Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Tükenmez, you have been the CEO of Aerodata AG for a year now, making you the leader of the global market leader in flight measurement systems. How did you achieve this leading market position?

Neset Tükenmez: Aerodata is a spin-off from TU Braunschweig and was founded in 1985 by two professors who started with research contracts in the field of flight measurement. From this activity, other areas developed, so today we operate both as a general contractor and as a supplier for OEMs like aircraft manufacturers.

Wirtschaftsforum: What exactly does flight measurement mean?

Neset Tükenmez: Just as a car regularly needs to go to technical inspection, navigation systems of airfields are regularly checked for automatic landings. Aerodata has developed fully automatic flight measurement systems that ensure greater safety in air traffic. The company grew big with this topic; to date, over 110 systems have been delivered.

Wirtschaftsforum: The system has been further developed towards surveillance. What is it about?

Neset Tükenmez: We provide solutions for different aerial surveillance scenarios such as fishery control, sea reconnaissance, border protection, or search and rescue operations. What is special is that the sensors deliver data to a central network, which is processed into real-time situational displays. Users see in real-time what is happening and can relay relevant information via radio or satellite so that responses can be swift. Environmental issues also play a central role. With our sensors, pollutants on the sea surface can be detected from a distance. Recently, we have implemented two new upgrades for the Bundeswehr. Oil planes fly daily over the North and Baltic Seas to look for oil pollution.

Wirtschaftsforum: Are there any unique features that set Aerodata systems apart from the market?

Neset Tükenmez: Our systems can be used in combination; an area can be monitored for border protection, while simultaneously keeping an eye out for oil pollution. Customers also value the quality of the products, which do not fail, work reliably, and are always customized. We are in dialogue with customers to find out what they really need. Focusing on the needs of the customers and the implementation of their individual needs is what our work is all about.

Wirtschaftsforum: How is Aerodata positioned today?

Neset Tükenmez: Aerodata employs nearly 200 people and is continuously growing; compared to the previous year, revenue has almost doubled. Ten years ago, we acquired Optimare Systems GmbH in Bremerhaven, which focuses on the development of sensors and perfectly complements the portfolio. Production takes place exclusively in Braunschweig. There are other companies and participations, for example in Australia there is AeroPerl, which provides flight survey services in the Australian and Pacific region. In the surveillance sector, we often work with military organizations; due to different sovereign powers, it makes sense to have a company on site in different countries to obtain contracts.

Wirtschaftsforum: Who are the services of Aerodata of interest to?

Neset Tükenmez: We work globally for aviation authorities, air traffic control, and military organizations. The oil industry also approaches us. For example, oil companies in the Gulf of Mexico have to ensure that no oil leaks.

Wirtschaftsforum: The company has been on a growth path for years. How do you assess the future market?

Neset Tükenmez: We are dealing with various future scenarios. Unmanned aircraft that continuously fly over areas are already in use today as a supplement, but their importance will increase in the coming years. This can be justified by, among other things, a longer flight duration compared to manned aircraft. Moreover, issues such as environmental protection options will become more prominent. Oil detectors are to be further developed toward the detection of plastic waste. AI solutions will also be a major topic; we are already part of a funded research project that has achieved promising results. We will continue to innovate, respond flexibly to customer requests, and contribute to a safe and sustainable future with our solutions.