Cologne Airport and DLR are working together
The research center and the airport will expand their spatial and thematic proximity in the future as part of an intensive collaboration. This was reinforced by a cooperation agreement on November 15, 2021. The German Aerospace Center DLR and Cologne / Bonn Airport are major players in the aerospace industry in the Cologne / Bonn region. This cluster is completed by the Wahn air force barracks of the Bundeswehr and the readiness for flight of the Federal Ministry of Defense. Easa is also based in Cologne. The Cologne / Bonn region plays a special role in the aerospace industry, both at the state and federal level and at the European level.
On the way to climate and environmentally friendly mobility, the issues at airports as part of the air traffic system are diverse and complex. One goal of the intended collaboration between DLR and Cologne / Bonn Airport is therefore to use the core competencies of science to develop new concepts and technologies at the airport. The spectrum is broad and the area of application could extend from the tower, over the apron to passenger handling and arrival.
Concrete projects are initiated by a joint working group that regularly exchanges information about new developments. The first topics have already been selected for the start of the cooperation: The long-term goal of both companies is to be CO2 emission-free as a location. In a working group, experiences are exchanged, competencies are bundled and the potential of infrastructure and mobility networking is examined. The spectrum ranges from the optimization of energy management to energy generation from regenerative energy sources to the use of new autonomous mobility systems. Also look for innovative solutions in airport operations and airport infrastructure. This exchange deals with the planning of the strategic airport development. Behind this is the optimization of the airport infrastructure and its mode of operation in order to sustainably reduce construction and operational effects through innovative solutions. In flight operations, the aim is to contribute to increasing eco-efficiency and securing the future of technologies.