In search of better salaries, more FAB pilots move to LATAM Airlines
New LATAM pilot class includes high number of former Brazilian Air Force officers, continuing a trend that has raised concerns within military aviation circles.
At the end of last year, six fighter pilots—whose training represents some of the most expensive within the Brazilian Air Force (FAB)—resigned from the force after passing the selection process to become first officers at LATAM Brasil.
Now, the pattern is repeating. Eight more military aviators recently resigned and were hired earlier this month to begin training on Airbus A319/A320/A321 aircraft. This time, only one came from the fighter aviation division, while the rest were primarily trained in transport aviation.
Sources close to the airline told AEROIN, our Brazilian media partner, that the reasons for the exodus remain consistent: better quality of life, fewer relocations, more flight hours, and salaries nearly double those offered in the FAB.
With no short-term prospects for improvement, the only realistic career progression option for FAB pilots wishing to remain in active flight service is a transfer to the Special Transport Group (GTE), based in Brasília, which is responsible for transporting the President and other top government officials.
However, many pilots avoid relocating to the capital due to its high cost of living and the fact that it would require yet another relocation, a common feature of military life. Additionally, the GTE is seen as less operational, with flight routines similar to those of commercial airlines—like LATAM itself.
Another deterrent is the daily interaction with political figures. Being seen as a “chauffeur for politicians” carries a negative social stigma in Brazil, especially amid widespread political polarization and the frequent presence of controversial figures in public office. Many GTE members reportedly avoid disclosing their exact role within the Air Force, even to close friends, out of embarrassment.
With this latest class, the FAB has now lost 14 aviators in less than six months—a number large enough to ground an entire squadron if concentrated in one unit (though that was not the case here). For reference, the most recent class of cadets graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2024 totaled 107 pilot cadets.
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