LISBON— Portugal has signed a memorandum of understanding with Lufthansa Group to explore the creation of a new pilot training academy that could support future German Air Force pilot training.
The proposal would establish a European Flight Academy campus in Portugal and potentially serve military pilots from allied nations as well.
The initiative follows discussions between Lufthansa (LH), Lufthansa Aviation Training, Lufthansa Technik, and the Portuguese government. If approved, the project would expand aviation training capabilities in Europe while strengthening defense cooperation between Portugal and Germany.
Pilot Training Plans Move Forward
The proposed training center would operate under the European Flight Academy brand, Lufthansa Group’s pilot training division, established in 2017.
The academy currently trains commercial airline pilots and also provides instruction for military flight crews, including personnel from Switzerland.
Portuguese authorities officially approved the memorandum in June 2026. The agreement calls for detailed technical, legal, operational, and economic studies before a final investment decision is made, AeroTelegraph reported
The plan gained public attention earlier this year when Lufthansa Group Chief Executive Carsten Spohr confirmed that discussions were underway regarding a possible pilot school in Portugal for the German Air Force.
Subsequent reports indicated that Lufthansa had also engaged with Germany’s Ministry of Defense on the project.
If implemented, the academy would provide an additional training location for military aviators while benefiting from Portugal’s favorable flying conditions and established aviation infrastructure.
Lufthansa’s Strategy Behind Portugal Expansion
The pilot school proposal aligns with Lufthansa’s broader expansion strategy in Portugal. Lufthansa Technik has already committed significant investments in the country through a new aircraft component maintenance and repair facility.
The facility is being developed in the Lusopark industrial area near Porto (OPO), specifically in Santa Maria da Feira. Once operational, the site will support aircraft component maintenance activities and strengthen Lufthansa Technik’s presence in Southern Europe.
Portugal has increasingly attracted aviation-related investments due to its strategic location, skilled workforce, and access to European markets. Industry analysts view the country as a growing hub for aerospace training, maintenance, and engineering services.
The potential academy would further reinforce Portugal’s role within the European aviation sector while creating opportunities for collaboration between civil and military aviation organizations.
Military Aviation Benefits and Opportunities
According to the memorandum, the future training school could accommodate pilots from allied countries in addition to personnel from the Portuguese and German armed forces.
Such a model would support multinational training programs and improve interoperability among partner nations.
European defense organizations have placed greater emphasis on training capacity in recent years as military aviation fleets continue to modernize. A dedicated academy could help address long-term pilot demand while providing standardized training environments.
The project remains in the evaluation phase, and no final decision has been announced. However, the agreement demonstrates growing cooperation between Portugal and the Lufthansa Group and highlights increasing interest in expanding military aviation training infrastructure across Europe.
Should the studies prove successful, the proposed academy could become a key training center for future military pilots and strengthen Europe’s aviation training network for decades to come.
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