Frankfurt has long been one of the world’s leading aviation hubs and a key gateway to global connectivity. It has therefore been the ideal meeting point for representatives of the aviation industry to discuss current industry issues, including with politicians in attendance. At the recent Aviation-Event 2026 Germany, which took place at the House of Logistics and Mobility (HOLM) at Frankfurt Airport on 3 February, both parties had the opportunity to exchange views on air traffic tax, regulatory requirements, the regulatory framework applicable in the European Union and the economic importance of aviation, both for the host region of Hesse and Germany as a whole, and for Europe as a whole.
Aviation-Event 2026 Germany, one of the most important European Conferences for the aviation industry, was organized with the support of the Economic Development Office of the city of Frankfurt and brought together more than 30 leading decision-makers in the aviation sector, from airlines, airports and business entities, as well as politicians, as we already mentioned, who discussed the competitiveness, innovation, sustainability and the future of global aviation. This resulted in the Conference being the platform for the most comprehensive and complete presentation of the aviation sector to the general public, as well as its close relationship with tourism, economic development and international connectivity.
The opening event included speeches by two important political figures, Manfred Pentz, Minister of Federal - European and International Affairs of the State of Hesse - where Frankfurt is located - and Stefan Schnorr, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport, with a central thematic axis: "Is Europe losing its competitiveness in air transport? How can the State of Hesse maintain its global position?" Both speakers recognized the important role played by air transport, confirming the significant shift on the part of the German Government towards this sector.
Minister Manfred Pentz underlined, among other things, the political responsibility to balance regulation with competitiveness. Instead of focusing exclusively on creating new legislation, policymakers should also consider simplifying existing rules and reducing administrative burdens. According to the Minister, improving regulatory efficiency is essential to maintain economic dynamism while ensuring long-term growth and innovation. The discussion also focused on how political decision-making should not only address future ambitions, but also preserve economic heritage and stability. Manfred Pentz also stressed the central role of Frankfurt for Hesse and Europe as an important aviation hub. “Hesse ranks among the strongest regional economies in Europe and aviation plays a crucial role in supporting thousands of businesses through global connectivity. "Along with the financial sector and major trade fairs, the Airport remains one of the most important location factors for companies operating in the region," he said.
For his part, State Minister Stefan Schnorr, from the Federal Ministry of Transport, also reiterated the importance of aviation for mobility and Germany's export-driven economy. "The government's strategy to strengthen Germany as an aviation hub is based on three main pillars: economic competitiveness, reliable regulatory frameworks and a sustainable transformation towards climate neutrality. Planned initiatives include reducing government-imposed costs, simplifying procedures, accelerating infrastructure approvals and promoting digitalization in all passenger processing and logistics functions," the Minister said.
Marcel Riwalsky, CEO of Aviation-Event, in his introductory statement, emphasized, among other things: “Air transport in Europe is increasingly characterized by taxes, fees and regulations that are not applied or are applied to a lesser extent in non-European countries. The sector is facing increasing structural pressures and this Conference will be a platform for dialogue between industry and Governments, with the aim of strengthening the sustainable competitiveness of European aviation.” As part of the “International Noontime Media Kickoff”, Marcel Riwalsky, as the moderator of the panel, spoke with: Ivan Bassato, David Carlisle, Mete Ema and Marc Oedekoven.
"The importance of the aviation industry for Frankfurt as a business location" was the topic immediately developed by Stephanie Wüst, Deputy Mayor of Frankfurt and Head of the City's Department of Economics, Legal Affairs and Marketing.
This was followed by an interesting panel discussion on the topic "What's next for the Global Airport and Airline Model?", moderated by Miquel Ros, journalist at Aerotime, and featuring Julian Jäger - Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport, Laila Odina - CEO of Riga Airport, Daniel Bircher - Managing Director of Zurich Airport, Jiri Pos - CEO of Prague Airport, Alexander Laukenmann - Senior Executive Vice President Aviation of Fraport AG and Raoul Spanger - Co-CEO Gebr. Heinemann.
In the Moderated Talks section, the topic of discussion was: “Growing Challenges at Airports, Changing Traveler Expectations and How to Address Them”, with select participants, as always, Lars Redeligx – CEO of Düsseldorf Airport and Lucio Rossetto – Regional COO Europe, Lagardere Travel Retail France. The moderator was journalist Rüdiger Kiani Kress.
In the Moderated Interview section, La Libre Belgique journalist Raphael Meulders and Matthew Jennings – Principal, Klein/Johnson Group, discussed whether “Can European Airports and Airlines Compete on Uneven Ground?”
During the European Top Talks section, an interesting dialogue was developed on “How to achieve a level playing field in Europe”, in which Catrin Mattson – Area Manager Nordic & Baltic at IATA, Massimo Di Perna – CCO Aeroitalia and Stephan Erler – Country Manager Germany at easyJet participated, moderated by Aviation & Business Travel journalist Luc Citrinot. An important element of the discussion was the profit that Europe had per passenger, the largest in the world for 2025, as it welcomed 793 million visitors.
The Conference concluded with the Innovation Talks thematic section, where, under the theme "Can innovation overcome regulation?", Jürgen Krumtünger - Executive Director at Prologis, Dietmar Schneider - Global Sales Director ADB SAFEGATE, Thomas Jessberger - Managing Director Sasse Aviation and Richard Maslen - Head of Analysis at CAPA-Centre of Aviation, discussed the topic, moderated by journalist Christoph Martin Madsen.
As part of the evening reception, hosted at the luxurious Frankfurt Marriott Hotel and completing the all-day Aviation-Event 2026 Germany in the most ideal way, French Aviation & Business Travel journalist Luc Citrinot was first awarded for his contribution to the field. Then, Peter Baumgartner, former CEO of Etihad Airways and Chairman of Bluearbre Ltd. discussed, in the Evening Keynote section, the burning topic “What political will does aviation need now?”, together with Marcel Pouchain Meyer – Head of Marketing & Communication DACH, Ryanair. Finally, David Ciceo, General Manager of Cluj International Airport "Avram Iancu" and President of the Romanian Airports Association, closed the proceedings of the Conference, while presenting an extremely informative video about Cluj Airport and inviting all attendees to participate in the Aviation-Event 2026 Cluj, which will take place on March 20, in this beautiful city in Northern Romania.
All speakers at Aviation-Event 2026 Germany stressed that innovation, design certainty and collaboration between industry and policymakers are essential parameters for the transformational developments in the sector. In conclusion, we could say that Aviation-Event 2026 Germany underlined the need for a balanced approach, combining economic ambition with environmental responsibility, ensuring that Germany and Europe remain strong players in the global aviation landscape, while adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities. From policy and regulation to operational excellence and collaboration, the discussions reflected both the challenges and opportunities shaping European aviation, the future of air transport in Europe and the competitiveness of the sector, so that we can comfortably describe Aviation-Events as the point where industry meets strategy.
The Frankfurt Economic Development Company was the initiator and main Sponsor of the Conference, which was supported by many other prominent Sponsors, such as Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG, ADB SAFEGATE, Sasse Aviation, MODI, Prologis, Athens Airport and Lagardère Travel Retail. Our publications “Traveling the Aegean and the Ionian” are proud Communication Sponsors of the Conference.
About Aviation-Event
Aviation-Event is the leading international platform for aviation-related media and meetings, offering networking, experience exchange and policy discussion in the aviation industry. At the same time, it connects companies, executives, policy makers, experts and stakeholders from the aviation industry, regularly highlighting key aspects of this future-oriented sector. Regular major Aviation-Event Conferences take place across Europe and worldwide, providing a significant boost to policy makers, the industry in general and the interested public, while bringing together stakeholders from airlines and airports. More information is available at http://www.aviation-event.comThe next Aviation-Event is scheduled for March 20, 2026 and will take place in Cluj, Northern Romania (Aviation-Event 2026 CLJ).
