Involvement of the Commission in the planning of the programme.

In the heart of Germany, Hamburg is set to host the 3rd National Aviation Conference on September 25, 2023. This event, themed 'Aviation: Innovative and Climate-Neutral', brings together key players in the aviation industry for a day of insightful discussions and collaborations.

The conference is a joint effort by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport, the Federal Association of the German Aviation Industry, the Federal Association of the German Aerospace Industry, and the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

Hamburg, the third-largest global hub for civil aviation, is well-positioned to discuss climate protection technologies and the transformation of aviation. The city's aviation industry drives a significant export surplus in foreign trade, with goods worth €26.7 billion exported in the first half of 2023, a 12.4% increase from the previous year.

Anchor companies in Hamburg's aviation industry include Airbus, Lufthansa Technik, and Hamburg Airport. Airbus recently opened a new highly automated outfitting assembly hall on Finkenwerder, where the new A321XLR, the new flagship of the A320 family, is being assembled. This aircraft, with its focus on sustainability, efficiency, and range, aims to set new standards in the aviation industry.

The aviation industry in Hamburg is not just about production; it's also about innovation. The Sustainable Aero Lab, a global accelerator program for startups, is aimed at significantly reducing the climate footprint of aviation. Recently, the Center for Applied Aviation Research (ZAL) announced a partnership with H3 Dynamics to advance the development of hydrogen usage in aviation and advanced air mobility.

The 3rd National Aviation Conference will also see the participation of key political figures. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, along with Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, will deliver keynotes. Hamburg's First Mayor, Peter Tschentscher, will also be present.

Lufthansa Technik, a key participant in the event, will be represented alongside various companies and organizations related to aviation and logistics clusters such as Hamburg Aviation, Hamburg Cruise Net, and Logistik-Initiative Hamburg. Although specific affiliated companies and organizations representing Lufthansa Technik on that date are not explicitly listed in the available sources, Lufthansa Technik itself is a key participant.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, Hamburg stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. The 3rd National Aviation Conference promises to be an exciting event, fostering collaboration and driving the industry towards a greener future. The conference is being held at Lufthansa Technik, with more details available on Hamburg's website (hamburg.de).