Austrian Airlines and Austrian military launch part-time pilot scheme

Austrian Airlines and the Austrian Armed Forces are starting a joint pilot project that would let military pilots work part-time in civil aviation. Pilots would spend half the year flying passengers for the Lufthansa subsidiary, and the other half on military flight operations.

Austrian Airlines said the cooperation is meant to keep experienced military pilots in the armed forces longer. Until now, pilots could leave after their minimum eight-year commitment and move to civil aviation. Under the partnership, they would fly at least six months a year for the armed forces for a further ten years. According to the airline, this retains the knowledge and skills of extensively trained military pilots for longer and supports the development of militia pilots. For Austrian Airlines, the arrangement is intended to help cover peak periods in flight operations.

Two armed forces pilots, a helicopter pilot and a jet pilot, begin type training on the Airbus A320 at Austrian Airlines on 28 September 2026, due to finish in summer 2027. The two are then to be deployed on the airline's scheduled services. From 2028, part-time employment with both the armed forces and Austrian Airlines is planned, with the pilots in the cockpit for the military from November to April and for Austrian Airlines from May to October. After the first season, the armed forces will evaluate the pilot project to assess the experience gained and judge how to proceed.