Oberpfaffenhofen’s gateway to the world

The operators of the special airport Oberpfaffenhofen inaugurated their reception building yesterday.

It offers relaxation rooms for flight crew, but above all office space.

And it continues what began with the aircraft manufacturer Dornier at this point in 1937.

Oberpfaffenhofen

- "The decisive factor is not where you sit, but where you look", enthused Professor Christian Juckenack, representative of the airport owner Bewo, of the new reception building. Shortly before the official inauguration of the building at the special airport, the Air Tech Campus Oberpfaffenhofen (ATC), he enthusiastically guided us through the new halls. The stately building on the roundabout between OHB and Asto-Park rises five floors into the sky, above it offers a roof terrace and conference rooms, from which the view over the airport can wander into the distance. The crowd of guests was waiting downstairs yesterday morning - around 100 people including a brass band.

The reception building has been finished for a long time and is rented out except for one floor. On the ground floor there is a reception area and lounges for flight personnel. Companies can also book all of this when they set off on business flights from the special airport. Because of the pandemic, the inauguration was only possible now - "and long overdue," as Juckenack said. Among the guests who gathered around the glass foyer were the managing directors of numerous local companies, architects and political celebrities as well as members of the Dornier family, represented by the married couple Martine Dornier-Tiefenthaler and Conrado Dornier, son of Claudius Dornier. He once designed the Seastar flying boat, which is now being reissued by Conrado - on the ATC. And with that again there,where the foundation stone for the Dornier company was laid in 1937.

In 2017 Bewo AG bought the special airport. "Since then you have succeeded in rescuing Sleeping Beauty from years of sleep and breathing life into it," said Conrado Dornier. “I bow with deep respect for this development achievement.” Dornier grew up in Argelsried, he reminded us that the airport and the fascination for it had always been part of his life. But he also mentioned the problems that had arisen because the agricultural environment had developed into a place to live. Nevertheless: The revitalization of the area is the "realization of a dream come true".

Professor Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, CEO of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), which is right next door and maintains synergies with the ATC, could be connected via video. Since 2017, "a special dynamic has developed in the region," she said. “The reception portal is symbolic of positive sustainable development.” Deputy Mayor Matthias Vilsmayer was pleased about the cooperation between Bewo and the district and municipalities. "The togetherness is very enjoyable."

Peter Adrian, Dr. Ingo-Hans Holz and Professor Stephan Bone-Winkel, Managing Directors of Bewo, shed light on the first few years after the airport was purchased and the future of the 2.7 million square meter area. “It was a challenge, also for the banks,” said Adrian. The area should be developed in such a way that it is also compatible with the environment. Bone-Winkel saw “thin ice and a great responsibility”. Holz spoke of a "multi-generation project with a long-term perspective". After all, Bewo has invested more than 100 million euros in around 20 buildings with an area of ​​80,000 square meters - without government aid. "We were able to gain 1000 new jobs."

All three saw fundamental changes in propulsion technology by 2030. "You will hardly hear the planes anymore," said Adrian.

Aircraft are already traveling autonomously from take-off to landing, and the trial operation of a remote tower is about to begin, from which controllers can also act for other airports.

The inauguration act then proceeded as it should be at an airfield: On command, a long squad of guests of honor happily sent white paper planes into the sky.