An unusual pilot project is bringing the Austrian Armed Forces and Austrian Airlines (AUA) closer together. A jet pilot and a helicopter pilot from the Armed Forces have been undergoing type training for the Airbus A320 with the Austrian airline since Monday.

Upon completion of the training, the two pilots are expected to be deployed in regular AUA scheduled services from 2027.

The training is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027. After that, the two Armed Forces pilots could pilot AUA passenger aircraft for the first time.

However, according to the report, the permanent switch between military and civilian cockpits is not planned until 2028.

The planned model envisions a seasonal division: From November to April, the pilots are to be deployed for the Armed Forces. From May to October, they would fly for Austrian Airlines.

The project is backed by different interests from both partners. According to the report, the Armed Forces want to retain experienced pilots with the air forces for a longer period.

So far, pilots can fully transition to civilian aviation after completing their minimum eight-year commitment.

With the new model, they are to remain with the Federal Army for an additional ten years – but only for six months each year.

For Austrian Airlines, the so-called sharing model could bring additional pilots during those months when the demand for personnel is particularly high.

The period from May to October covers a significant part of the airline’s peak travel season.

After the first season, an evaluation will be conducted to see how the regular transition between military and civilian flight operations proves in practice.

Whether the model will be expanded afterwards and more Federal Army pilots could switch to AUA cockpits is not yet clear from the available information.

(APA/Red)

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