Voigtlaender Ensures Clean Water at Frankfurt Airport

Voigtlaender Ensures Clean Water at Frankfurt Airport

While Reducing Consumption by 16 Million Liters Annually

Frankfurt am Main  •  Partnership since 2003  •  Fraport AG & Voigtlaender GmbH

The Scale of the Challenge

Frankfurt Airport is one of the largest aviation hubs in the world, and its water consumption reflects that scale. In 2010 alone, 1.46 million cubic meters of drinking water were consumed — equivalent to 1.46 billion liters. That corresponds to the annual consumption of a city of approximately 33,000 inhabitants.

Adding to the complexity, parts of the airport are located within a designated water protection zone. Modern water management must therefore balance ecological responsibility, economic efficiency, and the highest quality standards — simultaneously and without compromise.

Modern Infrastructure for Maximum Performance

The new water hall (Building 415) at Frankfurt Airport showcases state-of-the-art technology. The spacious facility features multiple filling stations, clearly structured piping systems, and a well-designed safety concept demonstrating how professional drinking water logistics can be implemented at large scale.

At individual filling stations, aircraft are supplied with hygienically flawless drinking water. Large industrial doors allow supply vehicles direct entry, while floor drainage systems and durable surfaces meet strict hygiene requirements. The overall layout ensures smooth maintenance, monitoring, and operational workflows.

Strategic Partnership Since 2003

To meet these demanding requirements, Fraport AG has relied on Voigtlaender GmbH since 2003. Based in Pfungstadt, Germany, this medium-sized company specializes in innovative systems for safe disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning within the water management sector.

For Fraport, the decisive factor was the comprehensive solution offered — from planning and installation to commissioning and ongoing support.

The Technical Core: Cell Membrane Electrolysis (CME)

Inside the technical area, the precision and quality of the installation become evident. Large-dimension main supply lines with high-grade valves ensure reliable water distribution. Pressure gauges, filtration stages, and monitoring units allow continuous control of all critical parameters.

The central component is the CME system (Cell Membrane Electrolysis). This technology produces the disinfection solution Anolyte from water and salt. The active ingredient HOCl (hypochlorous acid) reliably eliminates bacteria, viruses, and pathogens — including Legionella — within seconds.

In addition to the CME unit, water softening systems, filtration units, and brine tanks are integrated into a clearly structured setup. A modern control unit enables digital monitoring and fine-tuning of all processes, ensuring optimal efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

International Recognition and Future Outlook

The outstanding water quality has attracted international attention. Airlines worldwide have expressed high satisfaction, and inquiries continue to arrive from across the globe. The project at Frankfurt Airport is increasingly becoming a benchmark model for major infrastructure operators worldwide.

The partnership between Fraport and Voigtlaender is designed for the long term. Additional drinking water applications at the airport and within airline operations are already under consideration. Modern large-scale water treatment today goes far beyond basic hygiene — it integrates technology, sustainability, economic efficiency, and operational safety into a comprehensive management concept.

Frankfurt Airport demonstrates how responsible water management can be successfully implemented within one of Europe’s most complex infrastructure environments.