GATE Alliance (German Airport Technology & Equipment e.V.) - Experts & Thought Leaders

Last week, the 24th edition of inter airport Europe, the International Exhibition for Airport Equipment, Technology, Design & Services, ended at the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany after four days of flourishing business. From 10 - 13 October, more than 14,000 attendees of which over 7,500 were trade visitors came to Munich to network, discover the latest trends and developments in the airport industry and source innovative equipment and systems. This represents a 74% increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous show in 2021. The growth in visitor numbers, the high level of internationality and readiness to invest indicate that the recovery of the airport industry is in full swing. Enhanced passenger experience A total of 437 exhibitors from 37 countries showcased their products at the exhibition for the airport industry. The top-five exhibitor countries were Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands. Visitors of inter airport Europe had a chance to explore many innovations and systems Visitors of inter airport Europe had a chance to explore many innovations and systems focusing on cost-efficiency, low or zero emission, enhanced passenger experience, automation, and digitalisation. According to the preliminary results of the surveys, a total of 77% of the trade visitors made their way to the event from outside of Germany. Major visitor countries, next to Germany, were Italy, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, and Belgium.  Airport-related technology There was also a notable presence of attendees from overseas countries such as Japan, the USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China, which highlights the international importance of inter airport Europe. Furthermore, some 60% of all visitors do not attend any other trade show, which underlines the importance of the event in the industry. “As travel has returned to normal and passengers swarm the terminals again, the airport industry is keen to accelerate the current digitalisation and decarbonisation process to meet its environmental and social commitments while delivering on ROI,” says Jost Lammers, CEO at Munich Airport. He adds, “Airports like us are going to spend €250+ Mio in 2024 and with inter airport Europe, we have a unique marketplace here in Munich to meet with suppliers of airport-related technology, equipment and services from all over the globe.” International airport community More than 1,000 airport professionals had cast their votes and selected the winning companies During the first day of the show, Nicola Hamann, Managing Director of the organiser RX, opened the exhibition and greeted the speakers at the ceremony: Kay Bärenfänger, President GATE - German Airport Technology & Equipment e.V. and Jost Lammers, CEO at Munich Airport. After the opening ceremony, the inter airport Europe Innovation Award winners were announced and the awards were  handed over to the winning companies. More than 30 product entries from exhibitors in the categories Terminal, Data, GSE and Sustainability were shortlisted for the awards this year and the international airport community was invited to vote online for their favourite innovation in each of the four categories. More than 1,000 airport professionals had cast their votes and selected the winning companies.  Versatile signal lamps Award winner 2023 in the TERMINAL category was Rohde & Schwarz, who introduced a QPS self-screening solution, which utilises AI-supported posture control, where passengers are automatically scanned upon correct positioning, reducing repeated scans. They received the award for their Airfield Portable Light Marking System POLARIS 2.0 The winner this year in the category DATA was ISO Software Systeme GmbH for their SKYport AOCC which integrates all operational systems i.e., AODB, RMS, CCTV or pax flow monitoring, providing a holistic view of all operational aspects. The winning company in the category GSE was S.C. ELECTRO MAX S.R.L. They received the award for their Airfield Portable Light Marking System POLARIS 2.0, which features versatile signal lamps with magnetic assembly, resilient materials for all-weather use. Post-pandemic evolution ChargePoint Germany GmbH won the SUSTAINABILITY Award. They have received this award for their comprehensive charging solutions, which allows airports of any size to quickly implement EV solutions. At this year’s show, visitors were able to join a comprehensive seminar programme covering the following topics to discuss the continued recovery since the pandemic, the impacts of new technologies and what innovations are set to revitalise the airport industry: Terminal Technology, Disruptive Digital Innovations and Cutting Edge Apron Insights. Visitors were presented with the real opportunity to immerse themselves in new innovations, ideas and discussion around the post-pandemic evolution within the airport industry. The full programme can be found on the exhibition website.  Features of inter airport Europe 2023 The Matchmaking Programme received a high demand with over 1,000 confirmed meetings In addition to the excellent cross-section of technologies and services for the entire airport supply chain, an impressive programme of accompanying events, such as the Matchmaking Programme, and the Hosted Buyer Programme were also popular with exhibitors and visitors and very well received. Alongside a show floor packed with innovation, the co-located inter airport FOCUS – the Sustainability Summit offered a two-day high-profile networking and knowledge platform on sustainability strategies for the airport industry. The Matchmaking Programme received a high demand with over 1,000 confirmed meetings to create business connections at inter airport Europe 2023. Dates for the next edition The Hosted Buyer Programme offered a tailored networking experience with industry leaders from airfield construction, ground handling, ground support equipment, interior design, hardware and software solutions, terminal infrastructure, and operations in this year’s group. Existing and new exhibitors have already expressed their interest in participating at the upcoming show edition in 2025. inter airport Europe will take place from 7 - 9 October 2025 at the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany.

From 10 to 13 October, the global airport community will gather for the 24th edition of inter airport Europe at the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany. The event returns with an impressive line-up of well over 400 airport suppliers from 37 countries, including seven national pavilions and more than 100 new exhibitors. Live exhibits Visitors can look forward to plenty of live exhibits in the halls and Outdoor Area and a new 600 square metre GSE Experience Area. An exciting event programme including Technical Seminars, Innovation Awards, and the co-located inter airport FOCUS, The Sustainability Summit provides interesting opportunities to further engage with new technologies and suppliers, all dedicated to improving airport performance while delivering a return on investment.  New economic importance inter airport Europe has developed into the most senior gathering of global airport operators, airlines, CAAs, service suppliers The Munich Trade Fair Centre will once again turn into the world’s biggest hub for exploring and sourcing new technology, equipment, and services for better airports. Over nearly 50 years, inter airport Europe has developed into the most senior gathering of global airport operators, airlines, CAAs, service suppliers, investors, and other experts in this sector. The upcoming event marks another milestone for the airport industry which is currently rising to new economic importance with a multitude of opportunities and challenges.  Airport professionals Airport professionals from more than 100 countries have already registered as visitors, including key representatives from AENA, Air France, Deutsche Lufthansa, Fraport AG, Heathrow Airport, İGA Istanbul Airport, Oman Airports, Shell Aviation, WISAG, and many more. Over four exhibition days, they can explore an excellent cross-section of technologies and services for the entire airport supply chain, including airside operations, terminal management, passenger services, baggage handling, safety and security, airport IT, air traffic control, airport maintenance, and environmental management.  Insights into technology innovations Networking and knowledge platform on how to develop, embed, and integrate sustainability strategies An impressive programme of accompanying events offers additional insights into technology innovations about wider market trends. These include Technical Seminars, Innovation Insight Sessions, the prestigious Innovation Awards, and the co-located inter airport FOCUS Sustainability Summit, a two-day, high-profile networking and knowledge platform on how to develop, embed, and integrate sustainability strategies into every aspect of airport life.  Roadmap to airport operations “Co-locating exhibition and summit is an exciting opportunity for us to provide more value to the global airport community. Both events naturally complement each other, providing attendees with a great roadmap to future-proof their airport operations,” says Olaf Freier, Portfolio Director Transport of inter airport Europe, on behalf of show organiser RX. “The co-location offers new and encouraging perspectives that will help pave the way for innovation, resilience, and sustainability at future airports.”  inter airport Europe at a glance:  Indoor and outdoor stands with live equipment  Over 30% of exhibitors are newcomers on the inter airport show floor, forming an impressive line-up A large show floor in halls B5, and B6, and the adjacent outdoor area invite visitors to discover more than 400 suppliers who deliver advanced airport equipment, technology, and services across the globe. The top five exhibitor countries are Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands, with 37 countries represented in total.  Over 30% of exhibitors are newcomers on the inter airport show floor, forming an impressive line-up of well-known international brands alongside promising startups and scaleups. A new 600 square metre GSE Experience Area, sponsored by Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment, will offer visitors the opportunity to see the latest equipment for aprons and runways live and in action.  National Pavilions and First-time Exhibitors  Several National Pavilions will feature this year – Italy, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Finland, and newcomer Spain, all showcasing some of their countries’ finest tech companies and products.  Long-term show partner GATE (The Airport Technology Network) will be hosting a number of its members at their dedicated GATE Pavilion again. In addition, there will be two First-time Exhibitor pavilions specifically dedicated to companies new to inter airport Europe.  Opening and Innovations Awards Ceremony  The spotlight on best practices, technologies, and partnerships that drive innovation and excellence The inter airport Europe Innovation Awards celebrate the achievements of the many inventors and technical pioneers within the exhibitor community, putting the spotlight on best practices, technologies, and partnerships that drive innovation and excellence for better airports. The winners will be announced at the Opening and Innovation Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, 10th October, 11:00 - 12:00, at the Seminar Theatre in Hall B5. Welcoming presentations include speeches from Nicola Hamann, Managing Director at RX, Kay Bärenfänger, President at GATE Alliance, and Jost Lammers, CEO at Munich Airport.  Seminar Programme: Three days of expert talks  The free-to-attend inter airport Europe Seminar features a selection of technical talks on pioneering solutions and approaches to pressing airport issues, including the Innovation Insight Sessions featuring participants of the Innovation Awards. The 15-to-30-minute sessions will touch on key aspects of the passenger experience and passenger journey, baggage handling, security systems, as well as ramp and terminal management.   The technical seminars will run between 10 - 12 October at the Seminar Theatre in Hall B5, stand B5-1580. Visit the show website for the full seminar agenda.   inter airport FOCUS – The Sustainability Summit  The Sustainability Summit offers two days of top-tier education, networking, and collaboration opportunities The co-located inter airport FOCUS – The Sustainability Summit offers two days of top-tier education, networking, and collaboration opportunities for aviation stakeholders looking to develop, discuss, or initiate sustainability measures required to reach their net zero commitments, including sustainable airport operations, net-zero infrastructure, and new mobility concepts.  inter airport FOCUS takes place on 11 and 12 October at the Press Centre East Entrance (Rooms 1A, 1B, 2). The Summit tickets can be purchased online or on-site and also include free entry to the inter airport Europe exhibition and seminars. For the full summit programme, please visit inter airport FOCUS.  Visitor tools, Matchmaking Visitors are invited to use the Exhibitor List Tool and Online Show Preview to search for products and companies that are of particular interest to them. Once registered, visitors have access to the inter airport Europe Matchmaking Platform, allowing them to send or receive meeting invitations based on their business requirements. Meetings can be arranged at the exhibitor’s stand or in the dedicated meeting lounge in Hall B6, stand B6-590.  Hosted Buyer Programme  The Hosted Buyer Programme offers a tailored networking experience with industry pioneers The Hosted Buyer Programme offers a tailored networking experience with industry pioneers from airfield construction, ground handling, ground support equipment, interior design, hardware and software solutions, terminal infrastructure, and operations in the 2023 group.  It focuses on growing markets and emerging regions, with buyers from UAE, India, Kenya, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Ghana, and it is an excellent opportunity to open up new markets for exhibitors.  Venue, tickets, and opening times  inter airport Europe 2023, the 24th International Exhibition for Airport Equipment, Technology, Design, and Services, takes place in halls B5, B6, and the adjacent outdoor area at the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany. Access to the exhibition halls is via Entrance East. Please visit the Online Travel Hub for further information on transport, accommodation, and visa.  Show opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 to 12 October), and from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Friday (13 October). Visitors can register via the Online Ticket Shop and benefit from a reduced price when purchasing their ticket in advance. Day tickets cost €42 online or €52 on-site; season tickets cost €62 online or €72 on-site.

Innovation, sustainability, and new business models are at the heart of the inter-airport Europe 2023, the world’s pioneering trade fair for the global airport community. Visitors can look forward to a broad range of exhibits and live demonstrations by international brands and promising start-ups, supported by an intense programme of technical seminars and summit talks, all geared to boost operational advancement, strategic partnerships, and investment to help airports meet their environmental and social commitments while delivering on ROI. Speaker and topic highlights The inter-airport Europe Team has revealed some of the speaker and topic highlights coming up in October. From 10–13 October 2023, the global airport community will gather for the 24th edition of inter-airport Europe at the Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany. With nearly 50 years in the industry, this international flagship event is known as the most senior gathering of global airport operators, airlines, CAAs, service suppliers, investors, and aviation market experts looking to explore promising technology and concepts to navigate the many challenges and opportunities of the current airport industry.  Exhibition features The inter-airport Europe Seminar offers the benefit of additional touchpoints between tech buyers, suppliersThe exhibition features an impressive programme of accompanying events and talks: The popular inter-airport Europe Seminar offers the benefit of additional touchpoints between tech buyers and suppliers while providing much-needed insight and advice on new or emerging technologies about wider market trends. The prestigious inter-airport Europe Innovation Awards put the spotlight on outstanding technological achievements that drive innovation and excellence for better airports. Innovation, resilience, and sustainability “Following the recent shake-up and recovery of air transport figures, the industry is now presented with a window of opportunity for renewal and intense investment," says Olaf Freier, Portfolio Director Transport of inter airport Europe, on behalf of show organiser - RX. Olaf Freier adds, “We are very pleased to offer this unique combination of trade exhibitions, technical seminars, and co-located summit talks to help pave the way for innovation, resilience, and sustainability in the global aviation industry.” Opening and Innovations Awards Ceremony The inter-airport Europe Innovation Awards celebrate the achievements of the many inventors and technical pioneers within the exhibitor community, putting the spotlight on best practices, technologies, and partnerships that drive innovation and excellence for better airports. The winners will be announced at the Opening and Innovation Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, 10th October,11:00-12:00, at the Seminar Theatre in Hall B5. Welcoming presentations include speeches from Nicola Hamann, Managing Director at RX, Kay Bärenfänger, President at GATE Alliance, and Jost Lammers, CEO at Munich Airport. inter-airport Europe Seminar Sessions run over 15 to 30 minutes and cover leading terminal technology, disruptive digital innovations The inter-airport Europe Seminar features technical talks on significant tech solutions to current and future airport issues. Sessions run over 15 to 30 minutes and cover leading terminal technology, disruptive digital innovations, and efficient solutions for runways and aprons. Topics focus on the passenger experience and passenger journey, baggage handling solutions, security systems, and ramp and terminal management. Key expert speakers Key expert speakers include Dr. Lutz Weisser from Munich Airport International who will explore the Impact of innovation on the Passenger Journey, focusing on passenger data use in Europe and the US. CPHI Holdings will present An industry-first: Business Case for Airports and Ground handlers on new airport concession income from baggage handling with lower costs to ground handlers. Integrated Ramp Management Honeywell will hold a session on Driving Actionable Intelligence for Integrated Ramp Management, introducing the latest hardware and software for efficient gate management to increase capacity and safety while utilising existing resources at airports. Canard Drones will talk about Next-Generation Airport Inspections: Harnessing the Potential of Drone-Based Solutions, presenting a comprehensive tech platform that combines drones with a cloud-based platform and app. 7 Lessons Learned in Apron Floodlighting Inform will speak about Cargo & Baggage Transports: Boost efficiency, sustainability, and quality Midstream Lighting will dive into The 7 Lessons Learned in Apron Floodlighting, detailing the design, testing, and implementation process of apron floodlighting. Inform will speak about Cargo & Baggage Transports: Boost efficiency, sustainability, and quality, expanding on the benefits of single driver pools for baggage and cargo. The technical seminar will run on all four event days at the Seminar Theatre in Hall B5-1580.  inter-airport FOCUS–The Sustainability Summit This Summit takes place on 11 and 12 October at the Conference Centre North adjacent to the inter-airport Europe exhibition halls. Summit tickets can be purchased online or on-site and are valid for all summit and networking sessions at inter-airport FOCUS. It also includes free entry to the inter-airport Europe exhibition and seminars on all four show days. The co-located inter-airport FOCUS–The Sustainability Summit is a two-day interactive networking and collaboration platform for aviation stakeholders looking to develop, discuss, or initiate sustainability measures required to reach their net zero commitments. Sustainability A top line-up of key figures from the airport and aviation-related organisations will present inventive and exciting ways of embedding and integrating sustainability into every aspect of airport life, with a particular focus on “Building Infrastructure”, “Airport Operations”, and “Intermodal Mobility”. The summit will be opened by Dr. Anna Christmann, the Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy via video message, followed by a keynote speech by Max Hirsh from the Airport City Academy who offers inspirational insight into strategic opportunities to achieve net zero in a financially sustainable manner. Case report  Steffen Schmitt from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) will present the methodology and results Further programme highlights include a case report on Automated ULD unloading for sustainable airport operations by Gunter Ehm from Siemens Logistics, detailing the successful implementation process of an automatic ULD unloader at Munich Airport. The British Aviation Group (BAG) will hold a panel session titled What is the aviation timeline to Net -Zero?, with a broad-ranging discussion on how and when Net Zero within the aviation sector can realistically be achieved. Steffen Schmitt from the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) will present the methodology and results of the Local Air Quality Assessment at Copenhagen Airport: Analysing the Effects of Sustainable Aviation Fuels which is part of the EU-funded Smart Airport project ALIGHT. Aviation journey Rachel Gardner-Poole, Chair of the UK Zero Emission Flight Delivery Group and member of the UK Jet Zero Council, will talk about Aviation’s journey to the future, exploring the solutions that are becoming a reality and how it’s an opportunity to change public perception of the industry for the better.  Matthieu Piron and Sébastien Lichtle from Hydrogen Airport will hold a session on Liquid Hydrogen is Taking Off: How to Make Your Airport H2 Ready, presenting the first joint venture dedicated to helping airports worldwide integrate hydrogen into their infrastructure projects.  Panel discussion Shantanu Gangakhedkar, a specialist for high-impact consulting projects in the aerospace and defence field at Frost & Sullivan, will host a high-profile panel discussion on Achieving Net-Zero: Overcoming Challenges through New Opportunities. And conference partner SMART Airports will present a stream of four-panel sessions: “A Sustainable Reset for Airports”, “The Strategic Environmental, Social and Governance Partnerships that are Driving Change in Airport Ecosystems”, “What Radical Innovations are Needed for Net Zero Terminal Design?”, and “Meet the Experts –Innovations in Sustainable Airport Development”. One-day training course Airport City Academy will be running a special one-day training course on financially sustainable opportunities Also on Thursday, 12 October, the Airport City Academy will be running a special one-day training course on financially sustainable opportunities to decarbonise airport construction and building operations. These emissions “on the ground” can account for up to 30% of an airport’s total carbon footprint, so reducing them is an essential step to ensure airports’ climate resilience. Key information for event visitors inter airport Europe 2023, the 24th International Exhibition for Airport Equipment, Technology, Design and Services, takes place in halls B5, B6, C6 and the adjacent outdoor area at Munich Trade Fair Centre in Germany. Access to the exhibition halls is via Entrance East. Please visit the Online Travel Hub for further information on transport, accommodation, and visas. Show opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 17:00 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (10 to 12 October), and from 9:00 AM to 15:00 on Friday (13 October). Visitors can register via the Online Ticket Shop and benefit from a reduced price when purchasing their ticket in advance. Day tickets cost €42 online or €52 on-site; season tickets cost €62 online or €72 on-site.