Region with significant political and administrative influence - Aerospace aims for a higher profile
Berlin and Brandenburg's aerospace industry is a key economic area, with hundreds of companies and thousands of workers. To get some much-needed political attention, this sector hopes for more recognition. "For the first time, Kai Wegner, Berlin's mayor, joined us at the ILA," said Antje Lapuschkin, project manager at the Berlin-Brandenburg Aerospace Alliance (BBAA), speaking to the German Press Agency. Mayor Wegner visited aerospace companies from the two states during the international aerospace exhibition in Schönefeld, alongside the Brandenburg Prime Minister Woidke (SPD).
Lapuschkin stated, "We want this to happen more frequently. The industry doesn't receive enough support." In various other federal states, the aerospace sector enjoys a more prominent standing, which is also evident in their funding. Baden-Württemberg, for example, has been implementing its own aerospace plan for about four years, with a specific focus on emission-free flight. The state's Minister President is a regular attendee at industry events. "At our events, unfortunately, no one from Berlin has attended, and only sporadically from Brandenburg," Lapuschkin complained.
She estimates the aerospace workforce in both federal states to be around 17,000. More than 300 businesses are active in this sector. Berlin's primary focus is on space travel. Astro- and Precision Technology, a space component manufacturer, is headquartered in Adlershof.
Brandenburg, according to BBAA, has multiple aviation firms. This includes huge corporations like the engine manufacturer MTU in Ludwigsfelde and Rolls-Royce in Dahlewitz, as well as airports and airfields, with Berlin-Brandenburg Airport BER being one of the biggest employers in the industry.
The ILA continues to showcase the innovative products of various aerospace companies over the weekend. More than 600 exhibitors from 30 countries have showcased their technology since Wednesday. Four times a day, flight demonstrations are held, featuring the Bundeswehr's new F35 aircraft.
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The aerospace industry in Berlin and Brandenburg, being a significant economic sector, aspires for more political recognition and support, as evidenced by the attendance of Berlin's mayor, Kai Wegner, at the ILA. The CDU and SPD leaders attended the exhibition in Schönefeld, showing interest in the space industry and aerospace companies.
The Berlin-Brandenburg Aerospace Alliance (BBAA) aims for the political leaders' regular presence at industry events, citing the example of Baden-Württemberg's focus on the aerospace sector and its funding. According to Lapuschkin, Berlin and Brandenburg's aerospace workforce comprises approximately 17,000 people with over 300 active businesses.
Berlin is concentrated on space travel, with companies such as Astro- and Precision Technology in Adlershof, while Brandenburg boasts aviation giants like the engine manufacturer MTU in Ludwigsfelde and Rolls-Royce in Dahlewitz. The Berlin-Brandenburg Airport BER is one of the biggest employers in the aerospace industry in the capital region.
The International Aerospace Exhibition (ILEA) showcases innovative aerospace products, attracting more than 600 exhibitors from 30 countries since Wednesday. The event features flight demonstrations, with the Bundeswehr's new F35 aircraft being a highlight.
The space industry is not just an economic sector, but also plays a crucial role in promoting Germany's position in space travel and space research, including in initiatives like the Moon Village concept. These objectives are shared by private companies and research institutions alike.
Dietmar Woidke, Brandenburg's Prime Minister, supports the calls for increased government funding for the space industry, recognizing the sector's innovativeness and potential for growth. The SPD, for instance, has backed these demands, with Kai Wegner also expressing his support for the aerospace sector during his visit to the ILA.
The aerospace industry is not just about air traffic, but also includes crucial sub-sectors such as satellite manufacturing and space missions. It's an essential part of Germany's progress in becoming a key player in space travel and space exploration.
In conclusion, the driving forces behind the aerospace sector in Berlin and Brandenburg are the political and administrative influence of the region, as well as the recognized need for increased research, development, and funding to maintain a prominent position in the global aerospace community.
