The ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research has completed the extension of its facility and handed over the new research space to the anchor tenant, the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
Two DLR institutes will be occupying around two-thirds of the new space – the institute of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul and the institute of System Architectures in Aeronautics. More than 30 industry and science partners work together in the 34,000-square-metre ZAL TechCenter, including Airbus, Lufthansa Technik, Diehl Aviation, Dassault Systèmes, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Fraunhofer and Hamburg’s universities.
Dr. Peter Tschentscher, First Mayor of Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg said: “Hamburg is the world’s third largest location for the civil aviation industry and a leading centre for research and development. At the Center of Applied Aeronautical Research, global market leaders, start-ups, research institutes and universities work together on the aviation of the future. The expansion of ZAL creates additional capacity for innovations ‘made in Hamburg’ and strengthens the institutes of the German Aerospace Center located here. I would like to thank everyone involved and congratulate to the inauguration of the new building.”
Roland Gerhards, CEO of ZAL commented: “The new extension offers ZAL partners both more space and more options in equal measure! Part of the new space is reserved for SMEs, start-ups and technology partners for project-related research work. The advantages are obvious: ZAL integration with simultaneous flexibility when it comes to technical equipment, team size, and the project period. If required, the offer can be supplemented by support in the area of prototype construction or agile innovation support.”
Prof. Dr. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chair of the Executive Board of DLR noted: “As one of the largest aerospace research and development facilities in Europe, we are delighted to be expanding our premises in Hamburg. In these new laboratories, we will conduct intensive research into climate-compatible aviation and all of the interconnected fields within it, with a focus on digital processes, new aircraft configuration and new maintenance concepts.
“Direct networking with the Hamburg aviation and air traffic industries as well as start-ups in the ZAL TechCenter offers the ideal conditions for exchanging knowledge with public authorities and transferring technology to industry. We are grateful for the continued support received from the City of Hamburg, especially from the economic authorities and the Hamburg Aviation industry cluster.”
