Mauri Maunula, last surviving pilot veteran from Finland, passes away at 103

Mauri Maunula, the last surviving pilot veteran from Finland, has passed away at the age of 103, as confirmed by his son, Risto Maunula. Maunula served as a military pilot during the Winter War and the Continuation War, earning the nickname “Pilvenveikko.”

Following his wartime service, Maunula embarked on a lengthy career as a civilian pilot. Remarkably, just a year ago, he was flying an F35A fighter jet simulator in Turku and was believed to be the oldest fighter pilot to have operated a simulator at the age of 102.

In 2018, he gained wider recognition when he attended the Independence Day Reception, where he captivated attendees by singing for the First Lady, Jenni Haukio. His extraordinary life and contributions both in military and civilian aviation have left a lasting legacy in Finland.