Improving performance

What can we see happening?

The Dutch government has stated that reducing nuisance is a top priority and that Schiphol Airport still has prospects for growth. The European Commission has set requirements for performance improvements in our ATM system; our plans for implementing those improvements have been incorporated into the performance for reference period three (2020-2024). In the meantime, we see innovative technologies emerging that bring specific, demand-driven solutions within our grasp. We recognise this in the emergence of unmanned air traffic (drones), the development of remote digital tower technology, and the European regulations and studies (e.g. Wise Persons Group, Airspace Architecture Study) that dictate and anticipate the deployment of new technologies and new ways of working. We are seeing an increase in digitalization, data exchange and the emergence of ANSP-independent ATM Data Service Units. LVNL is serving as a tech integrator, incorporating the new digital solutions into its existing business operations.

Core message: LVNL is committed to accelerating the implementation of innovative (technological) solutions to improve our performance for the Netherlands, our customers and partners.

What are our goals and how do we intend to achieve them?

An up-to-date air traffic control system and a modern air traffic control tower

LVNL is committed to pursuing technological innovation in order to develop even better solutions for increasing capacity and sustainability on behalf of our customers and reducing noise and emissions for residents, while guaranteeing safety. In that context, we are working to achieve an up-to-date air traffic control system and continuing to work on optimization of the control tower. What are we planning to do?

• We are working to implement iCAS, the successor to our AAA system. This new air traffic control system offers a platform for further development, such as introducing 4D trajectory-based operations, enabling the air traffic controllers to handle traffic more systematically and efficiently, thus reducing their workload.
• Since the introduction of more work positions and universal consoles in the Schiphol towers, we have laid the foundation for step-by-step innovation and state-of-the-art expansion of functionalities (including DMAN, safety functions) in the tower system. We are also considering setting up a remote contingency center. The expansion of the tower system enables us to handle even more traffic.
• We will be consulting with the airport to see whether we can plan and integrate ground handling tasks more effectively in order to improve safety.
• We aim to optimize scheduling and use of the ground infrastructure in order to streamline operations, for example by iteratively improving the Airport Operations Plan (AOP), which is the basis for CDM, with the assistance of all stakeholders. LVNL will also be contributing to the establishment of a virtual Airports Operations Center (APOC).
• We are optimizing approach and departure routes for the Schiphol TMA with the aim of reducing noise and emissions for residents. We will gradually be implementing fixed arrival routes.
• We are working on increasing peak hour capacity (takeoff and landing capacity) at Schiphol by 1 to 3 aircraft movements, in part by implementing Time Based Separation, Wake Vortex Re-categorization (RECAT) and 2.5 NM minimum radar separation.

Core message: We are systematically modernizing our ATM system to reduce noise and emissions while facilitating the growth and development of the aviation sector in the Netherlands.

Restructuring of airspace

Restructuring the airspace is vitally important to safe, efficient air traffic management with minimal impact on the local community. The current structure of the airspace is outdated and is still based on the performance of previous generation aircraft and technology.

• The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL), Air Force Command (CLSK) and Maastricht Upper Area Control Center (MUAC) are working together in the airspace restructuring program to design a single Dutch airspace. By doing so, we aim to increase the capacity of the airspace, reduce the negative effects (noise, CO2), and balance the various needs of airspace users. LVNL is taking an active role in the airspace restructuring. By incorporating the design into such areas as capacity management and flexible use of the airspace, we are creating a future-proof airspace.
• In the context of the airspace restructuring, we are working to optimize the routes for Lelystad, so we will be ready to open up that airport for large-scale commercial traffic and possibly to accommodate further growth.
• Sector 3 (above Zeeland/Noord-Brabant) is the busiest and most complex airspace sector in terms of traffic flows. We will be changing the routes in this sector in close consultation with our Belgian counterpart in such a way that the sector will be less complex, making it possible to use that sector more optimally. This offers advantages for air traffic controllers (less complexity), airlines (more predictable) and passengers (fewer delays).

Core message: LVNL is working actively with CLSK and MUAC on restructuring the Dutch airspace to achieve safe and efficient air traffic management with minimal impact on residents.

Serving regional airfields efficiently

In the years to come, LVNL aims to provide air traffic services to regional airports as efficiently as possible, customized to their needs. Since ATS costs are relatively high for the regional airfields, we will do the following:

• Relocation of ATC tower and approach traffic control at Beek en Eelde to Schiphol-East, where preparations have been made for the introduction of remote digital tower technology for the air traffic control tower (single remote).
• Further rollout of remote digital tower services at Schiphol-East to serve other civil and military airports.
• We envisage development opportunities here for growing towards multiple remote digital towers, in which multiple airports (civil and possibly also military) are served by a single air traffic controller, and we anticipate integration of all approach functions.

Core message: To provide good-quality, cost-covering services to regional airfields, we will be using remote digital tower technologies and relocating the regional air traffic controllers to Schiphol-East.

Partner in unmanned air traffic

Drone flights offer substantial commercial and social potential. LVNL expects to see a rapid increase in the demand for drone access to airspace. As they are new to the airspace, drone pilots are usually less familiar with the established rules and practices applicable to aviation. By experimenting in a controlled environment, LVNL seeks to minimize the risks for and impact on aviation operations.

• For this reason, LVNL is involved in the SESAR project PODIUM (Proving Operations of Drones with Initial UTM),
• We will be working with industry partners to implement the UTM system: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Traffic Management, which will enable us to permit controlled drone flights in civil CTRs.
• We strongly advocate drone detection around airports in order to continue guaranteeing safety.

Core message: LVNL plays a key role in developing unmanned air traffic to ensure safe integration in the airspace.

Proceed to: Towards a learning organisation