"Why This Book? – The Origin Story of 'Inklusiver Himmel' (Inclusive Sky)"

I’m going to tell you why this book came into being – and the very personal experiences that led me to write about diversity, equity, and inclusion in air mobility."

"There are moments in life that shape us forever. For me, they were my many personal experiences with exclusion – be it in my career, projects, or everyday life. These experiences are the deeper reason for this book. It’s not about to blame others, but it is about providing an impulse: I want to encourage us to see the world through the eyes and realities of those who are often overlooked. Not out of malice, but simply because we often aren't aware of these issues if they don't affect us directly or indirectly.

And here, for me, a big circle connects to globalization: The feeling of being a stranger in a country where you don't speak the language and where the world simply functions differently – from subway maps and unwritten social rules to the way you ask for help. This experience of linguistic and cultural disorientation is everyday life for millions of people. It is often overlooked when we talk about the future of mobility.

When parents don't own a car, but public transport also doesn't enable their children to participate in educational or sports programs. When precisely these language barriers and cultural codes make everything twice as difficult. When physical disabilities block access to the job market due to mobility issues – and then you might also have to start over in a new country. These and countless other situations show: Mobility is more than technology. It is a fundamental key to participation and a mirror of our deeply interconnected, globalized society.

And that’s exactly why I wanted to write a book that isn't just about aircraft and infrastructure, but about people. About their opportunities, their barriers, their hopes – in a world that is seamless for some and a labyrinth of invisible walls for others."

Core Messages

(Inclusive Sky) originated from personal experiences with exclusion and the urgent desire to make participation possible for everyone – also in a globalized world.

• The experience of 'being a stranger' shows: Access is more than physical reachability; it is also linguistic, cultural, and social.

• Companions, mentors, and colleagues have shown that change is possible.

• The book connects expert knowledge about AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) with essential stories about justice and inclusion in a connected world.

• Goal: To build a bridge between technology and the real, often very local and simultaneously global challenges of our society.

"If you are starting a project yourself, ask:

• Which personal experiences – perhaps also of being a stranger or cultural hurdles – drive you?

• Which invisible stories of people who have to navigate a new system do you want to make visible?

• How can you connect expert knowledge with this human, global perspective?"

Reflection Questions

• Which moments of exclusion or cultural misunderstanding have shaped you?

• Where have you yourself experienced what it's like when the world 'simply functions differently' – and what did you learn from it?

• How can you use your own experiences to design systems that are also intuitive for those who are new to them?"

If these topics resonate with you – this concern to see the world also through the lens of those who have to find their way in new systems – then subscribe to Inclusive Sky, share the podcast with others. Let's work together to ensure that air mobility and all other future technologies in a globalized world truly belong to everyone. For a world where you don't have to speak the language perfectly or know all the codes in order to participate."