A look behind the scenes: This is how the Bundeswehr leads management points

Chancellor, crises and queens: How the willingness to fly works

The Flight Willingness of the Federal Ministry of Defense plays a crucial role in the mobility of high -ranking German representatives. Their main base is located in Cologne/Bonn, where around 1200 employees are responsible for the smooth implementation of flight missions. The fleet comprises 18 aircraft, including modern machines such as the A350, which are specially designed for important transport tasks, as well as aircraft for wounding and armaments control flights.

Lieutenant Martin, one of the pilots, describes his job as extremely flexible. While some flights are planned long in advance, spontaneous decisions often have to be made, especially in crisis situations. This flexibility is essential to meet the high demands on mobility and responsiveness.

Another aspect of the willingness to fly is the comprehensive planning that every mission requires. Main sergeant Jan explains that they are responsible for catering, staff and entire processes themselves. This eliminates the flight readiness of civil airlines, where large corporations often take on these tasks. The organizational effort increases significantly in particular when there are flights from official persons, such as ministers or the Federal President.

The equipment of the aircraft is objectively designed. In the A350 there is a lounge, a bathroom with shower and a conference room in which delegations and representatives are housed. The focus is on functionality and professionalism, away from opulent design elements.

The flight readiness employees carry functional uniforms instead of the typical business clothing, which reflects the military background of the organization. Technically, the willingness to fly is independent, carries out all maintenance work itself and ensures that technicians travel to the case even when operating outside of regular maintenance areas.

Special experiences are not uncommon for the pilots and soil staff, including missions that take place in times of crisis, such as the delivery of medical devices during pandemic. Prominent personalities such as Queen Elizabeth II were already on board, which underlines the extraordinary character of the service.

The impression that those who work on the willingness to fly see their profession as a calling runs through all experience reports. The combination of solid flying knowledge and a strong commitment to the mission shapes the identity of this special unit.