New materials and the need for more and more economical means of transportation with an ever-increasing range of travel pose challenges for materials, surfaces and quality assurance. The use of fiber reinforced composites allows for lighter construction and lower overall weight, the application of textures to the outer skin reduces air resistance, and a higher integration density of the electronic circuits allows new functions and services that make travel more enjoyable and safer. Whether roughness and texture, which significantly affect the friction and flow characteristics of aircraft, or the structure and shape of composite components that define their strength, all of these safety critical components are subject to the highest quality standards. Optical 3D inspection systems are the key to consistent quality and high operational security.