Team.
Partnerships.
Experts and partners
who make innovation in aviation
possible.
Combining expertise. Enabling innovation. Shaping the future of unmanned aviation.
AIRlabs Austria brings together experts from research, industry and government agencies to advance the development and safe integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Our team combines technical expertise, regulatory experience and enthusiasm for innovation.
As an Austria-wide innovation laboratory, funded by the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) and the
FFG as part of the Take-Off programme, we operate test infrastructures for unmanned aerial systems – from alpine regions to urban test areas. The aim is to strengthen Austria’s position as a leading location for drone research and SORA expertise in Europe. Together with our partners from science and industry, we create real-world testing opportunities, support approval processes and develop sustainable solutions for the drone operations of the future.
Roswitha Wiedenhofer-Bornemann,
Managing Director
As a doctor of geophysics, she has extensive scientific experience. In her role as authorised signatory and head of the Research Organisation & Services department at FH JOANNEUM, she combines her curiosity and passion for innovation, research and interdisciplinary collaboration at AIRlabs.
Holger Friehmelt,
technical and scientific Director
As a passionate aviation expert, he combines scientific depth with practical experience. After working in the private sector, he now heads the Institute of Aviation at FH JOANNEUM and contributes his extensive expertise as technical and scientific director of AIRlabs in research, development and testing.
Tom Bruchmann,
Project Manager
With a solid education as an aircraft mechanic and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in aviation, he combines technical expertise with practical experience. As a project manager at AIRlabs, he contributes his expertise as well as his creative thinking, which is also valued in marketing and as an active drone pilot.
Yvonne Gerster,
Marketing & PR
With a background in business administration and business psychology, she combines analytical thinking with creative intuition. As Head of Marketing and Communications at AIRlabs, she plays a key role in shaping the public perception of the innovation lab, contributing her passion for research, storytelling and strategic brand development.
Kristóf Gombás,
Project Manager
As a project manager at AIRlabs, he brings extensive experience in regulatory affairs and airspace law to the table and is considered a proven SORA expert. As an active drone pilot, he is regularly on duty and values direct interaction with people – both at events and within the team – which provides him with valuable insights for the further development of AIRlabs.
Florentina Hartbauer,
Graphic Designer
As a graphic designer, she gives AIRlabs a clear and recognisable image. With a keen sense for visual messages, she designs merchandise, branded materials and marketing documents and supports the team in all creative tasks related to design and brand identity.
Robin Niederl,
Project Manager
As a project manager at AIRlabs, he combines technical expertise with a keen interest in innovation and precision. He contributes his expertise to the IFIRE and Sense & Avoid take-off projects in particular, while also demonstrating his creative flair – for example, in project communication and the implementation and visual design of project-related content.
Bianca Weber,
Office Manager
As Office Manager, she is the heart and soul of the team. With her organisational skills and passion, she ensures that everything runs smoothly – from appointments and events to daily support in all areas. With her energy and eye for detail, she keeps AIRlabs running like clockwork.
Shareholder
Consortium Partner
Public-Private Partnership
Our foundation is based on the initiative of a broad, national consortium and significant public funding. This makes us a hub for industrial, scientific and societal interests – with the goal of investigating issues related to unmanned aerial systems as a whole. This construct enables us as a platform to draw on a multidisciplinary network of partners at any time and to offer both broad and deep expertise in our infrastructure and services.