KLM pilots to serve as F-35 reservists under deal with Dutch Ministry of Defense

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) announced that it had entered an agreement with the Ministry of Defense aimed to bring closer cooperation between civil and military aviation in the Netherlands.

Part of the cooperation includes allocating time for KLM pilots who, among other roles, wish to serve as reservists on the F-35 fighter jet fleet of the Dutch air force. 

KLM said that it will allow a capacity of five ‘full-time equivalents’ (FTE) available to be F-35 reservists. These hours can be distributed among a larger group of pilots who wish to fly as reservists with the defense forces. 

“This is on a voluntary basis and currently applies specifically to pilots who are active in entry-level positions at KLM. They may, for example, be deployed to regularly train pilots on the F35, ensuring they remain up-to-date,” the airline said in a statement.

Reservisten maken Defensie sterker. Dankzij KLM kunnen civiele piloten met een militaire achtergrond als reservist blijven vliegen bij de Luchtmacht. Vrijwillig, professioneel, van grote waarde. Een krachtig voorbeeld van hoe bedrijven kunnen bijdragen aan onze veiligheid. pic.twitter.com/rn5XrZtCU4— Gijs Tuinman (@DefensieStas) July 7, 2025 “The world around us has become less secure, and the challenges for the armed forces are significant. Cooperation with the business sector is therefore crucial, as we can help and strengthen each other. I am pleased with this step towards even closer collaboration that we are taking today with KLM to make the Netherlands more resilient,” Netherlands State Secretary of Defense Gijs Tuinman said during the agreement signing.

“I am proud that KLM can contribute to the resilience of the Netherlands in this way today. Through this expansion of our cooperation, we can provide colleagues who wish to do so the opportunity to play an important role as reservists. This contributes to KLM’s attractiveness as an employer. We are also pleased that the Defense forces can utilize our expertise and experience in aviation in various areas,” said the CEO of KLM, Marjan Rintel. 

KLM and the Ministry of Defense are also exploring further cooperation possibilities in the areas of recruitment, training of technical personnel, MRO activities (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), and air transport.

RELATED

Air France-KLM makes a move for SAS, to become majority shareholder 

The post KLM pilots to serve as F-35 reservists under deal with Dutch Ministry of Defense appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source