Together towards cleaner, quieter, stronger
Airlines, knowledge institutions, manufacturing industry, trade organizations and trade unions today jointly presented their vision of the future of aviation. With ten concrete commitments we contribute to future-proof aviation for all Dutch people. The aim of the thirty-one parties is to work with Dutch people, politicians, partners and sector parties to achieve a joint action agenda based on these commitments that will make Dutch aviation cleaner, quieter and stronger.
View the entire presentation here
Aviation connects people, economies and cultures and is crucial for getting goods such as medicines, fresh food and electronics to the right destination on time. But flying also has an impact on the climate and the living environment. It is therefore important to find a new balance with the living environment, so that Dutch people can continue to fly affordably and the Netherlands remains well connected to the rest of the world.
Good balance
The Dutch aviation sector needs perspective to take steps forward and keep up with global developments. By successfully implementing the action agenda together, we will achieve in the coming years:
• A good balance with the living environment
• That the Netherlands is excellently connected to the rest of the world
• That flying remains accessible to all Dutch people
• Stronger global and European policies
• That the Netherlands is a leader in the production, logistics and purchase of sustainable fuels (SAF)
• That we have achieved our 2030 climate targets and are well on our way to Net Zero CO2 emissions by 2050
• More international trains and excellent connections with Schiphol
• More recycling and less residual waste in the aviation sector
• Quieter Dutch aviation during the day and at night
• That innovations such as electric and hydrogen flying will reach the market more quickly
• A good and safe workplace
Michel Peters, CEO of the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Center (NLR): “If we want to continue flying in the future, the impact of aviation on the climate, environment and surroundings must be reduced and ultimately zero. It is therefore truly special that about thirty parties involved in the aviation sector support this pamphlet. The ten commitments form the basis for implementing improvements together with the Dutch government in both the short and longer term for the benefit of future-proof aviation.”
Henri Werij, Dean of Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft: “Innovation is the key to making aviation more sustainable and quieter faster. Aviation faces an enormous challenge. How do we work together to ensure that we achieve the goal by 2050: Net Zero CO2 emissions. The major breakthroughs required for this require enormous efforts, including from the universities. Collaboration with all partners throughout the chain is crucial, as is a long-term committed government. Government policy that helps to keep talent in the Netherlands and to train it properly for the jobs of the future. It's great that more than 30 parties support this.”
Marjan Rintel, KLM CEO: “Only by working together with the government, knowledge institutions and the business community can we take major steps towards cleaner and quieter flying. The Netherlands has the expertise, infrastructure and entrepreneurs to lead the way in this. With the ten concrete commitments of the Dutch aviation sector, aviation shows what we stand for, what politics can contribute to achieving these ambitions and what it benefits Dutch people. Let's work together to build future-proof aviation for everyone.”
Gunay Uslu, CEO Corendon: “There are important challenges and opportunities to prepare the aviation and travel industry for the future. This requires us to work together: companies, knowledge centres, trade unions. And we certainly need the government's help. This is essential to achieve the sustainable ambitions of our sector.”
Arjan Kers, General Manager TUI Netherlands: “There is great wanderlust among Dutch people. That is why it is important that the Netherlands remains well connected to the rest of the world, for both holidaymakers and business travelers. TUI has been investing for years in a young and modern fleet that is quieter and more economical and we will continue to take steps forward in the field of sustainability in the coming years. A new cabinet now has the opportunity to restore the balance and relationship with the travel sector. We want to jointly make plans that have a positive effect on the living environment and entrepreneurship. Let's work together on a healthy future for our beautiful sector and keep holidays feasible and affordable for all Dutch people, now and in the future.”
VNV chairman and pilot Camiel Verhagen: “Aviation must not only become cleaner and quieter, but also remain accessible and safe for all Dutch people. With our commitment we contribute to this and ask politicians to advocate a European level playing field on social rules and equivalent safety standards for non-European airlines with free access to our citizens. This way, Dutch people are assured of high flight safety and the people who work in aviation have a healthy working environment.” Marcel de Nooijer, CEO Transavia: “We understand very well that flying must be cleaner, quieter and more economical. It is also good if we think about this and act on it sector-wide, i.e. with the business community, government and knowledge institutions. If everyone takes responsibility, we will together ensure a sustainable future policy for aviation.”
Ingrid Thijssen, chairman of VNO-NCW: “There is a great need for flying and it is not going away. The Schiphol and KLM network with frequent direct connections to all economic centers in the world is one of the few points in which the Netherlands still distinguishes itself positively in terms of the business climate. History proves; once such a network collapses, it will never come back. We must cherish this international connection, while at the same time making flying faster, cleaner and quieter. It is good that there is a plan for this.”
Marnix Fruitema, chairman of BARIN: “This is our commitment as the aviation sector to the Netherlands and to Dutch people. Only together can we take steps to fly faster, cleaner and quieter. This is necessary, it is our “license to operate”. All Dutch and foreign airlines wholeheartedly support this sector vision with 10 concrete points.”
