MUNICH- Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) has been selected to provide Initial Flight Training (IFT) for new German Air Force pilots, with the programme scheduled to begin in February 2027 at Rostock-Laage Airport (RLG). Lufthansa Aviation Training (LAT) will train around 50 German Air Force student pilots each year.
The programme will combine classroom instruction with practical flight training using Diamond DA40 NG aircraft. Rostock-Laage Airport (RLG), located near Tactical Air Force Wing 73 Steinhoff and its Eurofighter training unit, will support close cooperation between LAT and the German Air Force (GAF).
Lufthansa to Train New German Air Force Pilots
Lufthansa Aviation Training has secured a contract to deliver Initial Flight Training for new German Air Force pilots from February 2027. The programme will serve approximately 50 trainee pilots annually and cover both theoretical and practical aspects of basic flight instruction.
The training will establish the foundation required before student pilots progress to more advanced military aviation training. LAT will provide instruction at its Rostock-Laage centre, where trainees will develop fundamental aviation knowledge and practical flying skills.
The programme forms part of the German Air Force’s broader pilot training pipeline and is designed to prepare students for the demands of subsequent military flight training.
Training Covers Theory and Practical Flight Skills
LAT’s Initial Flight Training programme will combine classroom-based education with hands-on flying instruction.
The theoretical component will cover several core aviation subjects, including:
- Meteorology
- Aviation law
- Mission planning
- Flight-related procedures
Practical training will focus on visual flight procedures, giving student pilots experience in fundamental aircraft handling and navigation. The programme will also include upset prevention and recovery training, helping trainees develop the skills required to respond appropriately to abnormal aircraft attitudes.
One of the early milestones will be the student’s first solo flight. The exercise will allow trainees to demonstrate their ability to operate the aircraft independently while remaining under the supervision of qualified instructors.
Diamond DA40 NG Aircraft to Support Training
LAT will use Diamond DA40 NG aircraft for the Initial Flight Training programme.
The DA40 NG is a single-engine training aircraft widely used for ab-initio and basic pilot instruction. Its configuration allows student pilots to develop fundamental flying skills before moving to more advanced aircraft.
LAT will also draw on experienced instructors for the programme. Many of the instructors involved have previously served as jet pilots with the German Air Force, bringing military aviation experience to the training environment.
Rostock-Laage Offers Direct Link to Eurofighter Training
The location of the training centre is an important part of the programme.
Rostock-Laage is situated close to Tactical Air Force Wing 73 Steinhoff, which operates the German Air Force’s Eurofighter training unit. The proximity creates an opportunity for direct cooperation between the Initial Flight Training programme and the military organisation responsible for advanced fighter pilot training.
Rostock-Laage also has an established history in aviation education. Lufthansa uses the location for advanced instrument flight rules training and commercial pilot licensing through its flight training operations.
This existing training infrastructure gives LAT an established base for delivering the new military programme.
Contract Extends Lufthansa and Bundeswehr Partnership
The new assignment extends a relationship between Lufthansa Group and the Bundeswehr that LAT says has lasted more than 60 years.
LAT already provides several forms of training for the German Armed Forces. Its current activities include training remotely piloted aircraft operators, simulator courses for German Navy patrol aircraft crews in Berlin, and helicopter pilot instruction.
The new German Air Force contract therefore adds Initial Flight Training to an existing portfolio of military aviation training services.
German Military Expands External Training Support
The LAT contract comes as the Bundeswehr continues to use external training providers for specialised military aviation requirements.
In January 2026, the Bundeswehr awarded Top Aces a 10-year contract valued at up to €420 million for mission-critical operational training. The agreement represents another major investment in external aviation training capabilities for the German military.
LAT’s new Initial Flight Training assignment addresses an earlier stage of the pilot development pipeline, providing new German Air Force pilots with their foundational flight instruction before they advance to more specialised military training.
LAT Highlights Role in Bundeswehr Readiness
LAT CEO Matthias Spohr said the company was grateful for the German Air Force’s confidence in its training expertise.
Spohr described Initial Flight Training as an important contribution to the operational readiness of the Bundeswehr, particularly amid current geopolitical and security challenges. He also said the company welcomed the opportunity to support the German Air Force and strengthen its established partnership with the Bundeswehr.
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