Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport has signed an agreement with a leading international association of airport technology companies to create a new transatlantic pathway for testing emerging technologies and expand into new markets.
At the recent Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, CVG and Germany’s GATE Alliance signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing a partnership focused on airport supplier innovation, technology testing, and international business collaboration.
The agreement builds on a relationship that began in 2023 and establishes a framework to help GATE members connect with new markets, validate emerging technologies, and identify opportunities for collaboration. Through the partnership, the companies will gain access to CVG’s aviation ecosystem and innovation resources in the United States, while CVG partners will have opportunities to connect with GATE Alliance’s network of airport technology companies in Germany.
“CVG believes innovation happens when organizations are willing to test ideas in real-world environments and learn from one another,” said Larry Krauter, chief executive officer of CVG Airport. “This partnership creates a new transatlantic pathway for collaboration and strengthens connections between our region and one of the world’s leading aviation markets.”
“CVG has been a valued partner to our members for several years,” said Jens Reinhard, managing director, GATE Alliance. “This agreement creates greater opportunities for innovation, knowledge sharing and market access on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The organizations will establish a joint working group to coordinate introductions, technology demonstrations, pilot projects, and potential investment opportunities. Priority areas of collaboration include aerospace and aviation, automated and electric mobility, advanced manufacturing, low-emissions fuels and energy infrastructure, agbioscience, and life sciences.
CVG has developed a reputation as a testing ground for new aviation technologies and innovative operating concepts. The agreement is expected to support future opportunities for companies seeking to validate technologies, gather operational feedback, and explore expansion into new markets.
Highlights of the agreement:
• Creates a formal innovation partnership linking CVG Airport and Germany’s GATE Alliance.
• Establishes pathways for GATE members to test technologies and enter new markets in both the United States and Germany.
• Supports pilot programs, demonstrations, and business introductions across two major aviation markets.
• Forms a joint working group responsible for identifying opportunities and coordinating future collaboration.
• Encourages investment, innovation and industry growth in sectors including aviation, advanced mobility, advanced manufacturing, and energy technologies.
CVG and GATE will continue the conversation at GATE FUTURE 2026 in Hamburg, Oct. 21-22, where CVG Chief Innovation Officer Brian Cobb will join the speaker program. The tenth edition of GATE’s international airport innovation conference is expected to draw 250 participants from the global airport technology sector.
Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport