Airports across Europe are entering a new phase of transformation. With passenger numbers continuing to grow and expectations rising, operators are rethinking how infrastructure is designed, scaled, and optimized. The focus is clear: build smarter, more efficient, and future-ready operations.
At Daifuku Airport Netherlands, we are proud to support this evolution by delivering advanced baggage handling and automation solutions that help airports expand, modernize, and perform at their best.
Connecting in Prague
From 22–24 June 2026, the Daifuku Airport Technologies team gathered in Prague for the ACI Europe Annual Congress & General Assembly, one of the leading events for the aviation industry.
Representing Daifuku:
- Jasper van Gend – Executive Managing Director
- Jeroen Hurkmans – Commercial Director
- Martyn Roberts – Business Development Manager
- David Jenkins – Business Solutions EMEA
Located at Booth 19, the team spent the event connecting with partners, customers, and industry leaders from across Europe. The event delivered where it mattered most: meaningful conversations and valuable connections.
Meaningful Conversations Shaping the Future
Throughout the event, several key discussions highlighted the scale and ambition of airport development projects across Europe:
- Prague Airport shared its multi-phase expansion plan running through 2035 and beyond
- Rome discussed ongoing development to support rising passenger demand
- AENA outlined a huge investment program across Spain over the next five years
These projects reflect a broader shift in the industry. Airports are no longer simply expanding capacity they are reimagining operations to deliver efficiency, resilience, and a better passenger experience.
As Jasper van Gend, Executive Managing Director, shared:
“What stood out in Prague is how aligned the industry is on the need to scale smarter. It’s not just about growth, it’s about building systems that can adapt, perform, and support airports long into the future.”
The Role of Smart Automation
As these expansion programs accelerate, the importance of intelligent automation and reliable baggage handling systems continues to grow.
Future-ready airport infrastructure depends on solutions that can:
- Scale alongside increasing passenger volumes
- Optimize operational flow and reduce bottlenecks
- Improve system reliability and uptime
- Enhance the overall passenger journey
At Daifuku Airport Netherlands, we help airports turn these ambitions into reality with solutions designed for long-term performance, flexibility, and operational excellence.
A Key Takeaway
Beyond the scale of the projects discussed, one takeaway stood out:
The value of reconnecting with familiar faces and aligning on the future direction of the industry. These conversations are essential not only for sharing insights, but for building the partnerships that will shape the next generation of airport infrastructure.
