STARGATE project concludes after five years of airport innovation

The European STARGATE project has concluded after five years of research, testing and demonstration of solutions for more sustainable airport operations. Led by Brussels Airport and supported by a consortium of 22 partners, the project tested more than 30 initiatives covering areas including decarbonisation, sustainable mobility, digitalisation and alternative fuels.

Several of the solutions developed through STARGATE have already progressed into permanent applications, including the electrification of ground handling equipment and digital solutions for cargo operations. The project also explored innovative technologies such as autonomous electric vehicles, multimodal journey planning and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Its final pilot, a mobile SAF blending installation, is continuing at Brussels Airport until the end of 2026.

Funded through the European Union’s Horizon 2020 programme, STARGATE brought together airports, airlines, industry, research organisations and public authorities to test solutions in real airport environments. The knowledge and results generated through the project will be shared to support the wider transition towards more sustainable aviation in Europe.

Find more about STARGATE on their website.