Mönchengladbach Airport and ALBATROSS Announce Strategic Partnership to Advance Sustainable Aviation Infrastructure

The collaboration centers on three key pillars: renewable energy generation and storage, the development of charging infrastructure for ground-based and future air mobility, and the integration of advanced logistics systems including autonomous and aerial solutions. This comprehensive initiative supports the airport’s broader vision of becoming a regional innovation hub for next-generation aviation technologies.

“ALBATROSS takes a holistic approach to sustainable aviation – from energy supply and infrastructure to the business model. Their early, strategic approach convinced us. That’s why we’re supporting the project with full conviction.” said Andreas Ungar, Managing Director, Flughafengesellschaft Mönchengladbach GmbH.

At the core of the cooperation is the development and combination of large-scale ground-mounted and rooftop photovoltaic systems supported by battery energy storage. The specific energy profiles of consumers at the airport present ideal conditions for solar integration, for instance with high daytime electricity consumption from operations such as local flight simulators. This energy strategy is being developed in close coordination with NEW Netz GmbH to ensure it aligns with the region’s wider energy roadmap.

The partnership also directly supports Mönchengladbach Airport’s strategic focus on future mobility. ALBATROSS is contributing its expertise to help prepare infrastructure for both electric and hydrogen-powered aviation. This includes the development of refuelling- and charging capabilities for aircraft, airside ground support equipment and landside charging of electric vehicles and trucks. These efforts build upon the airport’s established leadership in unmanned aerial systems and regional air mobility. The presence of companies such as Germandrones GmbH on-site, as well as Mönchengladbach Airport’s involvement in research projects like “Smart Cities – Drone Logistics”, “SkyTRACKplus” and “SkyCab II”, illustrates the location’s active role in developing and testing drone logistics and air taxi integration within controlled airspace and urban environments.

As part of long-term planning, the partners are also evaluating the potential integration of hydrogen infrastructure to eventually support fuel cell aircraft and hydrogen-based propulsion systems.

“Mönchengladbach Airport is a uniquely exciting location for us at ALBATROSS because it brings together everything we value in a project: a clear development vision, strong public-private collaboration, and a hands-on commitment to innovation that delivers real impact,” said Dr. Stefan Breunig, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ALBATROSS.

Mönchengladbach Airport continues to strengthen its profile as a real-world laboratory for sustainable aviation. With over 45 companies and more than 800 employees based on-site, the airport has grown into an important economic and employment hub. Recent developments include the establishment of new industrial players like Thrustworks, which specializes in advanced materials and manufacturing technologies.

“The airport isn’t just talking about the future of climate-neutral aviation, it’s actively shaping it,” said Marius Wedemeyer, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ALBATROSS. “From smart drone logistics to hydrogen readiness and solar potential, Mönchengladbach Airport is evolving into a true hub for sustainable, integrated mobility.”

A recent highlight of the partnership was the ALBATROSS team’s visit to Mönchengladbach Airport during the annual meeting of the Interessengemeinschaft der regionalen Flugplätze e. V. (IDRF), of which both organizations are active members. During the visit, ALBATROSS’s founding team had the opportunity to experience an electric flight onboard the Pipistrel Velis aircraft stationed at the airport – a symbol of the quiet, low-emission aviation future both partners are working to help realize.

About ALBATROSS
ALBATROSS develops, finances, and operates integrated infrastructure for energy, mobility, and logistics in partnership with regional airports. By combining renewable energy solutions, electrification strategies, and logistics innovation, ALBATROSS enables airports to remain vital economic drivers while preparing for the future of sustainable aviation. With offices in Hamburg and Munich, ALBATROSS is rapidly expanding its partner network across Germany and Europe.

About Mönchengladbach Airport
With nearly 50,000 aircraft movements per year, MGL is one of the most important general aviation airports in Germany. Business travellers appreciate its central location, all-weather accessibility, and fast handling. Flight schools offer training for licenses ranging from private pilot to airline transport pilot, while regional aircraft and business jets from around the world come to Mönchengladbach for maintenance. The high-performance aviation cluster at MGL is continuously evolving. Innovative projects and high-quality business settlements demonstrate the attractiveness of the location and the consistent strategic development toward a future-oriented economic hub.