The Dutch aviation industry collaborates to ensure a future that is both environmentally sustainable and able to withstand challenges

Airlines, academic institutes, the manufacturing industry, industry-wide groups, and trade unions collaborated to collectively propose their vision for the future of the aviation industry. We have formulated 10 specific pledges with the goal of jointly contributing to a resilient aviation business that benefits all residents of the Netherlands. With these pledges in mind, the 31 parties want to collaborate with the Dutch public, legislators, partners, and industry stakeholders to develop a unified action plan that will enhance the environmental sustainability, noise reduction, and overall competitiveness of the Dutch aviation sector.

The airline sector serves as a vital link, facilitating the connection of people, economies, and cultures. It plays a significant role in the timely transportation of essential items, like medications, fresh food, and gadgets, to their intended destinations. However, aviation also exerts a significant influence on the climate and our surrounding ecosystem. Hence, it is crucial to develop a fresh equilibrium with the natural surroundings, wherein Dutch citizens may continue to afford air travel while maintaining the Netherlands’ connectivity with the global community.

An optimal equilibrium

In order to make advancements and keep up with global trends, the Dutch aviation sector need opportunities for growth. Through collaborative implementation of the action agenda, our objective is to accomplish the following in the next years:

• Achieving a harmonious coexistence with the surrounding environment; • Ensuring strong connectivity between the Netherlands and the rest of the world; • Ensuring affordable air travel for all Dutch citizens; • Advocating for robust global and European policies; • Maintaining the Netherlands’ leading position in the production, logistics, and procurement of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF); • Meeting the climate targets set for 2030 and making significant progress towards achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050; • Enhancing international train services and establishing excellent connectivity with Schiphol airport; • Promoting increased recycling and reduced residual waste in the airline industry; • Implementing measures to reduce noise pollution from flights during both day and night; • Accelerating the time it takes to bring innovations such as electric and hydrogen-powered flight to the market; • Creating a pleasant and safe working environment.

“Innovation is crucial for expediting the development of a quieter and more sustainable airline industry.” The industry is encountering significant obstacles. How can we guarantee that we collectively achieve the goal of achieving net zero CO2 emissions by 2050? The achievement of significant advancements in this area will necessitate substantial endeavors, including active involvement from colleges. Collaboration among all the stakeholders throughout the whole process is essential, as well as sustained dedication from the government in the long run. The Dutch government has implemented measures aimed at retaining highly skilled persons in the country and equipping them with adequate technical training to meet the demands of future employment opportunities. The fact that over 30 parties are supporting this endeavor is remarkable. Henri Werij is the Dean of Aerospace Engineering at the Delft University of Technology.

In order to ensure the future sustainability of air travel, it is imperative that the airline sector gradually eliminates its negative effects on the climate, environment, and surroundings, ultimately achieving a zero impact. It is astonishing that around 30 parties associated with the aviation business have given their support to the draft. The 10 promises provide a strong basis for us to collaboratively accomplish advancements with the Dutch government in both the immediate and extended periods, ensuring a resilient aviation sector for the future. Michel Peters holds the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR).

Collaboration among government, knowledge institutes, and business is essential for making substantial progress in attaining cleaner and quieter operations. The Netherlands have the requisite skills, infrastructure, and entrepreneurial individuals to assume a leadership role. The Dutch aviation sector has embraced 10 specific promises that outline our core values, highlight the potential contributions of politicians in achieving these goals, and emphasize the benefits that the Dutch public may expect to receive. Let us together construct a resilient aviation sector that is adaptable to future challenges and benefits all individuals. Marjan Rintel is the Chief Executive Officer of KLM.

The demand for air travel is now substantial and is projected to remain consistently strong in the foreseeable future. The Netherlands distinguishes itself in terms of its business climate due to Schiphol and KLM’s extensive network of regular, non-stop flights to major economic hubs worldwide. Historical evidence demonstrates that once a network of this nature collapses, it cannot be easily restored. We should value and appreciate this global connectivity, while also expediting efforts to enhance the cleanliness and noise reduction of flying operations. It is advantageous that there exists a strategy for that. Ingrid Thijssen serves as the Chairperson of VNO-NCW, the employers’ association in the Netherlands.

“Anticipating the future of the airline and travel industry entails significant challenges and prospects.” We must collectively exert our efforts: both corporations, knowledge centers, and trade unions. Indeed, we certainly require assistance from the government. It is crucial for us to accomplish our industry’s sustainability goal. Gunay Uslu is the Chief Executive Officer of Corendon.

The Dutch possess a significant inclination for traveling. Hence, it is crucial for the Netherlands to maintain strong global connectivity, catering to both tourists and business travelers. TUI has made long-term investments in a youthful and contemporary fleet that is characterized by reduced noise levels and improved fuel efficiency. In the future, we will persist in our efforts to enhance sustainability. The newly appointed government now has the chance to rectify the equilibrium and mend its connections with the tourist sector. We aim to formulate collaborative strategies that will effectively enhance both the quality of the living environment and the business community. Let us collaborate to establish a sustainable future for our remarkable sector and maintain accessible and inexpensive holidays for all Dutch citizens, both presently and in the future. Arjan Kers is the General Manager of TUI Netherlands.

The aviation sector has to prioritize environmental sustainability and noise reduction, while ensuring that it remains inclusive and safe for all citizens of the Netherlands. Through our dedication, we will actively contribute to this cause while urging lawmakers to support a fair and equitable environment in Europe, ensuring that social regulations and safety requirements for non-European airlines align with those of European airlines, granting our citizens unrestricted access. By adopting this approach, Dutch citizens will continue to have a guarantee of maximum flight safety, while those employed in the aviation business will benefit from a favorable and conducive working environment. Camiel Verhagen is the President of the Dutch Airline Pilots Association (VNV) and also works as a pilot.

“We acknowledge the imperative for flight operations to achieve enhanced cleanliness, reduced noise levels, and heightened efficiency.” It is optimal to adopt a collective approach encompassing the whole sector, in collaboration with the corporate community, government, and educational institutions. If each individual assumes accountability, we will collectively ensure a resilient and enduring policy for our sector that is capable of withstanding future challenges. Marcel de Nooijer is the Chief Executive Officer of Transavia.

“This is our pledge as the aviation sector to the Netherlands and its residents.” Collaboratively, we can expedite the attainment of cleaner and quieter flight operations. This is crucial – it is our essential authorization to function. All Dutch and international airlines fully endorse this industry-wide effort, which is founded on 10 specific pledges. Marnix Fruitema holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Airline Representatives in the Netherlands (BARIN).