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About the Luftfahrtmagazin
The Luftfahrtmagazin is an independent specialist publication dedicated to the aerospace sector, established in January 2013. As a German- and English-language news and information portal, our editorial team — comprising experienced specialist journalists and editors—provides daily coverage of in-depth aviation, political, and economic topics. Information regarding our organization’s history and editorial focus can also be found in our Wikipedia entry.
In a world where news travels around the globe in seconds, we pick up where the mere headline leaves off. Our focus lies not on short-term spectacle, but on analysis, context, and journalistic depth. We provide the substance for all those who wish to understand how the aviation of tomorrow is taking shape.
Our focus: Economy, Politics & Industry
We view aviation for what it is: a highly complex ecosystem of global economics, cutthroat geopolitics, and high-performance technology. Our focus lies precisely where the course is set:
- Airline Strategies & Market Analyses: We analyze fleet planning, network expansions, and the economic resilience of business models.
- Collective Bargaining & Trade Unions: We cover the work of organizations such as Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), UFO, and ver.di with journalistic detachment. We place collective bargaining disputes, the consequences of strikes, and the social framework within flight operations into their broader economic context.
- Airport Policy & Regulation: From EASA mandates out of Brussels to national infrastructure projects—we contextualize political decisions for practical application.
- Workplace & Cockpit: We examine personnel developments in the cockpit and cabin, as well as operational challenges, with the necessary depth and expertise.
- Industry & Technology: We look behind the scenes at manufacturers and suppliers to identify technological trends early on.
Your source for genuine insider insights
The Aviation Magazine is more than just a news ticker. We are the daily reading for aviation professionals, insiders, and avid enthusiasts who value well-founded opinions. Through exclusive interviews and in-depth background reports, we help you to:
- Understanding Industry Decisions: Why does a CEO act the way they do? What logic lies behind alliances?
- Identifying developments early on: We identify trends in fleet planning and market shifts before they become mainstream.
- Preserving the context: We place your job and your company within the broader context of the global aviation industry.
Journalism with depth
Our mission is to make the complexities of the aviation industry tangible. We offer context and analysis rather than chasing headlines. As a specialized editorial portal, we stand for independent, high-quality journalism that sheds light on the economic dynamics crucial to your success in the industry.
Our Team
The Foundation and Flight Practice: A Passion for Aviation – Well-Founded, Independent, and First-Hand.
My name is Christian Lechner, and for me, aviation is far more than just a subject – it is my calling. As a long-time pilot license holder, I am familiar with the fascination and challenges of the industry not merely from behind a desk, but directly from the cockpit.
With 20 years of experience as a specialist journalist, I have closely followed the development of the aviation industry over the course of two decades. As the publisher of Luftfahrtmagazin, my aim is to share this knowledge with you.
Thomas Zimmermann – Editor-in-Chief
Politics and Design: With a clear eye for facts and the future of air transport.
As Editorial Director of Luftfahrtmagazin, Thomas Zimmermann holds the reins of the publication’s coverage. With 15 years of experience as a specialist journalist in the aviation industry, he combines deep expertise with a profound passion for the topics that will shape the airspace of tomorrow.
His focus lies where innovation meets responsibility:
- Aviation Design: Aesthetics and Functionality in Harmony.
- Sustainable Innovations: The Industry’s Path to Climate Neutrality
- Aviation Policy: In-depth analyses of regulatory frameworks.
Thomas Zimmermann stands for fact-based and incisive journalism. With his keen grasp of complex interconnections, he provides our readers with valuable guidance in a constantly evolving industry.
Nils Sörensen – Specialist Journalist for Aviation Technology
A Look Beneath the Engine Cowling: Understanding Technology, Experiencing Innovation.
Nils Sörensen gets straight to the heart of the complex details of aviation. For 12 years, he has reported on the industry as a specialist journalist, establishing a reputation as an expert in aviation technology and industry analysis.
His passion is for “looking beneath the surface”:
- Aerospace Technology: He makes complex systems and technical innovations accessible to our readers.
- Industry Analyses: In-depth insights into market developments and economic trends.
- Innovation & Trends: Always on the lookout for the technologies that make flying more efficient and safer.
Nils Sörensen combines technical understanding with clear language. His goal is not only to show readers of Luftfahrtmagazin what is happening in the skies, but – above all – to explain the how and why behind it.
Gerhard Stein – Aviation Safety Editor
Aviation Safety (The Anchor of Trust): Safety in Focus – In-Depth Analyses.
Gerhard Stein is our expert on arguably the most important topic in aviation: safety. With decades of industry experience and a meticulous eye for detail, he sheds light on the complex interconnections that make modern air travel as safe as it is today.
His department encompasses the crucial pillars of aviation:
- Aviation Safety Analyses: In-depth investigation of incidents and the resulting lessons for the industry.
- Prevention & Technology: Insights into Modern Security Systems and the Work of Air Traffic Control Services.
- Regulation & Standards: An explanation of international safety guidelines and their implementation in flight operations.
For Gerhard Stein, transparency comes first. He makes complex safety aspects tangible for our readers and provides valuable background information on the procedures that ensure smooth operations in the skies every day.
Luca Best – Space & Technology Editor
The Bridge to Space: The Fascination of Technology – From the Runway to Orbit.
Luca Best bridges the gap between classical aviation and the boundless possibilities of spaceflight. As a journalist with a keen focus on innovative technologies, he provides in-depth insights into the latest developments within the international space industry.
His focus lies where the future is being written:
- Spaceflight & Exploration: Current Missions and Technological Breakthroughs in Space.
- Tech Deep Dives: In-depth analyses of next-generation propulsion systems and materials.
- Future Technologies: The Interface Between Aerospace Innovations and Terrestrial Applications.
Luca Best possesses the talent to present highly complex technical concepts in a vivid and accessible manner. For the readers of Luftfahrtmagazin, he makes the most intricate innovations in the skies – and beyond – tangible.
Liam Lechner – Head of Fairs & Events
Current Events and Local Trends: Right at the Pulse of Innovation – from the Exhibition Halls to the Editorial Office.
Liam Lechner is our expert on the major stages of the aviation industry. As a journalist specializing in national and international airshows, he is on the ground wherever the trends of tomorrow are presented to the global public for the very first time.
His focus is on the details that make the difference:
- Trade Fair Coverage: Exclusive Insights – From ILA and Aero Friedrichshafen to Global Airshows.
- Trend Scouting: Identifying innovations before they reach the mass market.
- Networking & Interviews: A direct line to on-site decision-makers and engineers.
Liam Lechner captures the dynamics of the trade fair halls with pinpoint precision. He provides our readers with precise analyses and fascinating background reports on the latest industry developments – always with a keen eye for technological breakthroughs.
Read Current Trade Fair Highlights
Jan Fischer – Editor for Events & Dates
Right in the thick of it – your compass for aviation events.
Jan Fischer is our expert on networking within the aviation world. As an editor for the Events and Calendar section, he keeps track of the industry’s packed schedule – from major international airshows to regional fly-ins and specialist conferences.
His focus is on the experience and exchange on site:
- Event Previews & Guides: Detailed information on upcoming trade fairs, airshows, and conferences.
- Live Coverage: Impressions and highlights directly from the key venues of the aviation world.
- Community Events: An open ear for clubs and initiatives, to showcase the diversity of aviation.
For Jan Fischer, personal interaction takes center stage. He provides our readers not only with the raw data but also with the background information and tips needed to ensure that no important event – whether in the sky or on the ground – goes unnoticed.
Nikola Hipke – Head of Photography Department
Visual Excellence: The Fascination of Aviation in Images – Precision Behind the Lens.
Nikola Hipke is the visual voice of Luftfahrtmagazin. As the specialist in charge of photography, she ensures that the stories in our magazine are not merely read, but truly experienced. With a trained eye for light, technique, and the perfect moment, she brings the dynamics of flight directly to our readers.
Their focus is on combining technical perfection with artistic ambition:
- Air-to-Air & Ground Photography: High-quality images of aircraft in their natural element.
- Event Documentation: Impressive photo galleries from trade fairs, airshows, and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses.
- Visual Storytelling: Supporting our technical articles with expressive images that capture both technical details and emotions.
For Nikola Hipke, authenticity takes center stage. Her photographs offer our readers the perspectives that make aviation so unique – rich in detail, razor-sharp, and always at the pulse of the action.
As an aviation magazine and pilots’ magazine, we inform aviation enthusiasts as well as private and professional pilots about all important topics related to flying and general aviation.
Our Promise: Independent Journalism Driven by Passion
What unites us at Luftfahrtmagazin is more than just daily reporting. It is a deep passion for everything that moves above the ground – from ultralight aircraft to interplanetary space probes.
As an owner-managed specialist publication, we place particular emphasis on journalistic integrity and our editorial independence. We are beholden to no corporations or associations; our reporting is guided solely by the principles of diligence and objectivity. We look closely, question critically, and report with depth and substance. Whether in the cockpit, in exhibition halls around the world, or at the desk: our goal is to convey the fascination and complexity of aerospace to you in a way that is both accessible and engaging.
With over 60 years of combined industry experience within our team, we guarantee you insights that go beyond the surface. Thank you for joining us on this journey.
Your Team from the Aviation Magazine
Christian, Thomas, Nils, Gerhard, Luca, Liam, Jan & Nikola
