On 12 November 2024, the 2nd MultiModX Workshop brought together over 30 experts from the rail and aviation sectors at the FS Technologies headquarters in Rome. This collaborative event focused on refining and presenting initial solutions to enhance the seamless integration of air and rail.

The workshop had two primary objectives: to gather feedback on early project outcomes, helping shape the direction of final solutions, and to ensure these solutions were well-prepared for the subsequent stages of the Research & Innovation (R&I) cycle. The attendees also had a chance to view the first prototypes of Solutions 1, 2, and 3, with tailored feedback collected for each. Additionally, real-time input tools, facilitated by Project Coordinator Dr Kay Plötner from Bauhaus Luftfahrt, encouraged the participants to get hands on with the topic.

The day’s sessions included an overview of Solution 1 (scenario development and performance assessment), presented by experts Eric Tchouamou Njoya and Luis Delgado, followed by a detailed discussion on Solution 2 (aims to align flight and rail schedules, considering varied perspectives from rail operators, airlines, and passengers), with contributions from Ricardo Herranz and Bing Liu. The focus then shifted to Solution 3, presented by Christopher Szymula, from the Technische Universität Dresden, and Delgado, from the University of Westminster. This solution examines disruption management and tactical performance assessments, with the presentation leading to a lively debate among the participants.

The workshop concluded with a summary of the insights and closing remarks being given by Dr Plötner, establishing a clear path forward for air-rail innovation.

Supported by SESAR3 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement no. 101114815, the MultiModX project will continue its development through to December 2025. Stay updated by following us on Twitter (X) @MultiModX_eu, LinkedIn, or visiting multimodx.eu.