Summary.
Aviaedge had the privilege of accompanying the Association Airports of Ukraine of civil aviation delegation at this 3-day operational exchange, which was organised and hosted by Vienna Airport. In December 2024, the Ukrainian delegation participated in the Vienna CESEE Airport Forum, organized in cooperation with ACI. Later, from 26 to 28 August 2025, the delegation officially visited Vienna Airport for a three-day experience exchange.
The Association “Airports of Ukraine” of civil aviation was established in 1992 to coordinate and develop Ukraine’s airport infrastructure. Today, it brings together more than 75 members, including all 21 airports and leading aviation enterprises of Ukraine. It plays a key role in representing the interests of the aviation sector at both national and international levels.
Over three intensive days on site, the programme featured working meetings, technical inspections and strategic discussions, and we are ready to share the key highlights of the visit. The program included the transfer of previously operated specialised airport equipment and its technical inspection, moreover exchange of experience in passenger services, VIP & General Aviation Terminal services and operations, ground handling and cargo operations, airside services and strategy development, as well as an official agreement signing ceremony. The schedule combined practical site inspections with executive-level meetings and a media moment held directly on the apron.
Why it matters.
The visit brought together decision-makers and front-line specialists for a compact, end-to-end look at how Vienna Airport manages the passenger journey, premium services, cargo flows and airside operations. Beyond showcasing best practices, the program included an official signing ceremony and the acceptance of five specialised vehicles destined for the delegation’s operations.
During the visit, AAUCA reached an agreement with Vienna Airport to provide practical support to Ukrainian airports, in particular by transferring specialised airport equipment.
This initiative is part of a broader cooperation agreement signed in spring 2025 between Vienna Airport and AAUCA. It underscores Vienna Airport’s clear commitment to support the Ukrainian aviation sector in challenging times and to contribute expertise toward its future recovery.
The situation for Ukrainian airports remains extremely challenging due to the ongoing war. Many facilities have been destroyed, and operations have been largely suspended. Nevertheless, the airports are already addressing the challenges of rebuilding and restoring their infrastructure and preparing for the resumption of regular nationwide flight operations once conditions allow. In our role as Vienna Airport, we want to support them in making the necessary preparations,” states Mr. Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport and Vice President of the Austrian Airports Association (AÖV)
Day 1 - Monday, 26 August.
The delegation arrived in Vienna before noon and headed straight into a technical inspection session at the airport’s VAT facilities. Under the supervision of Mrs. Manuela Knotek , Head of Airside Services Maintenance, the vehicles were carefully examined to ensure they were ready for the upcoming handover.
The inspection was coordinated by Mrs. Yevheniia Miedviedieva, Senior Project Manager, VIE International Beteiligungsmanagement GmbH, Vienna Airport, who is the lead manager of the overall cooperation projects with Ukrainian airports. On behalf of Vienna Airport, the technical inspection at the VAT facilities was conducted under the supervision and coordination of Mrs. Manuela Knotek , Head of Airside Services. From the Ukrainian side: Mr. Petro Lypovenko, President of the Association "Airports of Ukraine" of civil aviation (AAUCA); Mr. Artur Hordienko, President charitable organization “charitable fund ‘help and support”; Mr. Kudak, General Director «Kyiv International Airport» LLC; and Mr. Vitalii Shevchenko, Chief Engineer «Kyiv International Airport». With more than 20 years of professional experience, Mr. Shevchenko's presence ensured that the review was carried out with the highest technical expertise.
This first afternoon already set the tone: the visit was not symbolic, but practical and detail-oriented. Documents, safety checks, and operational features were reviewed to ensure the equipment would be ready for immediate use upon transfer to Ukraine.
Vienna Airport handed over five specialised-purpose vehicles as part of this cooperation, including de-icing units, multifunctional airside equipment, and a Unimog utility vehicle, making the technical inspection a decisive moment. It was the first tangible step in turning partnership into real operational support.
Day 2 - Tuesday, 27 August
The second day was dedicated to exploring the passenger experience and premium services. Starting with a guided walkthrough of the terminal, the delegation was introduced to the philosophy behind Vienna Airport’s passenger flow design, led by Mr. Christoph Korherr, Head of Passenger Experience and Managing Director of the City Airport Train (CAT).
Mr. Korherr led an excellent walkthrough covering both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. He explained, for example, that Terminal 3 features a facial-recognition option at boarding-pass control. Together with him, the delegation passed through the security checkpoint and found itself right at the gates — seeing first-hand how optimised passenger flows shorten waiting times.
During the tour, Mr. Korherr highlighted different departments and areas of the terminal. One he was particularly proud of was the Nintendo zone, where both children and adults can enjoy popular games such as Mario. This cooperation with Nintendo is also remarkable, as the Japanese company is well known for its strict copyright policies, yet, in partnership with Vienna Airport, it made such an entertainment space possible.
He also spoke about the ongoing expansion of Terminal 3, which will significantly increase passenger capacity and modernise facilities. According to him, the project will add approximately 70,000 m² of space over three levels, including a new central security checkpoint. There will also be 18 additional gates, enhanced lounges, and a significant increase in shopping & restaurant areas (around 10,000 m² of new retail and dining space) to improve the passenger experience. He emphasised that the expansion is scheduled to be completed in 2027, and according to the airport’s reports, it is proceeding on time and within budget.
Mr. Korherr also noted that the facial-recognition system at Terminal 3’s boarding-pass control is still in a trial phase. Not every passenger yet knows how to enrol, and Austria’s strict data-protection rules (Datenschutz) mean innovations like this take longer to roll out. Still, it is one of many “airport of the future” elements his team is gradually introducing.
For Mr. Korherr, it’s vitally important how passengers feel at the airport. He is always searching for better solutions and process optimisations. The position “Head of Passenger Experience and Managing Director” is relatively new, and Mr. Korherr is essentially its first occupant. His goal is for everyone who comes through Vienna Airport to feel welcome and for every possible need to be met. After the tour, we were certain that Vienna Airport always looks forward and is constantly improving.
Mr. Korherr also mentioned that one of the aims is to achieve a 5‑Star rating from Skytrax. Skytrax is an influential authority on airport and airline ratings. Its 5‑Star rating is awarded only to airports that excel globally in all aspects of customer experience - facilities, staff service, amenities, comfort, cleanliness, security, and more. Some of the world’s leading airports with 5‑Star ratings include Singapore Changi, Doha Hamad, Istanbul, Munich, Rome, and Tokyo Haneda. For Vienna, moving from its current strong standing to the top category would represent a significant milestone in global recognition and competitiveness.
The delegation had the chance to explore the world of Private Aviation and VIP Services. Mr. Alois Polakovics, Head of Airside Operations General Aviation, guided the group through private aviation hangars where business jets are stationed. The atmosphere was welcoming and professional, and the delegation also visited the hangars of companies that perform maintenance on private aircraft.
The tour then continued at the VIP Terminal, where Ms. Alexandra Schellhorn, Managing Director General Aviation & VIP Services, and Ms. Bettina Schmitl, Head of VIP Terminal and Executive Aircraft Handling, presented the facilities. From the offices where the team works to the relaxation areas for the crews serving private aircraft, every detail reflected comfort and efficiency. The VIP Terminal impressed with its outstanding design, premium services, and unique atmosphere - everything a passenger could wish for. It is here that many high-profile travellers, celebrities, and politicians pass through Vienna Airport.
After a short lunch break at the NH Hotel, attention turned to the operational heart of the airport: ground handling and cargo. Mr. Michael Zach, SVP Ground Handling Services & Cargo, and Mr. Matthias Müllner, Director Sales & Contracting at Vienna Airport Handling Services, walked the delegation through equipment fleets, warehouse logistics, and coordination processes.
This part of the tour underlined how essential teamwork and precision are in keeping flights punctual and cargo moving safely.
Day 3 - Wednesday, 28 August
The final day of the program marked its official highlight. In a ceremony held at the OP1 building, Mr. Julian Jäger, Joint CEO & COO Vienna Airport and Mr. Petro Lypovenko President of the Association Airports of Ukraine of civil aviation, and Mr. Artur Hordienko President charitable organization “charitable fund ‘help and support” signed a cooperation agreement that formalised the partnership.
Alongside the signing, Vienna Airport handed over five specialised airport vehicles: two de-icing trucks, two multifunctional airside vehicles, and one Unimog utility vehicle. The ceremony was followed by a symbolic photoshoot at the apron’s Kiloblock area, with the vehicles and delegation framed against the airside backdrop. This provided strong visuals that illustrated both the technical and human aspects of the cooperation.
After the ceremonial part, the delegation continued with another special tour - this time through the Airport Fire Department. The fire station, responsible for safety in case of aircraft fires or emergencies, introduced the team of top-class firefighters and their specialised equipment.
In addition, Mr. Robert Kolar, Managing Director, Vienna Airport Maintenance Services GmbH & Head of Airside Services, presented various components of the airport’s winter service equipment, showing where they are stored and how they are maintained.
This offered a behind-the-scenes look at the technical backbone that keeps operations safe and efficient during challenging weather conditions.
Later in the morning, the group continued its tour of the airside services before heading into Vienna’s city centre for a working lunch with Mr. Jäger. Over lunch, the Association’s president and the Vienna Airport executive discussed a range of topics — from differences in legislation and regulation to practical operational experience.
We at Aviaedge witnessed what true, friendly, and professional relations between delegations look like. Vienna Airport and its leadership demonstrated what it means to uphold a memorandum. For Ukrainian readers, the word memorandum may sound rather sad, bringing memories of the Budapest Memorandum, under which Ukraine gave up or committed to dismantling its nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia. What happened afterwards is well known. This is why many Ukrainians no longer place hope in memoranda. Yet here, things are completely different.
We now see how a memorandum of cooperation can have positive, real-world consequences and actually work. We will continue to cover the path of Ukrainian aviation during wartime and remain confident that the day will come when we write about the reopening of airports, followed by the rapid development of Ukrainian aviation, which will inevitably make up for lost time at a remarkable pace.
Participants & Roles
Mr. Julian Jäger – Joint CEO & COO Vienna Airport
Ms. Alexandra Schellhorn – Operational Managing Director VIP & General Aviation Terminal, Vienna Airport
Ms. Bettina Schmitl - Head of VIP Terminal and Executive Aircraft Handling, Vienna Airport
Mr. Alois Polakovics - Head of Airside Operations General Aviation & VIP Services, Vienna Airport
Mr. Michael Zach - SVP Ground Handling Services & Cargo, Vienna Airport
Mr. Matthias Müllner - Director Sales & Contracting at Vienna Airport Handling Services
Mr. Christoph Korherr – Head of Passenger Experience and Managing Director Vienna Airport
Mrs. Manuela Knotek – Head of Airside Services Maintenance, Vienna Airport
Mrs. Yevheniia Miedviedieva – Senior Project Manager International Affairs VINT, Vienna Airport International Team
Mr. Peter Kleemann - Company Spokesman, Vienna Airport
Mrs. Belina Neumann – VP Aviation Development & Managing Director VINT, Vienna Airport
Mr. Alexander Wasserbauer – Managing Director - Vienna Passenger Handling Services
Mr. Robert Kolar – Managing Director, Vienna Airport Maintenance Services GmbH & Head of Airside Services, Vienna Airport
Vienna Airport Fire and Rescue Service (team)
Mr. Petro Lypovenko – President of the Association «Airports of Ukraine» of civil aviation
Mr. Vitalii Shevchenko – Chief Engineer «Kyiv International Airport»
Mr. Volodymyr Kudak – General Director «Kyiv International Airport» LLC
Ms. Anastasia Amelchenko – General Director Assistant «Kyiv International Airport» LLC
Mr. Oleksandr Lukianchuk – Mechanic «Kyiv International Airport»
Mr. Artur Hordienko – President charitable organization "charitable fund 'help and support"
Ms. Viktoriia Hrechukha – representative of the Association «Airports of Ukraine» of civil aviation
Mr. Nazar Starosta – representative of the Association «Airports of Ukraine» of civil aviation