Lufthansa training arm to teach German air force jet pilots from 2027

Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) will begin initial flight training for around 50 prospective jet pilots of the German air force from 1 February 2027, the company said. Training will take place at LAT's site in Rostock-Laage.

The course will use single-engine Diamond DA40 NG aircraft for practical instruction, according to LAT. It is set to include visual flight training, upset prevention and recovery exercises, and each trainee's first solo flight. Theoretical subjects such as meteorology, aviation law and mission planning will also form part of the curriculum, the company said.

LAT already trains drone pilots for the German air force. It also trains P-8A Poseidon crews for the navy and helicopter crews for the German armed forces, according to the company. Adding jet pilot basic training extends this existing relationship with the military.

The announcement did not disclose financial details of the arrangement. The move fits a broader pattern of civilian flight schools taking on parts of military pilot training programmes, though the extract provided does not elaborate on the reasons behind the decision or any competitive process involved.