Lufthansa and Fraport trial ‘Gate of the Future’ at Frankfurt Airport

Lufthansa and Frankfurt Airport have showcased their so-called Gate of the Future, a redesigned departure gate that will act as a testbed for new technology and boarding processes at Germany’s primary hub. 

Located at Gate A16 in Terminal 1, the facility – launched by airport operator Fraport – combines real-time flight information, mobile boarding staff and lounge-style seating. 

Lufthansa and Fraport will use the trial to assess which features could be introduced at other gates across Frankfurt Airport – and potentially other airports in the future.

Digital services and mobile staff change how boarding gate will function

The redesigned gate is a refreshed take on the conventional departure lounge layout with a more flexible space intended to accommodate passengers working, relaxing or preparing to board.

Large displays provide departure times, boarding status, baggage information and live notifications of gate changes. 

Passengers can also scan QR codes to access digital services, including the Lufthansa mobile app.

One significant change means that gate staff are no longer located behind a fixed counter.

Instead, they can move freely throughout the gate area, using tablets to access boarding systems and assist customers.

Fraport said the new approach was intended to make support more accessible while allowing staff to deal with a range of requests, including seat changes, upgrades and rebookings. 

Francesco Sciortino, board member at Lufthansa Airlines and hub manager for Frankfurt Airport, said the new design was aimed at creating a “premium passenger experience” with a “more pleasant and efficient start to their journey”.

Frankfurt Airport tests future gate design

Gate A16 features sofas, flexible workstations and enclosed “work cubes” providing private spaces to relax or work, giving the area a more lounge-like atmosphere than a conventional boarding gate.

However, Lufthansa and Fraport will not necessarily replicate the entire design elsewhere.

Feedback from the trial will help the two companies identify which features deliver the greatest benefits and are suitable for wider deployment.

Fraport Chief Operating Officer Dietmar Focke said: “The future of travel is emerging not in the laboratory but in actual operation. 

“Together with Lufthansa, we’re demonstrating how a strong partnership can generate specific innovations that noticeably enhance the travel experience. 

“What we’re testing and developing here together has a clear goal: greater comfort and convenience for passengers, optimised processes and an even stronger competitive position for Frankfurt as an aviation hub.”