The “German Aviation Innovation Award” (IDL) is entering a new round: Ideas can be submitted until May 1, 2017, in the four categories “Industry 4.0,” “Emission Reduction,” “Customer Journey,” and – for the first time – “Rethinking Flying.”
The "Rethinking Flight" category honors innovations in alternative and innovative aircraft. These can include newly developed types of propulsion or lift, ideas for a redefined interaction between pilot, crew, and passenger, as well as concepts for unmanned or autonomous flight. IDL patron and Federal Government Coordinator for German Aerospace, Minister of Economic Affairs Brigitte Zypries:
"The highly successful first round of the IDL demonstrated the innovative power of young ideas. Cross-sector thinking and innovative concepts will continue to be in demand in 2017. I am confident that the IDL will continue to provide new impetus for the aviation of the future this year."
Convincing quality and range
“With over 60 submissions last year, our expectations were far exceeded,”
so Matthias von Randow, Managing Director of the Federal Association of the German Aviation Industry (BDL).
“The range of ideas and the quality of the submitted concepts have shown us that the IDL as a platform can open up new, creative, and even unconventional perspectives for aviation.”
Volker Thum, Managing Director of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), explains:
"In our global and digital world, the ability to innovate rapidly is a prerequisite for market leadership. This applies particularly to the German aerospace industry, which occupies a key global position thanks to its competitive products. Innovations are drivers of technological leadership, growth, employment, and thus the success of our industry in global competition."
The prize, which was first awarded in 2016, promotes exchange between aviation companies, related industries and sectors, as well as start-ups.
