The network aims to develop digital education and training programmes using new technologies such as virtual reality. Germany's Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) are providing almost EUR 5 million in funding until September 2021.

DigiNet.Air aims to support suppliers as they undertake digital transformation with new, combined formats and content to create a sustainable exchange of knowledge and technology between the education/training and commercial spheres. Virtual project laboratories, a training workshop, "Work and Learning 4.0", and a physical "TechShop 4.0" will allow especially mid-sized companies and their employees to try out digital processes e.g. digital headsets and robots.

Horch noted: "Digitalisation will change locations and societies in the long term. Robotics, 3D printing, virtual reality and autonomous driving are just some examples. Equipping employees with top qualifications quickly is crucial in future. DigiNet.Air is an important educational project for our mid-sized industry. The unique combination of associations, colleges and universities will allow DigiNet.Air to focus on digitalisation and establish it the avation centre of Hamburg."