Dear Belgian Professional Pilots,
As you know, we cannot operate aircraft commercially as from the age of 65. This is specified in EU-law. Since 1st January 2025, all employees must work till age 66. Later on this will shift to 67. We understand the need to reform, however both national and European legislation should not contradict each other. Therefore we believe that airline/commercial pilots in Belgium are facing discrimination as there will be financial implications for pilots waiting two years before they can benefit from the state pension.
The Belgian Cockpit Association (BeCA) will meet the competent Minister, Jan Janbon, on June 17th in order to address the issue and find a quick solution. Therefore we would like to add some weight to our request with this petition.
Please sign BeCA’s petition and join our request! Out of solidarity for your older colleagues or for your own future!
We keep our members updated
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
May 10, 2025
Reached 100 supporters
May 8, 2025
154 Comments
Raising the retirement age without considering the unique physiological and psychological demands of aviation places an undue burden on pilots. This not only compromises safety but also introduces additional mental, physical, and financial strain on professionals expected to operate in an already high-stakes environment.
Belgium has already the lowest pension rates of any major airline in Europe. On top of that, pensions are taxed at 38% in Belgium. The net result is an average of 50% less netto pension than in Germany, France, Holland and the UK after a full career doing the same job.
Outdated rule which neglects that cognitive fitness and abilities can go past the age of 65. Look at AUS&NZ: up to date with newest medical conclusions. The medical is the decisive factor not a stupid age number from the past.
Pilots should be able to fly until their legal retirement age in Belgium ( provided they still hold a valid medical), commensurate with their nonflying collegues who can retire at age 66 or 67. This is unfair and unfounded.
The state pension for airline pilots should start at age 65, as we are not allowed to fly commercially from that age and we have no income for 2 years! This is unacceptable!
Private Aviation pilot, Belgian citizen, expected minimum pension, not enough sims in eu to cover everyone becoming instructor. Please review your knowledge about the sector. Mvg
Totally agree. Uniformity inside EU is needed for aviation.
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Dear Belgian Professional Pilots,
As you know, we cannot operate aircraft commercially as from the age of 65. This is specified in EU-law. Since 1st January 2025, all employees must work till age 66. Later on this will shift to 67. We understand the need to reform, however both national and European legislation should not contradict each other. Therefore we believe that airline/commercial pilots in Belgium are facing discrimination as there will be financial implications for pilots waiting two years before they can benefit from the state pension.
The Belgian Cockpit Association (BeCA) will meet the competent Minister, Jan Janbon, on June 17th in order to address the issue and find a quick solution. Therefore we would like to add some weight to our request with this petition.
Please sign BeCA’s petition and join our request! Out of solidarity for your older colleagues or for your own future!
We keep our members updated
Updates
Reached 500 supporters
May 10, 2025
Reached 100 supporters
May 8, 2025
154 Comments
66 today and 67 in 2030 does not make sense, discriminates and most of all puts colleagues in a very precarious financial situation, for years in a row. Exactly on top, exactly at the aga their children are at university.
Raising the retirement age without considering the unique physiological and psychological demands of aviation places an undue burden on pilots. This not only compromises safety but also introduces additional mental, physical, and financial strain on professionals expected to operate in an already high-stakes environment.
Belgium has already the lowest pension rates of any major airline in Europe. On top of that, pensions are taxed at 38% in Belgium. The net result is an average of 50% less netto pension than in Germany, France, Holland and the UK after a full career doing the same job.
Outdated rule which neglects that cognitive fitness and abilities can go past the age of 65. Look at AUS&NZ: up to date with newest medical conclusions. The medical is the decisive factor not a stupid age number from the past.
Pilots should be able to fly until their legal retirement age in Belgium ( provided they still hold a valid medical), commensurate with their nonflying collegues who can retire at age 66 or 67. This is unfair and unfounded.
The state pension for airline pilots should start at age 65, as we are not allowed to fly commercially from that age and we have no income for 2 years! This is unacceptable!
Private Aviation pilot, Belgian citizen, expected minimum pension, not enough sims in eu to cover everyone becoming instructor. Please review your knowledge about the sector. Mvg
Totally agree. Uniformity inside EU is needed for aviation.
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66 today and 67 in 2030 does not make sense, discriminates and most of all puts colleagues in a very precarious financial situation, for years in a row. Exactly on top, exactly at the aga their children are at university.