The GATE Association welcomes DESKO GmbH as a new member. Jessica Luh Fuchs, Vice President of Marketing Communications, shares insights into the company’s journey, innovations in the airport sector, and the decision to join this dynamic network.
From Innovation to Global Presence
Founded in Bayreuth by Werner Zahn and Bruno Geyer, DESKO GmbH has been a specialist in identification and document verification technologies for over 30 years. Over the past three decades, we have established one touchpoint after another," says Jessica Luh Fuchs. Initially focused on the banking sector, DESKO quickly identified the potential of its technology for the aviation industry.
Lufthansa was among the company’s first major partners, Today, DESKO’s solutions – from check-in scanners to biometric identification systems – are used worldwide. "For many years, the airline and airport industry was our core business, accounting for around 70% of our revenue. That was a strong position, but it also posed risks of dependency. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of diversification," states Jessica Luh-Fuchs.
Today, DESKO has a more balanced portfolio, experiencing strong growth in the hospitality industry (e.g. guest registration) and financial services (e.g. compliance with anti-money laundering regulations).
Technology for a Seamless Passenger Journey
Aviation remains a key market for DESKO. "Our solutions enhance both security and passenger comfort. With biometric identification technologies, check-in and boarding processes can be streamlined even further," explains Jessica Luh Fuchs. DESKO’s expertise in high-security environments also benefits other industries. "If our technologies perform reliably in the security-critical environment of airports, other industries can greatly benefit as well."
One major trend shaping the future is automation through self-service technologies. "Our devices enable passengers to complete transactions independently, such as self-bag drop or check-in. This is often linked to biometric solutions that improve convenience by speeding up processes, reducing wait times, and relieving airport staff."
However, according to Jessica Luh-Fuchs, challenges remain: "Biometric solutions are not universally accepted worldwide. Some people remain skeptical about these technologies, so there is still work to do in terms of education and awareness."
Why GATE?
DESKO operates internationally. "Initially, we thought GATE was mainly a national network. But we quickly realized that many members have a global presence. The opportunity to participate in joint trade fair appearances and delegation trips convinced us." Jessica Luh-Fuchs adds that support also played a role: "While we are an international company, we are still a family-owned SME. Participating in international trade fairs is time-consuming and complex. When I saw the support packages that GATE offers, I thought: ‘This could be a great help for us.’ We want to maintain our own brand identity while leveraging the opportunity to explore new trade fairs as part of a joint exhibition booth and learn from the experience of other members."
The initial contact with GATE was made at the Saudi Airport Expo in Riyadh, where DESKO witnessed firsthand the benefits of such partnerships. By joining GATE, DESKO aims to expand its network, establish new partnerships, and drive innovation. The first step will be the participation in the "Meet our Members" session.
"We look forward to collaborating with GATE members and exploring new opportunities together," concludes Jessica Luh Fuchs.
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