Pilotengehalt: Das verdienen Lufthansa-Piloten 2026

Lufthansa pilot salaries in 2026, a topic of ongoing dispute between the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union and the airline's management, have been revealed. The dispute centers around pension, compensation, and a tariff social plan for Lufthansa Classic, Lufthansa Cargo, and Eurowings pilots.

A 120,000 Euro cost for pilot training at the European Flight Academy (EFA) now includes a reduced 10,000 Euro out-of-pocket requirement for applicants. Upon completion, new graduates repay the remaining balance once their annual income reaches at least 30,000 Euros. The exact 2026 salaries vary by rank and airline, with Lufthansa First Officers starting at 88,600 Euros and captains potentially earning up to 281,300 Euros.

Eurowings First Officers begin at around 70,200 Euros, with top captains reaching almost 202,300 Euros in fixed pay.

Factors influencing pilot pay include the type of aircraft, years of experience (seniority), and hourly flight blocks. Lufthansa Group pilots enjoy additional benefits like guaranteed flying time (Perspektivvereinbarung), now suspended due to the pandemic. Airborne Consulting's Gerald Wissel highlights the "two-class society" within Lufthansa, with significant differences in earnings, benefits, and 'special rights' between Lufthansa and Eurowings pilots.