Germany and beyond

Since 1992, GATE has been the German umbrella association for quality airport suppliers, enhancing worldwide the image of competence and reliability for its corporate members, encouraging cooperation and supporting strategic alliances.

Since the wide body Aircraft came into service demanding new facilities on the ground, airport equipment companies have had a driving objective to create an identity and a strategic platform specifically for the airport industry, specifically to meet experts and executives operating airports who were looking for advanced technology to keep pace with passenger growth.

To meet this, GATE created a format within the aviation market and developed a profile for airport technology and equipment. The first presentation of the group’s airport ground handling equipment took place at Frankfurt Airport, followed by modest airport technology events in the US and Middle East. These were quite different from the regular airport shows, as they created a niche for these forward thinking companies to be seen in. These days, GATE’s events are now taken for granted. This in itself is a huge achievement.

For many years GATE and the German airport industry have participated and promoted major airport shows dedicated to airport technology and equipment. Conferences and shows now take place in Asia, the Middle East, the US and now also in Latin America with large ‘German Pavilions’ supported by the German Ministry of Economy, usually with the most prominent and innovative presentations.

Airport privatisation and competition between operators are just two of the factors that are contributing to the steady global growth in the aviation market. Investors and BOT projects are also furthering these developments. The potential of airport communities, airport cities, green airports, aertropolis and world airports will also certainly have a bearing in years to come.

GATE is an alliance of prime companies that specialise in airport technology in Germany. The organisation has been running for over 20 years and has worldwide acknowledged acceptance and a reputation for co-operation. GATE pools expertise by bringing together top German equipment suppliers and their core skills into one strategic alliance. Their objective is to initiate and coordinate international airport events with qualified products and services.

Some European countries followed and formed similar associations. When it comes to international events, the associations communicate with GATE. This communication gives us the possibility to concentrate our activities on quality fairs, exhibitions and also on conferences in the interest of our customers. Annual meetings, participations on airport exhibitions worldwide, a network of information, the commitment to quality and reliability define the GATE ethos.

GATE transports these attributes worldwide – and the international clientele appreciates the high standards of such a professional pool. It is a tool to avoid and to solve technical and commercial interface problems.

Air transport has accelerated with high speed into the highest level of technology. Quantity, quality, safety and excellent logistics are to be expected by the public. Airports became pillars of trade and economy and creating many employment opportunities. The image of an airport is no longer determined by architecture. Soft skills, such as performance, passenger comfort, commercial services, safety, the environment and consequently the acceptance by passengers and airlines are of the essence. To be competitive, an airport has to be attractive for both the passenger and the airline.

GATE is aware of this demand and our objective is to provide new ideas and solutions, encourage experienced industries to develop advanced technologies for better airport solutions – from IT to handling systems and energy saving technologies. GATE members are traditional suppliers as well as specialists for dedicated solutions.

GATE and the airport industry have developed a strong profile and are recognised as an indicator for international freedom for travel and trade – all of our members promote this image with innovation, reliability, quality and safety for our highly valued customer, the passenger.

GATE and airport solutions

Founded in 1992, the GATE association represents a pool of quality driven and marketing-oriented companies for airport systems, products and services. The association frequently presents its associates’ latest achievements at exhibitions in the US, the Middle East, Asia and the key platform in our business, Inter Airport Europe in Munich, Germany.

All over the world, integrated airport technologies and services are the basic requirements for airport operators to make their businesses operate profitably. GATE unites these technologies and services and supplies comprehensive cross-linked solutions for all applications in a diverse range of fields. The merging, networking and brokering of these German products and services are among the association’s main priorities.

GATE and it’s members operate in the following sectors of airport management;

Ramp, Runway, Construction & Maintenance

Expertise and safety are a must on the airside of modern airports. GATE member companies offer the optimum solution for all tasks that occur in this sector – starting with access to the aircraft and ranging from cleaning, catering, loading and refuelling to the technical systems for inspection and maintenance operations.

Operation & IT

Global advances in technology and constant mobility are leading to a growth in passenger and freight traffic together with an accompanying increase in the requirements for information flow. In order to meet these continuous changes, the member companies of GATE are developing intelligent airport management data systems for optimising processing routines.

Airport terminal design and equipment

The terminal building has developed into the center-piece of the airport. This is where passengers should have a feeling of wellbeing, be able to shop at leisure and enjoy a pleasant experience while waiting.

GATE’S range of products and services in the field of construction/expansion extends from counters, fire protection systems, building services, ceiling, floor and wall systems through furnishings for lounges to entire façade and roofing systems.

Baggage, cargo and express parcel handling

As a logistic hub for luggage and freight channels, an airport has to meet constantly rising service requirements. Maximum reliability, shortest possible throughput times and increasingly stringent security requirements have to be guaranteed even during periods of peak load.

GATE member companies offer worldwide leading technologies for all functionalities of passenger luggage handling and cargo management – from the special component to highly complex system solutions.

Consulting & Services

Every day all of our members are faced with new challenges that confront the fast-paced airport business. That is what makes them experts with the most up-to-date knowledge and wideranging experience.

Whether you are looking for solutions for your planning, handling, management or commercial and technical tasks – just consult our GATE members. They are all experts in their specific fields.

About the Author

Dieter A. Heinz was born in Wiesbaden, Germany and graduated in Mechanical Engineering.

He was Managing Director and Vice President of major airport technology companies in Germany and the US. He also worked for Airconsult, Frankfurt Airport Authority and as Head of Project Development & Marketing for an Aircraft Service Division. As consultant for Airport Related Projects he was engaged in Europe, the UAE and the Far & Middle East.

Since 1992 he acts as President of GATE, the German Airport Technology & Equipment Ass.