Munich Airport and Japan’s Chubu Centrair International Airport have expanded their long-standing sister airport partnership with a multi-day knowledge exchange focused on airport operations, automation, passenger experience, capacity management and commercial development.
A senior delegation from Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya visited Munich Airport to explore best practices and identify new areas of collaboration between the two international aviation hubs. The delegation was led by Centrair President and Chief Executive Officer Hironori Kagohashi and hosted by Munich Airport CEO Jost Lammers.
The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two airports while encouraging the exchange of expertise on future-ready airport management, digital transformation and operational efficiency.
Lammers said the meeting highlighted the importance of international airport partnerships in developing innovative solutions and improving passenger experiences.
“The exchange once again demonstrated the value of our long-standing partnership. By sharing experiences and learning from one another, we can jointly develop innovative solutions, enhance operational excellence and continuously elevate the travel experience for our passengers.”
He added that the cooperation between Munich Airport and Centrair represents how airports can work together to prepare for future challenges in aviation.
Focus on Operations, Capacity and Passenger Experience
The Munich Airport Academy hosted a dedicated workshop programme bringing together specialists from both organisations. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including airport operations, passenger services, commercial management and long-term infrastructure planning.
One of the key areas of discussion was capacity management, including Munich Airport’s planned extension of the T-shaped pier at Terminal 2 and strategies to handle seasonal traffic peaks, special events and fluctuating passenger demand.
The exchange also addressed preparations for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, an event expected to increase passenger movement and operational requirements in the region.
Automation and Digitalisation Take Centre Stage
Innovation in airport processes formed a major part of the discussions, with both airports sharing insights into automation initiatives designed to improve efficiency and enhance the passenger journey.
Munich Airport presented its ongoing work in autonomous cargo transport testing, highlighting developments in automated ground operations and future applications of smart mobility solutions within airport environments.
Chubu Centrair shared its experience with the Smart Ramp initiative, including the implementation of autonomous vehicle technologies aimed at improving airside operations and reducing manual processes.
The two airports also exchanged views on automated passenger processing and Fast Travel solutions, examining how digital tools can improve passenger flow, reduce waiting times and support smoother airport experiences.
Expanding Commercial Cooperation
The programme also explored airport commercial strategies, including advertising, media partnerships and parking business models.
Experts from both airports discussed ways to develop new revenue opportunities while integrating commercial concepts into wider infrastructure expansion plans.
The discussions reflected the growing role of airports as multi-dimensional travel ecosystems, combining aviation operations with retail, services, digital solutions and customer-focused experiences.
Preparing Airports for the Future
The latest exchange reinforces the strategic partnership between Munich Airport and Chubu Centrair, which has focused on sharing operational knowledge and exploring innovation opportunities.
As global aviation continues to recover and passenger expectations evolve, both airports are placing greater emphasis on automation, sustainability, digital transformation and international collaboration to improve efficiency and deliver seamless travel experiences.
