Change of Leadership at Zetes
Jan 22, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Contargo expands fleet with 33 electric trucks
Jan 23, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Around 150 professionals and executives from the national and international aviation industry recently gathered at the Hilton Frankfurt Airport Hotel for the New Year’s Event 2026 of the Board of Airline Representatives in Germany (BARIG) and the Airline Operators Committee Frankfurt (AOC FRA). The event provided a platform for exchange among representatives of airlines, airport operators, state politics, the federal police, customs, as well as other authorities and service providers. The aim was to discuss the challenges of 2026 and strengthen collaboration within the industry.
Anniversary and Collaboration in Focus
Michael Hoppe (center), Chairman and Executive Director of BARIG, emphasized the significance of the New Year’s event as the kickoff for the association’s 75th anniversary. “Since 1951, we have represented the interests of airlines to politics, airports, and authorities, and promoted collaborative partnerships,” Hoppe explained. The high number of participants illustrates how important collaboration and joint action are for the aviation location Germany.
Klaus Marx (2nd from left), Chairman of AOC FRA, added that close coordination among the various stakeholders at Frankfurt Airport is crucial to ensure quality and stability. He highlighted that events like the New Year’s Event foster mutual understanding, which is necessary for future improvements.
Political Impulses for Aviation
In his speech, Kaweh Mansoori (2nd from right), Deputy Prime Minister and Hessian Minister for Economy, Energy, Transport, Housing, and Rural Affairs, emphasized the central role of aviation for Hesse and Germany. He referred to Frankfurt Airport as an important economic engine and competitive factor. Mansoori announced his commitment to advocating for a reduction in air traffic tax and planning further relief and efficiency improvements in various areas.
Aletta von Massenbach (far right), CEO of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH and President of the airport association ADV, pointed out the significant transformations facing the industry, including digitalization and sustainability. She stressed that these challenges can only be addressed collectively and that the New Year’s Event demonstrated the strength of networks and the willingness to change.
Dr. Pierre Dominique Prümm (far left), Member of the Executive Board of Fraport AG, underscored the necessity of communication and collaboration to enhance operational performance. He called for the further development of infrastructure in aviation and the elimination of current competitive disadvantages.
Looking to the Future of Aviation
The New Year’s Event marked not only the start of the year for the BARIG community but also the beginning of an anniversary year. Since its founding in 1951, the association has continuously evolved and advocates for the interests of airlines operating in Germany. BARIG demands fair framework conditions, cost efficiency, and modern infrastructure to secure the global competitiveness of the aviation location Germany.
