Hof, Germany, November 30th 2025, Hof-Plauen Airport (EDQM), a key commercial airfield in northern Bavaria, and ALBATROSS, a developer and operator of integrated infrastructure for regional aviation, are collaborating to transform the airport into a future-ready hub for energy, mobility, and logistics. The project lays the foundation for a long-term, scalable energy concept tailored to the growing demands of sustainable aviation and regional logistics.
The collaboration with ALBATROSS marks a continuation of Hof-Plauen Airport’s broader sustainability efforts. The airport actively pursues net-zero targets through comprehensive CO₂ accounting, voluntary offsetting, participation in the Innovate2Fly program, and a wide range of ecological initiatives, from forest conversion and wastewater monitoring to the development of bee habitats. A sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blending quota and cooperation with industry partners further contribute to its climate-neutral vision. [1] The partnership with ALBATROSS reflects the next step in this transition.
In collaboration, a phased, modular concept is being developed to integrate ground-mounted and rooftop PV installations alongside large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) and dedicated charging infrastructure. The strategy is built to optimize self-consumption while supporting future grid flexibility. Unlike many generic grid connection requests currently overwhelming grid operators, the ALBATROSS concept stands out for its long-term orientation and integration of aviation use cases. EPC partners involved in the project already bring experience with grid-serving storage systems (Netzdienlichkeit) that meet regulatory requirements and actually support the local grid.
Another important consideration in discussions with grid operators is the airport’s role as critical infrastructure, reinforced by its ongoing use by the German Armed Forces for training exercises. This underscores the need for a resilient and scalable infrastructure platform. The airport’s system relevance, combined with the economic potential of localized energy generation and consumption, plays a key role in planning and permittingdiscussions with regulatory authorities.
“At Hof-Plauen Airport, we pursue a long-term vision to unlock the full economic potential for the region. We have the potential all over the aviation sectors to build a new infrastructure for the future, which is not only needed by airports or airlines. An airport could be now an economic platform for everyone and for any business case. To reach this goal, we recognized with our partner airports (Straubing, Landshut, Augsburg & Kempten) that we can only do this together. We want to setup a new charge infrastructure standard for aviation and the first aviation charge network in Bavaria with our pilot project “E-Flugstrecke Bayern”. ALBATROSS is supporting us very close, to plan the project and to integrate it in the further micro grid infrastructure. The concept of ALBATROSS, however, is more long-term and its scope broader. Within our plan to transform the airport into an energy, mobility, and logistics hub, the scope of the Bavarian e-Flugstrecke can be embedded perfectly as part of the airport masterplan.”
– Ralf Kaußler, Managing Director Flughafen Hof-Plauen GmbH & Co. KG
Charging infrastructure is also a central component. Airside, the focus is on enabling electrified aircraft and ground support equipment. On the landside, smart charging infrastructure is being planned for passenger and fleet vehicles used by on-site companies. In collaboration with charging solution providers, ALBATROSS is designing systems that can be expanded modularly based on vehicle demand.
Given the airport’s strategic location near the A9 motorway, one of Germany’s busiest transport corridors, the deployment of truck charging infrastructure is also being examined. With support from ALBATROSS’s logisticspartners, the airport could become a viable node in the truck charging network, connecting driver demand with existing airport infrastructure to boost both (energy) utilization and revenue.
The cooperation with ALBATROSS emerged from a yearlong dialogue between the airport and the company, supported by close coordination with the local municipality. As a board member of the Association of Regional Airports (IDRF), Ralf Kaußler was instrumental in initiating the collaboration and in shaping a development model that allows airports to access both infrastructure capital and strategic expertise.
One of the flagship initiatives Hof-Plauen is involved in is the “E-Flugstrecke Bayern” pilot project. As part of a coalition of five Bavarian airports, including Straubing, Landshut, Augsburg, and Kempten, Hof-Plauen is helping to develop the future of electric aviation in close coordination with the Bavarian Ministry of Transport. The project is supported with €1.09 million in public funding and aims to lay the groundwork for the electrification of short-haul aviation. [1]
“Hof-Plauen Airport serves as critical infrastructure, not just for general and business aviation, but also for emergency services and defense. The airport’s long-term vision is to develop into a sustainable aviation hub that generates and uses energy locally while supporting the region’s economic growth. ALBATROSS’s holistic approach allows the airport to pursue this transformation systematically, integrating renewable energy, electrification, and logistics into a comprehensive infrastructure platform that will serve the community for decades to come.”
– Marius Wedemeyer, Co-Founder and Managing Director ALBATROSS Holding GmbH
Electric aircraft such as the Pipistrel Velis Electro [2] and Elektra Solar [3] are already commercially available and suitable for training and short-range flights. Larger aircraft, like VAERIDION’s 9-seat Microliner [4], are expected to enter serial production in 2030. However, success in this field depends on the rollout of a robust charging infrastructure across regional airports. ALBATROSS is supporting the project by advising stakeholders, connecting implementation partners, and ensuring alignment with long-term aviation development strategies.
About Airport Hof-Plauen
Hof-Plauen Airport (EDQM) is a modern commercial airport in northern Bavaria, serving as a vital connection point for the Upper Franconia region. With its strategic location and excellent infrastructure, the airport offers an efficient alternative to congested major airports. Serving business flights, air freight, training operations, and private flights, the airport delivers efficiency, flexibility, and high safety standards. Its comprehensive facilities make it an important economic driver for the region. The airport is currently implementing sustainable energy initiatives, positioning itself as a leader in eco-friendly aviation infrastructure in Germany. It is also participating in Bavaria’s pioneering e-flight corridor initiative, supporting the future of sustainable aviation.
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:
Ralf Kaußler
Email: ralf.kaussler@airport-hof.de
Phone: +49 (0) 9292 977 361
Website: www.airport-hof.de
Marius Wedemeyer
Email: mw@albatross-holding.com
Phone: +49 (0) 172 3071039
Website: www.albatross-holding.com
Sources
[1] https://www.airport-hof.de/unternehmen/umwelt-klimaschutz
[2] https://www.pipistrel-aircraft.com/products/velis-electro/
