland also chose Loft Dynamics because it provides an upgradable and tailored training solution. Loft Dynamics worked closely with Air Greenland to customize the simulator with mission-specific capabilities:

• HESLO feature: The only EASA- and FAA-qualified VR HESLO simulation enables Air Greenland pilots to practice an array of sling load operations.
• Customized scenery: A Greenlandic scenery package that covers a 25-nautical-mile area around Nuuk. “This enhancement allows us to improve realism by replicating the harsh environment in which our pilots operate,” Peyer said, “which has a significant impact on real-world pilot decision-making.” 
• Specialized training scenarios: The Air Greenland FSTD is customized to provide vital mission-specific features and scenarios, such as geophysical survey training. Peyer explains that “this solution was developed by Loft Dynamics on request from Air Greenland because there is no way to receive expensive and delicate geophysical survey equipment solely for training.”

Peyer emphasizes the importance of evidence-based training enabled by the Loft Dynamics FSTD, and points out that the simulator “offers more thorough and rigorous training, greater accessibility and efficiency, and significantly lower costs.”

As Air Greenland CEO Jacob Nitter Sørensen puts it: “We’re committed to setting the highest standards by providing our pilots with the best possible training, and this partnership with Loft Dynamics is a significant step forward.”

Comprehensive Customer Service

Loft Dynamics goes beyond producing cutting-edge simulators — the company also offers full-service technical and operational support. This includes:

• Installation and qualification. Specialists from the company installed the device and performed the qualification along with experts from EASA.
• All updates and maintenance are handled remotely from the Loft Dynamics HQ in Zurich.
• Local training. The company also provided operational training for local operators, instructors, reference pilots, and technicians.
• Requalification assistance. Annual requalifications are performed on-site by EASA/NAA and Loft Dynamics specialists. Quarterly QTG runs are performed by Air Greenland reference pilots with remote assistance from Loft Dynamics.

This hands-on partnership allows Air Greenland to focus on its mission, knowing the simulator is supported by a responsive and experienced team.

What Air Greenland Pilots are Saying

Beyond the convenience of having a Loft Dynamics VR FSTD available at all times in Nuuk, Air Greenland pilots report that the simulator provides effective and realistic flight training. “My experience in the Loft Dynamics H125 VR simulator was very good,” said, Air Greenland pilot, Emil Adsten. “Hovering and doing maneuvers close to the ground was far more realistic than what I have experienced in a traditional FFS. In the Loft Dynamics simulator, the motion also felt more accurate and the 3D panoramic view was more immersive.”

The Results: Safer, Smarter, and More Sustainable

Since integrating Loft Dynamics’ VR simulator, Air Greenland has:

• Reduced travel for training, which has resulted in cost savings and a lighter environmental footprint.
• Lowered maintenance costs by decreasing in-air training time.
• Increased safety by enabling systematic and evidence-based training, which can identify and address deficiencies under controlled conditions.
• Enabled Air Greenland pilots to train for scenarios and in environments they actually confront regularly. From geophysical survey operations to HESLO simulations, the Loft Dynamics FSTD helps Air Greenland focus on mission-specific training.

For organizations like Air Greenland, Loft Dynamics provides a tailored training solution that meets uniquely complex and difficult operational challenges while reducing the burden on pilots and equipment. Most importantly, Loft Dynamics simulators allow pilots to train more safely than ever before.

To see what the most cutting-edge and widely qualified VR flight simulator on the market can do for your organization, please reach out to our sales team or book a demo today.

About Air Greenland

Air Greenland is the country’s national flag carrier, and it holds Europe’s most complicated operating license: AOC. This license comes with increased safety requirements and enables several different types of aircraft and helicopters to operate under very difficult conditions. Air Greenland provides a wide range of services, from passenger flights to charter assignments on its helicopters. These operations meet the need for passenger transport, mineral exploration, sightseeing, scientific expeditions, search and rescue, and the maintenance of vital telecommunications infrastructure. Air Greenland is aware of its environmental impact, and has implemented a new and more efficient fleet. This fleet includes widebody Airbus A330neo aircraft, as well as seven H155 and nine H125 helicopters. The fleet also consists of eight De Havilland Dash 8-200 aircraft, two Airbus H225 helicopters, and one Beechcraft King Air. Air Greenland now has two simulators for the H155 and H125.

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