Martin Jajcay about the LINA Test Centre
Since July 2025, Martin Jajcay has been heading LINA’s Drone Test Centre. After positions at Berlin-Tegel, Berlin-BER, and Magdeburg-Cochstedt, he brings not only experience at the intersection of manned and unmanned aviation but also a drive to constantly build something new. In the conversation, he shares why Switzerland offers ideal conditions for testing of autonomous systems, the goals for the Center, and what partners can expect from LINA.
Riva Pinto: Martin, tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you, what have you done so far, and how did you get into drones and aviation in the first place?
Martin Jajcay: I studied aerospace engineering at TU Berlin, developing a particular interest in airport operations and air transport. During my studies, I realised that I’m especially drawn to projects with shorter development cycles, which is why I focused on these areas.
For my bachelor’s thesis, I examined the user experience at Berlin Tegel Airport, conducted passenger surveys, and developed a catalogue of measures. At the same time, I worked in terminal management with the VIP service, where I was responsible for looking after our airline customers and handling their monthly billing. I also took on tasks related to the technical equipment of VIP lounges and contributed to process development at Berlin BER Airport, including participation in strategic discussions.
During the pandemic, we kept Berlin Tegel Airport operational until BER opened. Witnessing the closure of this historic airport was a special moment. I will never forget the last evenings spent on the rooftop terrace, watching planes take off and land.
Through my former supervisor, I eventually came to Magdeburg-Cochstedt Airport, where the German Aerospace Center’s drone test centre was to be established. I was employee number 001 and, together with the team, helped to build up the site, modernise the infrastructure, and lay the groundwork for operating manned and unmanned aviation in the same airspace.
My master’s thesis focused on how drone taxi services and manned aviation could be combined effectively, and what measures would be necessary to achieve that. After completing my degree, I was appointed security manager by the DLR board and was responsible for airport security. In parallel, I worked on projects from other institutes, reviewed SORA applications, and managed numerous international partners.
Pinto: What do you find most exciting about your new role as manager of the Drone Test Centre and what goals have you set for yourself?
Jajcay: I started this new role without knowing exactly how far the project had progressed. I was all the more positively surprised to find that in regulatory terms we are already very advanced, in some respects even further than major international test centres with a lot of public visibility.
The most important task now is to use this foundation to attract more companies to carry out tests here. At present we already have numerous test partners and there could certainly be more. The site should become more lively. I find it particularly exciting that we can also enable BVLOS flights here, which is a major incentive for many companies.
Pinto: What exactly makes the Test Center so special? What can partners, customers, and visitors look forward to?
Jajcay: Above all, our flexibility. We can often enable tests at very short notice, sometimes all it takes is a phone call or a message. In the open category, this is particularly straightforward. Cooperation with the local gliding club is also uncomplicated. If we see that a launch is about to take place, we simply land briefly and can then continue testing right afterwards. This practical approach and the ability to adapt quickly to situations are a real advantage for our partners. Our top priority is to provide our partners with a safe and reliable environment in which they can test their technologies and bring them to full market readiness. In this way, we create the best conditions for flying in the real world as soon as possible.
Pinto: Looking ahead a few years, how do you see drone technology developing in Switzerland and internationally, and what role can the Test Center play in this?
Jajcay: I have found that working with the authorities in Switzerland is characterised by open and pleasant communication. This creates the opportunity to attract partners from all over Europe. At the same time, we can offer Swiss companies such as Xertech a high-quality testing environment right here on site, without the need for them to travel abroad.
