CAE Inc. announced on October 26, 2026, that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its airline operations software business, Flightscape, to global aviation technology company SITA for an enterprise value of US$500 million, subject to customary adjustments.

Key Highlights

  • Transaction value: Enterprise value of US$500 million, subject to customary adjustments, according to the filing.
  • Buyer: SITA, described in the filing as a global aviation technology company.
  • Expected closing: The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027, following receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of remaining closing conditions.
  • Business being sold: Flightscape is described as CAE's airline operations software business, serving airlines and airports around the world.
  • Stated rationale: CAE described the transaction as "fully consistent with our transformation plan," sharpening focus on its core Civil and Defense businesses.
  • Proceeds deployment: CAE disclosed it intends to deploy sale proceeds toward investing in core simulation and training businesses, returning capital to shareholders, and maintaining financial flexibility.
  • Advisors: BMO Capital Markets and Citigroup Global Markets are serving as financial advisors; Norton Rose Fulbright is serving as legal advisor to CAE.

CAE Agrees to Divest Flightscape Airline Software Unit for US$500 Million

According to the filing, CAE Inc. (NASDAQ:CAE) (TSX: CAE) entered into a definitive agreement to sell Flightscape, its airline operations software business, to SITA for an enterprise value of US$500 million, subject to customary adjustments. The announcement was made on October 26, 2026, from Montreal. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027, contingent on regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

The filing describes Flightscape as "a leading airline operations software provider serving airlines and airports around the world." CAE's President and Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Bromberg, stated in the filing that the transaction is "fully consistent with our transformation plan and will sharpen CAE's focus to our core Civil and Defense businesses." Bromberg also characterized the transaction as "accretive" and said it would strengthen CAE's ability to deliver value for customers and drive profitable growth, according to the filing.

SITA Chief Executive Officer David Lavorel was quoted in the filing as saying the combination would bring together "complementary capabilities" to help airlines "anticipate disruption, recover more effectively and run more resilient operations." The filing states that Flightscape will continue operating as usual until the transaction closes, with customers expected to receive continuity in service, support, and product development. CAE noted that proceeds are intended to be deployed in accordance with its "disciplined capital allocation priorities." The filing contains forward-looking statements, which the company identified as subject to risks and uncertainties, including the possibility that closing conditions may not be satisfied or that the transaction may not be completed on the described terms.

What Was Disclosed

CAE disclosed a definitive agreement to sell its Flightscape airline operations software business to SITA for US$500 million enterprise value. The deal is targeted to close in the first half of 2027, pending regulatory approvals, with proceeds earmarked for core business investment and shareholder capital returns.