The aviation sector is experiencing a profound transformation. This change is driven not only by efforts to lower emissions but also by the increasing demand for digital solutions across the entire value chain and the pursuit of next-generation aircraft featuring innovative aerodynamic designs and propulsion systems. By investing in research and technology at levels well above the industry norm, Liebherr is playing a key role in advancing solutions for efficient and sustainable air travel.
“Many decades of experience in the design and integration of environmental control and thermal management systems, flight control and actuation, landing gears and in the field of signal and power electronics make us an indispensable partner of aircraft manufacturers,” said Alex Vlielander, Chief Customer Officer at Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS. “Based on our core competencies, we are continuously looking beyond the limits of what is feasible today. Electrification, additive manufacturing and other further innovative technologies by Liebherr can contribute significantly.”
During the 2026 edition of ILA in Berlin (Germany) from June 10 to 14, the company invites customer, partners and the public to discover its cutting-edge technologies in hall C at booth no. 210.
Long wingspan with folding mechanism for improved aerodynamics
The 1:6 scale moving mock-up of the Boeing 777-9 folding wing tip demonstrates how a large section of the aircraft wing can be folded upward to accommodate existing airport infrastructure. All key elements of the mechanism – such as the angled gearbox, power drive unit and multiple actuators – are designed and manufactured by Liebherr.
Future high-aspect-ratio wing designs, featuring greater span and reduced thickness, contribute to improved aerodynamics and enhanced CO₂ efficiency. Liebherr is actively enabling this development by providing reliable wing folding solutions tailored to the next generation of more efficient aircraft platforms.
Leader in the development of electromechanical actuators
Liebherr-Aerospace has long been at the forefront of research and development in electromechanical actuators (EMAs) for medium and large commercial aircraft. More recently, the company has expanded its portfolio to include smaller actuators, broadening its range of applications.
The latest innovative product concept is specifically tailored to the needs of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, as well as smaller aircraft, business jets and helicopters. It emphasizes scalability for compact installation spaces, an optimized power-to-weight ratio and a high level of reliability, building on decades of Liebherr’s experience and millions of accumulated flight hours across numerous aircraft programs involving actuators and their associated electronics.
Positioned for the future with electrification and digitalization
Liebherr has been advancing solutions for the electrification of aircraft components and systems for more than two decades and is well positioned to deliver efficient applications for future platforms in this field. In next-generation more-electric aircraft, the engine will likely be decoupled from onboard power consumers to enhance overall efficiency. In this vision of more-electric aircraft, bleed air and centralized hydraulic systems are expected to be progressively replaced by electrical power, requiring the introduction of electric air management and actuation systems, as well as autonomous hydraulic power generation.
Liebherr’s exhibits demonstrate how these requirements can already be met today: among the highlights on display are advanced electromechanical actuators, a highly efficient power pack (HEPP), and for air systems the 100-kW motorized turbo compressor with its associated motor control unit underlining Liebherr’s position at the forefront of technological development.
In parallel, digitalization is rapidly transforming the design, manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft systems and its components. As part of its transition toward a model-based enterprise, Liebherr is engaging with customers at an early stage, e.g. by sharing digital models, thereby contributing to more efficient aircraft design and development processes.
Additive manufacturing and thermal management
Liebherr continuously advances its additive manufacturing capabilities and expands their application across a wide range of use cases. As an example, at ILA 2026 a valve block for the Airbus A350 lower cargo door actuation system is on display – the first complex additively manufactured hydraulic component to enter series production.
As another exhibit showcasing the successful application of this cutting-edge technology, visitors can explore an air-liquid heat exchanger. Efficient thermal management has become an essential requirement in the frame of progressing electrification of aircraft systems. Thermal management solutions represent one of Liebherr-Aerospace’s core competencies, manifested by several patents specifically for air-air and air-liquid applications that the company is already holding.
Liebherr’s vapour cycle compressor is a key component in such type of air-conditioning systems for aircraft, helicopters, drones. The vapour cycle compressor enhances thermal management capabilities and improves the efficiency of on-board energy management, in particular for additional cooling and in combination with highly efficient heat transfer equipment.
Setting the benchmark for narrowbody landing gears
Liebherr’s A220 landing gear system represents one of the most advanced landing gear solutions for modern commercial aircraft. Designed with a strong focus on weight optimization, reliability and maintainability, the system contributes significantly to the aircraft’s overall efficiency and operational performance.
Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and decades of experience, Liebherr delivers a fully integrated solution that meets the highest standards of safety and durability. The A220 landing gear system stands as a benchmark for next-generation aircraft. Exemplarily, the A220 main landing gear will be on display at Liebherr’s booth.
Strong partner in the defense sector
With a specific focus on defense related topics, Liebherr presents its role as a long-standing and dependable partner of the German Armed Forces at the Military Support Center (MSC). Innovations and solutions successfully proven in the civilian sector are ideally suited for successful application in the defense sector. Leveraging its comprehensive industrial capabilities, the company supplies a broad range of onboard systems combined with the respective lifecycle support for numerous airborne defense platforms, extending to troop and cargo transport, pilot training, aerial refueling, air defense and reconnaissance missions.
Liebherr’s solutions ensure efficient and reliable operation of military aircraft across diverse mission profiles. A particular highlight at ILA is the Eurofighter Typhoon nose landing gear displayed at the MSC.
Recruitment corner
Skilled employees are essential for the progressing transformation of the aviation industry and play a key role in Liebherr’s past and future success. At the dedicated recruitment area of our booth, visitors are invited to explore the wide range of career opportunities at Liebherr and how they could become part of our energetic and innovative team on an exciting journey shaping the future of aviation.
