Private equity group MML Keystone has become the majority owner of Coptersafety, one of the largest independent helicopter pilot simulator training centres. With the support of MML Keystone, Coptersafety aims to expand its capacity to continue to provide high-quality training to pilots globally. Training will continue as normal, without interruption, at Coptersafety's training centre in Helsinki, Finland.

Coptersafety provides safety-critical training to helicopter operators from around the world, with its five Level D full flight simulators from its state-of-the-art training centre five minutes from Helsinki International Airport. Coptersafety holds approvals from major aviation authorities, including EASA, the FAA, the UK CAA and Transport Canada among multiple other local civil aviation authority approvals.

Coptersafety is planning an expansion of its Helsinki facility, with additional training capacity from new Level D full flight simulators expected to be available in 2027 and 2028, subject to regulatory approvals and schedules.

“We are delighted to welcome MML Keystone as our new partner. Its experience backing asset-backed, essential services businesses and supporting international growth makes it an excellent fit for Coptersafety,” says Hannu Marjoniemi, CEO and co-founder of Coptersafety “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.”

Sharand Maharaj, co-managing partner of MML Keystone, adds: “Coptersafety runs a scarce piece of safety infrastructure in European aviation: full-flight simulator training capacity on the helicopter types operators depend on for the most demanding missions. 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. What stood out in diligence was outstanding and consistent operator respect for the training quality and the calibre of the team. We are excited to back management as it expands capacity in Helsinki and scales the business internationally.”

MML Keystone is investing alongside Coptersafety's existing management team, which will continue to lead the business and retain a meaningful shareholding. Sentica Partners, which has supported Coptersafety since 2015, will exit the investment following a period of significant growth.