More than 40 participants from different aerospace companies from Switzerland and the Lake of Constance area attended the first joint cluster meeting hosted by airplus Maintenance at Friedrichshafen airport. Mr. Benedikt Otte (Wirtschaftsförderung Bodenseekreis) opened the event with his welcome speech and led the moderation. The owner and CEO of airplus Maintenance, Mr. Laurent Gauthier, presented airplus Maintenance and the newly created holding company European Air Service Group. He emphasised on the importance and role of the Business and General Aviation. “Do General and Business aviation have a future in a climate change focused society? - Absolutely, but it has to become cleaner!” Mr. Gauthier stated. “For that, we need more investment into aviation, not less… and we need lobby work to improve our image.” he appealed to the audience. His speech was followed by Mr. Karsten Fischer from ddpConcepts GmbH who then explained the importance of a good cooperation between EASA Design organisations. By resuming the latest achievements, for example contracts with several new airline partners, Mr. ClausDieter Wehr, CEO of Friedrichshafen airport, pointed out the great potential of this regional airport. Sales Manager Florian Bauer of Diamond Aircraft illustrated his presentation of their various aircraft models with the latest model of a DA-62, which was exhibited in the hangar.
One of the highlights for many visitors was the hangar tour where they received background information about aircraft maintenance, avionics, repair and refurbishment work which is performed in Friedrichshafen. Afterwards the guests were able to get an idea of the broad portfolio of airplus by examining the various exhibition stands that were put up for each department.
