Pension

In 1965, an aircrew specific pension system was implemented. It allowed pilots to retire as of 55 years old or after a 30-year long professional career (whatever came first). It is important to note that this system was self-financed by the sector and was in balance (in 1995, as the system showed a bonus of more or less 100.000.000,- euro). The employers’ and employees’ additional contributions broadly covered the retired pilots’ pensions.

The increase in life expectancy, combined with the Sabena’s bankrupcty in 2001 had a big impact: the number of pilots flying for Belgian companies fell off, which decreased greatly the contributions brought into the system. At this time, this system appeared to be in deficit, the culmination being the reform of the pension system under Minister Van Quickenborne in 2012. 

BeCA’s “Pension Working Group” worked in close collaboration with the cabinet of the Minister and the National Pension Office (Office national des pensions – Rijksdienst voor Pensioenen). The result of this work was the adoption in 2012 of the Royal decree (NL and FR) that guaranteed acquired rights for the paid contributions*. 

(For pilot members of the former system or who benefit from transitory measures, BeCA created a Working Group that answers their individual questions on their status. Should you have any questions or problems, do not hesitate to contact us.

Since 2012, BeCA has been reporting the unrealistic prospect of a pension at 65 for all pilots: atypical working hours, long duty hours, jet lag, cockpit pressurisation, noisy environment, medical constraints (as of 60, an airline pilot must pass an examination twice a year), performance obligation (every pilot must prove their professional competences every six months in a simulator session

Since January 2025, a concrete problem has arisen for all pilots in our country: the legal retirement age has been raised to 66 (67 in 2030), while the pilot’s licence stops at 65. Despite promises made by the cabinet of the previous pension minister, nothing has been done. The urgent question has been put to our Minister for Pensions and current Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Jambon.