Schönhagen, Germany, September 29th 2025, In a step toward advancing the sustainable development of regional airports, Forschungsflugplatz Otto Lilienthal (Schönhagen Airport) and the aviation infrastructure provider ALBATROSS have officially announced a partnership to co-develop a future-oriented energy and mobility ecosystem at one of Germany’s most important general aviation airports. The collaboration builds on more than a year of strategic and technical dialogue, culminating in a shared commitment to prepare Schönhagen for the evolving requirements of sustainable regional aviation.
The aviation industry is undergoing a profound shift. Electric aircraft, hydrogen propulsion systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and new mobility concepts are quickly moving from development to deployment. Schönhagen Airport, located just outside Berlin, is positioning itself as a proactive enabler of this transformation. With a clear understanding of the stakes involved, Managing Director Klaus-Jürgen Schwahn has emphasized that the time for regional airports to act is now. Doing so will not only support innovation but also secure their relevance in a radically shifting landscape.
The cooperation between Schönhagen and ALBATROSS took shape over the course of 2024. Following a presentation to the Interessengemeinschaft der Regionalen Flugplätze (IDRF) Sustainability Working Group, where ALBATROSS was invited to present its energy, mobility, and logistics hub concept, a series of deep technical and commercial conversations led to the signing of an agreement in September 2024. Schönhagen became the first airport to officially join the partnership, setting a precedent for others to follow. At the IDRF members’ meeting in November 2024, ALBATROSS was unanimously admitted to the association, a strong signal of industry confidence. It marked the starting point of an expanding network of regional airports working together with ALBATROSS to realize a future-ready, sustainable aviation infrastructure.
“Almost every airport today is overwhelmed with offers to lease its open spaces and rooftops for PV generation. However, these offers do not prepare airports for the aviation-specific energy requirements of the future, and their economic value is negligible. If aviation and mobility concepts of the future are to succeed, it is essential that the necessary regional airport infrastructure is preserved and can be operated economically with these concepts. This is in the interest of all stakeholders, not just airport operators.”
— Dr.-Ing. Klaus-Jürgen Schwahn, Managing Director Flugplatzgesellschaft Schönhagen mbH
The project at Schönhagen is being developed in multiple stages. The first phase focuses on integrating rooftop photovoltaic systems on existing buildings, supported by battery storage for both self-consumption and electricity trading. Landside and airside charging infrastructure will also be implemented to enable charging of personal and utility vehicles.
The second stage of the partnership ties into a long-anticipated milestone for the airport: the development of a newly approved 50,000-square-meter site with direct runway access. This strategically positioned area, which has been in planning by the airport for several years, is now moving toward realization. The current concept envisions up to ten buildings; each designed according to latest building codes focused on improved environmental footprint. Fifty percent of each rooftop will be equipped with photovoltaic panels. The remaining 50 percent will be planted with grass, ensuring both energy generation and ecological balance.
These spaces offer aviation-affiliated enterprises a long-term, secure opportunity to join an already thriving innovation ecosystem at Schönhagen. The airport provides a robust foundation with key advantages already in place: Border Clearance, IFR-Procedures (Instrument Flight Rules) capability ensures operational reliability in all weather conditions, established security clearance protocols support efficient and compliant access and the airport’s proximity to Berlin offers direct connectivity to one of Europe’s major metropolitan regions. Building on this strong base, ALBATROSS and its partners are focused on the integrated, future-ready development of the site’s energy infrastructure, from system integration and smart energy flows to enabling the broader aviation and mobility concepts of tomorrow.
“This collaboration reflects a shared understanding that future-proofing regional aviation requires more than isolated infrastructure upgrades. Energy systems, mobility solutions, and airport operations must be developed in an integrated, long-term framework. Schönhagen has recognized this early and is now setting a precedent for how regional airports can evolve into intelligent, sustainable, and economically viable hubs within the next-generation mobility landscape.”
— Andreas Kupke, Co-Founder and Managing Director ALBATROSS Holding GmbH
Schönhagen exemplifies the advantages of a holistic development approach, making the airport highly attractive for industry partners. By simultaneously addressing power generation, storage, and charging infrastructure, the project serves as a real-world demonstration of how future airfields must be planned and implemented. Low energy costs, strong connectivity, and efficient access logistics contribute to its long-term economic viability.
About Schönhagen Airport
Now officially named Forschungsflugplatz Otto Lilienthal, Schönhagen Airport stands as one of Germany’s most important general aviation airports. Located just outside Berlin, it serves as a vital hub for business, private, and professional aviation. With a longstanding commitment to innovation, the airport has partnered with institutions such as TH Wildau, Fraunhofer FOKUS, and Deutsche Telekom since 2006 to support cutting-edge aerospace research. Home to 45 aviation-related businesses, Schönhagen is expanding its role as a centre for aeronautical industry and research with a newly approved 50,000-square-meter development site offering direct runway access. As both a regional economic engine and a key relief airport for BER, Schönhagen is shaping the future of sustainable and forward-looking aviation in the heart of Europe.
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.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Dr.-Ing. Klaus-Jürgen Schwahn
Email: drschwahn@edaz.de
Phone: +49 (0) 33731 305 0
Website: www.flugplatz-schoenhagen.aero
Marius Wedemeyer
Email: mw@albatross-holding.com
Phone: +49 (0) 172 3071039
Website: www.albatross-holding.com
