OpenAirlines Acquires CEFA to Create Unified AI- Powered Flight Operations Platform

Toulouse, France — March 5, 2026 — OpenAirlines, a global leader in fuel efficiency software, today announced the acquisition of CEFA Aviation, a global leader in 3D flight data animation for pilot debriefing and safety analysis.

The deal marks a strategic move to consolidate fragmented Flight Operations tools into a unified, AI-powered platform designed to improve airline efficiency and sustainability, while keeping safety at the core.

By combining OpenAirlines’ SkyBreathe® platform — which leverages artificial intelligence to optimize fuel use and reduce CO₂ emissions — with CEFA’s high-fidelity flight animation technology, the company is positioning itself to redefine how airlines turn flight data into operational performance.

From fragmented tools to a unified flight ops platform

Airlines generate massive amounts of flight data, yet much of it remains siloed across departments, limiting its impact on safety, pilot training, fuel efficiency, and operational decision-making. OpenAirlines sees this acquisition of CEFA Aviation as the first step toward solving that fragmentation.

CEFA is the only solution currently able to reconstruct flights in immersive cockpit-like 3D animations within minutes after landing, enabling pilots and safety teams to visually analyze flight events, while OpenAirlines’ flagship product SkyBreathe® converts the same data through AI into actionable recommendations that help reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Together, the combined platform aims to create a continuous performance loop — enabling airlines to connect safety insights, pilot training, and fuel efficiency within a single data environment.
The long-term ambition: build a unified Flight Ops software suite through organic development and targeted acquisitions, while preserving the specialized expertise of each solution.

Reinventing the pilot experience 

Pilots increasingly expect tools that are intuitive, operationally relevant, and accessible on demand.
The new group will build on two market-proven solutions already used by a combined total of 90,000 pilots:

• CEFA AMS, a unique EFB application that allows pilots to replay their flights on a tablet just minutes after landing using high-fidelity cockpit reconstructions — turning every flight into a learning opportunity.
• SkyBreathe® MyFuelCoach, a digital briefing and debriefing solution providing pilots with environmental performance data and personalized fuel-saving recommendations.

By integrating these capabilities, OpenAirlines and CEFA aim to unify the experience with a data-driven, pilot-centric ecosystem designed to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and environmental performance simultaneously.

The strategy is backed by long-standing industry stakeholders, including the French Professional Aircrew Pension Fund (CRPN), reflecting strong alignment with the group’s vision.

Scaling a leading global flight operations technology company

The acquisition brings together two established players with complementary expertise and closely aligned cultures centered on innovation, agility, and customer focus.

The combined entity represents approximately $19 million in recurring revenue and a team of 140 employees. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Integration will be phased, with an immediate focus on accelerating high-impact product innovation, particularly around pilot engagement and post-flight analytics. 

“Airlines must reconcile safety, operational performance, and decarbonization. By combining CEFA’s high-fidelity flight visualization with SkyBreathe’s AI-powered analytics that turn flight data into actionable recommendations, we are building a unified Flight Ops platform designed to drive continuous operational excellence,” said Alexandre Feray, CEO of OpenAirlines. 

“Flight Operations is evolving from standalone tools to integrated, data-driven ecosystems. Joining OpenAirlines allows us to extend CEFA’s pilot-centric technology into a broader platform that connects safety, performance, and sustainability,” said Dominique Minéo, CEO of CEFA Aviation. 

Key Facts

OpenAirlines — Founded in 2006, serving 80+ airlines worldwide.
CEFA Aviation — Founded in 2000, serving 100+ airlines globally.
CEFA AMS — 1.6M+ flights replayed by pilots.
OpenAirlines — ~$53 million raised in 2024 to accelerate global expansion.