✈️ 100 years ago, the future took off here
Our location in the Butzweilerhof business district in Cologne-Ossendorf stands for progress – and has done so for over 100 years.
What is today a modern economic hub was once one of the most important airports in Germany. On April 6, 1926, a new chapter in mobility began here: Following the withdrawal of the British occupation forces, the site was transformed within just a few weeks into a civilian airport. Konrad Adenauer inaugurated Cologne Airport, and with the start of scheduled air traffic – including the Berlin–Cologne–Paris route – the city became part of a new international transport network.
Cologne as the “Air Hub of the West”
The development was rapid. Just one year after its opening, Butzweilerhof recorded more passengers than several other cities in the region combined. Cologne established itself as a key transport hub – the airport soon became known as the “Air Hub of the West.”
Its location between major European cities made the site particularly attractive: many flight connections were consolidated here, as aircraft of that era often required stopovers. Cologne thus became a central hub of early European aviation.
The dynamism was also evident on site: as early as 1926, there were numerous take-offs and landings every day, and traffic volumes continued to rise significantly in the following years.
A Place of Technological Breakthrough
Butzweilerhof stands as a prime example of the pioneering era of technology. Not only aircraft took off from here, but also new ideas: aviation became tangible, and mobility was reimagined.
At the same time, the infrastructure evolved: terminal buildings, hangars, and technical facilities were continuously expanded. Parts of this ensemble still exist today and are listed as protected heritage – a rare and impressive testament to early airport architecture in Germany.
From Airport to Modern Business Location
As aviation continued to develop, air traffic gradually shifted to larger airports. Butzweilerhof lost its original function – yet remained a place in transition.
Today, the former airfield is one of Cologne’s most dynamic business districts. Companies, retail, and services have settled here. A central element is Motorworld Cologne, which since 2018 has revitalized the historic ensemble and made the site’s history tangible.
A Special Location for Us
For us at Rudolf Fuka GmbH, this place is more than just a company address.
Since our founding in 1924, we have been deeply rooted in Cologne – and today we operate on the grounds of the former airfield. Butzweilerhof uniquely connects past and future.
What defines this location is an idea that still holds true today:
Technological progress emerges where people have the courage to think in new ways.
Past and Present
100 years ago, Butzweilerhof stood for the beginning of a new dimension of mobility.
Today, it stands for innovation, economic development, and new ideas.
Or, in one sentence: Back then, the future took off here. Today, it continues to be developed.
© 1971markus, “Flughafen Butzweilerhof, Köln (03)”, CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/), via Wikimedia Commons
