Company Maneuvering To Bolster Its Aviation Training And Products Position

Delta Connection Academy, Inc. and Aerosim Technologies, Inc. have both been acquired by Flight Training Acquisitions(FTA), the company announced Wednesday.  Flight Training Acquisitions was formed by equity sponsors Lincolnshire Management, Inc. and GTI Group LLC, Delta Air Lines, Inc. and the management of both businesses for the purpose of acquiring these two businesses.  Their goal is to position the company for future growth in the areas of pilot provisioning, flight training and the development and marketing of simulation-based products.

The acquisition brings together two recognized leaders in aviation training and broadens the market reach of both organizations. Based on Aerosim's cutting-edge high-fidelity training technologies and Delta Connection Academy's industry-leading curriculum and training facilities, the organizations will leverage a comprehensive suite of training programs and systems to deliver highly skilled, safety-focused pilots who have been prepared specifically for success in the demanding environment of flight operations throughout the world. The combined company projects approximately $40 million of sales in 2010.

"We are very excited to combine these two outstanding companies and their management teams," said Allan Weinstein, Managing Director of Lincolnshire Management. "Aerosim Technologies and Delta Connection Academy are well-established leaders in their respective spaces that complement each other in order to offer a comprehensive solution for the aviation industry to serve the long-term demand for pilots." He continues, noting, "We hope and expect to develop the premier global aviation training provider and supplier."

"Based on experience with our current aviation interests in the Asian market, we saw a clear opportunity for a strong training service and product offering. The combined Aerosim and Delta Connection Academy offering is just the first step in an intensive expansion effort in this region," added Jonathan Schulhof, a partner at GTI Group.

"Airlines are increasingly challenged to find ways to save money on pilot training, yet the market absolutely demands that they cannot sacrifice quality in their training program," stated Dave Rapley,CEO of FTA. "This merger will establish a next-generation partner that will be capable of offering highly customized training solutions with a reputation for excellence." Regarding pilot demand, Rapley states, "Delta Connection Academy graduates are absolute top of the line pilots. We will continue to enhance that record to provide operators with pilots they know they can rely on as their needs increase."

Michael Lee, a Director at Lincolnshire Management, adds, "Aerosim's training devices offer a cost-efficient solution to airlines faced with ever-present capital constraints, but their technology can also improve the overall quality of their training programs. We are also extremely pleased to maintain an ongoing partnership with Delta Air Lines, Inc., the world's largest airline, and Delta Connection Academy has established a long track record of graduating outstanding pilots who go on to fly for leading airlines throughout the world."

FMI: www.deltaconnectionacademy.com, www.aerosim.com