Lufthansa Group – European Flight Academy – Ab-Initio Pilot Training

Lufthansa Group pilot training applications are currently open through the European Flight Academy, offering ab-initio training for aspiring pilots with no previous flying experience required.

The European Flight Academy is the Lufthansa Group’s flight school and provides a structured route from initial selection through professional pilot training, with access to future cockpit opportunities across Lufthansa Group airlines.

Lufthansa Group pilot training

Successful applicants complete approximately two years of professional pilot training through the European Flight Academy.

The programme is designed to prepare graduates for airline cockpit careers within Lufthansa Group and elsewhere in Europe.

Current applications and training dates

Applications are currently open and can be submitted throughout the year.

European Flight Academy currently lists upcoming training classes including:

• Bremen, Germany – February 2027
• Zurich, Switzerland – March 2027

Applicants should allow at least six months for the selection process before their intended training start.

Entry requirements – Germany pathway

• Minimum age of 17 at the time of application
• EU, Swiss or EFTA citizenship
• Fluent English, minimum B2 level
• Suitable university-entry or equivalent educational qualification
• Required DLR test certificate
• Ability to obtain the required EASA Class 1 Medical

Selection process

The first stage is obtaining the required DLR certificate. Successful candidates can then submit their application to the European Flight Academy.

The subsequent Lufthansa Group assessment process includes cognitive, psychomotor, social and personality assessment, followed by medical fitness checks before admission to training.

Training costs and financing

The current basic cost of the Germany ATPL training programme is €130,000.

European Flight Academy offers an income-related financing arrangement through Brain Capital. Under the published model, applicants can begin with €10,000 of their own capital, with the remaining €120,000 financed. Repayments begin only after reaching the specified minimum annual income threshold.

Lufthansa Group scholarship support

The Lufthansa Group also operates a promotion programme for eligible applicants who would otherwise be unable to finance their training.

Up to 30 scholarships are awarded each year. For eligible candidates using the Brain Capital financing route, the programme can cover the €10,000 personal contribution.

Eligibility is means-tested and applicants must still meet the normal European Flight Academy selection requirements.

Lufthansa Group Take-off Promise

European Flight Academy offers a Take-off Promise designed to provide additional employment security after training.

Graduates who actively apply for suitable Lufthansa Group cockpit vacancies are promised a binding employment offer from a Lufthansa Group airline within 24 months of successfully completing their training.

If no qualifying offer is received despite meeting the programme conditions and actively applying for suitable roles, European Flight Academy states that 50% of the training costs will be refunded.

Career opportunities

Graduates receive priority access to suitable cockpit vacancies across Lufthansa Group airlines and are supported through the European Flight Academy campus system as they progress towards their first airline position.

Individual airlines may apply additional language, eligibility and recruitment requirements.

How to apply

Candidates should first review the full eligibility requirements and complete the required DLR assessment before submitting their application through the official European Flight Academy website.

Applications are currently open, although European Flight Academy advises that demand for selection places is high.