BERLIN- German aviation is mourning the loss of one of its most influential figures following the death of former Lufthansa (LH) Chief Pilot Jürgen Raps. He passed away in Germany on 6 December 2025 at the age of 74, as confirmed by the airline.
Raps, who spent more than four decades with Lufthansa, shaped the carrier’s flight operations and pilot training programs while leaving a lasting legacy across the global aviation industry. Throughout his distinguished career, Raps flew a range of aircraft types and became widely recognised for his deep technical knowledge, leadership background, and passion for flight safety.
Lufthansa A380 Pilot Jürgen Raps Died
Raps began his aviation career in 1970 at Lufthansa’s pilot school in Bremen, marking the start of a journey that later saw him return as the school’s director, reported AeroTelegraph.
His progression through the airline included roles as co-pilot, captain, and eventually Chief Pilot and Flight Operations Manager. By 1996, he had established himself as one of the most respected leaders in the airline’s cockpit operations.
In 2007, he joined the Passenger Airlines Executive Board, where he oversaw operational safety for the entire fleet. His contributions played a significant role in refining Lufthansa’s safety culture, ensuring that high standards were maintained across the network.
During this time, he also continued representing the airline in aviation committees and industry groups.
Jürgen Raps’ A380 Expertise
Raps gained international recognition as one of the first pilots licensed to fly the Airbus A380. He frequently praised the aircraft’s handling characteristics, describing it as one of the most precise and responsive aircraft he had flown, despite its size.
His comments resonated widely when Airbus ended production of the A380 in 2021, reflecting his personal connection to the aircraft and its engineering achievements.
Throughout his career, he also logged hours on the Boeing 737, McDonnell Douglas DC-10, Airbus A330, and A340. His extensive fleet experience allowed him to guide generations of pilots while championing training programmes aligned with evolving aircraft technology.
For many within the airline, Raps represented the ideal combination of technical expertise and leadership.
Legacy and Tributes
Beyond his operational responsibilities, Raps supported aviation organisations, including IATA committees and the Deutsche Lufthansa Berlin Foundation. After retiring from active flying, he worked as an aviation consultant and educator at the Bremen University of Applied Sciences.
According to the podcast of AeroTelegraph, Raps’ continued involvement reflected his commitment to shaping aviation long after leaving the cockpit.
Lufthansa noted that his passion for aviation began early, dating back to a childhood sightseeing flight in a Dornier Do 27. His lifelong enthusiasm became a defining part of his identity and inspired many of the pilots who later trained under his leadership.
The airline stated that his passing leaves a “noticeable and very painful gap” in the German aviation community.
Bottom Line
Jürgen Raps leaves behind a remarkable legacy built on leadership, technical excellence, and an unwavering dedication to aviation. His decades of service at Lufthansa helped advance pilot training, operational safety, and aircraft expertise across the industry.
His influence will continue to be felt by pilots, students, and aviation professionals who were shaped by his work and guidance.
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