Lufthansa Innovation Hub (LIH) and Munich Airport Terminal 2 formalize the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at promoting innovation within the aviation sector.
This collaboration is due to the industry facing a variety of challenges, including operational efficiency, passenger experience, sustainability, and stability.
The MOU means commitment from both organizations to explore joint initiatives that leverage innovation to address these challenges.
This includes ideas and development of pilot projects in collaboration with innovative startups such as Lih Ventures, which will be tested at Munich Airport Terminal 2.
Furthermore, partnerships aim to promote knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices, methods and tools between two entities.
“In Terminal 2, the first five-star terminal in Europe, we are always focused on providing best-in-class service to our passengers,” said Matthias Slangbain, managing director of the two terminals.
The initiative stemming from this collaboration is the deployment of autonomous robots developed by the startup Ottonomi.
Starting this week, these robots will operate at the gates and baggage billing area at Munich Airport Terminal 2. Its features support passenger information and promote Lufthansa's services.
Passengers can interact with the robot by scanning the QR code. This allows you to direct Lufthansa's chat assistant for self-service options, such as flight info and rebooking processes.
The robot also provides information such as tax refunds and lost services.
In addition to passenger assistance, the robots are equipped with integrated containers for transporting goods, and there are plans to distribute bottled water to future passengers.
This pilot project is part of Lufthansa Group's venture client initiative, part of the Startup Gate, which connects airlines with startups to promote rapid adoption of new technologies.
“We are committed to providing a range of services to our customers,” said Dr. Stefan Nothelfer, Lufthansa Innovation Hub Corporate Ventinuring and Strategic Growth Head and Senior Director.
In February this year, Lufthansa announced plans to use its ground services to manage Lufthansa Group airline flights at Munich Airport later this year.
