Highlights of news and views from Day 3 – Inter Europa 2025

• Inter Airport Europe 2025 showcased how airports are embracing innovation, with artificial intelligence, automation and sustainability driving the next stage of development.
• CPK has revealed its vision for a fully AI-integrated airport in Poland, while Liège Airport has identified a €500 million investment in freight and infrastructure.
• During the event, industry leaders highlighted the need to blend smart technologies with skilled, future-ready talent.

“We had three very productive days at Inter Airport Europe 2025,” said Syrita Tranfield, event director. “Here, the airport industry came together to network with potential new partners, strengthen existing partnerships, learn and celebrate the many innovations across the sector – with excellent feedback from visitors and exhibitors.” She confirmed that the next 2027 edition will return to Munich during the period from October 12 to 14.

Inter Europe Airport looks to the next generation of artificial intelligence. Among the many airport visitors at Inter Europe Airport to learn about the latest trends and innovations was Central Port Kommuninikacyjny Airport (CPK), southwest of Warsaw. Starting from scratch, its vision is for travelers to enjoy an effortless journey experience – from parking and check-in to security to boarding and even taxis, AI will play a big role with systems that help reduce queues, personalize retail offerings, and eliminate delays. The target opening date for CPK is now 2032. From the start, it will be a multimodal transport hub (just southwest of Warsaw) and will grow to support 100 million passengers annually. Its runways will initially handle 34 metres, with the participation of Przemyslaw Kot – Airside Operations Team Manager, CPK. Speaking to the committee, he shared that AI will form the backbone of CPK’s operational intelligence, allowing it to transform it into an intelligent, efficient and responsive hub. It aims to maximize the benefits of artificial intelligence for real-time monitoring; Flight scheduling, runway and apron usage, passenger flows, ground handling, baggage systems and energy consumption. We will focus on three key areas – improving passenger flow and passenger experience, security screening, autonomous vehicles for passengers and baggage, and automated snow removal systems. The airport takes its AI mission seriously. It recently introduced an AI governance framework, which requires all employees to use AI in a responsible and ethical manner.

Liège Airport, Belgium He arrived at the airport with a shopping list. It is preparing a masterplan for the airport for 2040 and spending a significant €500 million on cargo and logistics land by 2040 with major projects expanding the airside of the site and extending its second runway. Along with this, it is upgrading ground support equipment. On her first visit to an airport among the airports in Europe, Céline Petithan said that sustainability has become a big factor these days. Liège is looking for new lighting for airports – sustainability is now an important factor because the airport runs cargo operations 24/7. She’s also studying solar lighting to see how it could fit into our airport. The fifth largest shipping center in Europe and the largest in Belgium. Liège also needs a new fire engine. A hybrid/electric might be a consideration, she said. The airport is also exploring the latest technology in Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) systems. The first requests for proposals will be issued next March. Being able to see all this equipment under one roof is great, she said.

Mohamed Tahir visited European Airports for the first time in 2019. This was his first industry event (working at Heathrow) and he was excited by the variety of airport equipment and grounds on display. He now frequently passes through airports and speaks passionately on prominent international platforms about how to engage youth in aviation as one of our leading aviation influencers. Airport man.

He said that flying like a restaurant is like a large buffet. It’s not just the pilot/cabin crew or engineer. Getting a pilot can be expensive with £100,000 in funding. A wise employer is one who allows an employee to continually pivot and grow in line with their skills, but attracting interest in aviation should start when they are young. In the meantime, he has been involved in an innovative project he is developing on the 3D Metaverse digital gaming platform, Roblox. In the virtual airport world, the user can play the role of an air traffic controller, a baggage handler, or a fuel provider. We virtually build the roles the airport needs today and in the future. Imagine – I’ve been a slope agent for 14 years and I’m only 18, he joked. Employers will want to register them. This could be a game changer if you then bring in virtual brands/advertisers, he suggested.

His fellow lecturers The workforce of the future The panel highlighted that an aging workforce needs help navigating the digital world and across the airport, some entry-level jobs are being taken over by AI, said Jinesh Kotakara, INFORM Aviation’s head of sales for the Middle East and Asia, with Europe and North America taking longer to standardize legacy systems. The uncertainty surrounding digital acceleration is changing how Generation Z feels about work. They want learning experiences and flexibility versus stability/salary criteria – a healthy environment where they have the freedom to express themselves,” added Servente Alberto, Politecnico Università Professor at ATO. He highlighted the emergence of artificial intelligence in aviation recruitment, where thousands of CVs can be scanned in a short time. Matching skills with abilities can be discovered and identified through predictive analysis making it much easier for the recruiter. We have to change our way of thinking and we must integrate with artificial intelligence.

AI can quickly address and remove any bias, Jinesh suggested, adding how AI is increasingly being used in CV writing. Alberto agreed that wealth and access to education have never been greater, making it easier for people to improve their skills and not have to do so in a classroom.