Innovationsflughafen PAD and GATE Join Forces

GATE has signed a cooperation agreement with Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport (PAD). The aim is to identify promising airport technologies, develop them together and test them in live operations.

The setting could hardly have been more fitting. The 15th Forum Innovationsflughafen PAD took place in the Quax Hangar, surrounded by historic aircraft, and the conversations focused on the future of airports. The evening also marked a new milestone for GATE: a cooperation agreement with Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport, which adds another strong partner to the association’s growing network.

From ideas to live operations

The partnership rests on three pillars.

First, GATE and PAD want to identify the technologies that could fundamentally change how airports work.

Second, the partners will develop new solutions together and test them under real conditions in day-to-day airport operations, not just in the lab.

Third, PAD will serve as a reference site and innovation partner for GATE member companies. This gives them the chance to show their solutions in a working airport environment.

A strong match

The two partners complement each other well. GATE brings together around 120 companies from every core area of airport infrastructure and technology. Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport contributes the airport itself, along with a clear willingness to try new things. Under its “Innovationsflughafen” initiative, PAD has positioned itself as an airport that actively drives innovation.

For GATE members, this opens up a concrete opportunity. If you have a solution that deserves a real-world stage, the new partnership is your way in. On GATE’s side, the cooperation is led by Head of Innovation Kevin Fischer, who is the first point of contact for interested members.

The agreement was signed by Jens Reinhard, Verena Wildenhues and Christoph Rüther.

GATE would like to thank Christoph Rüther, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport, and network coordinator Verena Wildenhues for their trust and the constructive collaboration. GATE Managing Director Jens Reinhard signed the agreement on behalf of the association.