The Airport of the Future: Automation, Sustainability and Leading Change
What will airports look like in 2040? More automated, more efficient and perhaps considerably simpler than today. At the latest Change Makers Dialogue Joachim von Winning, Head of Cargo Partnerships at Fraport AG, explored how airports and aviation could develop over the coming decades.
Held at Kühne Logistics University, four closely connected topics were discussed: the airport of the future, airlines, air cargo and their CO₂ challenge, global perspectives, and the role of leading change and lifelong learning.
A simpler, more automated airport
One central theme was the potential of automation and digitalization to transform airport operations. Looking back at predictions made around 20 years ago, Joachim von Winning pointed out that technological change often takes longer to implement than expected.
Nevertheless, airports could become more minimalist, automated and efficient. Cargo handling offers a good example: processes that currently involve multiple stops and long waiting times could become much more seamless through interconnected systems.
One development Joachim von Winning would particularly like to see by 2040 is the autonomous dolly. These small vehicles transport baggage containers and cargo pallets between aircraft and terminals. While they are largely operated by drivers today, autonomous dollies could eventually move cargo independently to wherever it is needed. This would result in more change than the vehicles themselves. Airport logistics could shift from organizing transportation around driver availability towards fully automated and interconnected flows.
Technology is only part of the transformation
Transforming aviation requires more than new technology. Leadership and lifelong learning are equally important in an industry facing changing technologies, sustainability requirements and global operating conditions.
The airport of 2040 may therefore be more automated, interconnected and efficient. Turning that vision into everyday reality will take time, leadership and a willingness to keep learning.
