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.
