Collaboration with the aviation sector and other sustainable parties is essential for LVNL. Exchanging knowledge increases our ability to become more sustainable faster, better and on a larger scale.
LVNL signed the Sustainable Aviation Agreement. This agreement sets out targets for CO2 emissions from Dutch airports for 2030, 2050 and 2070. The agreement also includes measures to achieve these targets. The Sustainability Table is a structural consultation with stakeholders from the aviation sector, where this agreement is implemented jointly. LVNL participates in these consultations. More information can be found at luchtvaartindetoekomst.nl.
Together with Schiphol, LVNL is looking into reducing emissions from aircraft on the ground. These emissions are not only harmful to the environment but also to employees who work around the aircraft. For example, we try to keep aircraft taxiing time as short as possible. We do this by allowing departing aircraft to drive directly from the gate to the runway and take off immediately, instead of having them wait with their engines running. LVNL is closely involved in the development of a future sustainable ground concept that guarantees the safety of the operational process and employees.
LVNL and Delft University of Technology opened Innovation Labs (iLabs) in 2022. At iLabs, students research and develop innovative applications for air traffic control systems and air traffic control procedures. They demonstrate these applications to air traffic controllers, who can then provide feedback. In this way, we build a bridge between science and practice.
Within the framework of Single European Sky (SES), LVNL collaborates with European partner organisations in various areas. We also do this in the field of sustainability. The SES initiative stands for a single common airspace in Europe, without (noticeable) national borders. Optimising the airspace in the region increases safety and capacity, shortens flight routes and costs, and reduces fuel consumption in aircraft emissions.
Functional Airspace Block Europe Central (FABEC) is a partnership between the military and civil air traffic service providers of Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg, Switzerland and the Netherlands, including the Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC).
The aim is to make a substantial contribution to reducing the environmental impact of aviation by implementing efficient measures. In 2022, steps were taken in areas such as cooperation on Cross-Border Arrival Management. This project contributes to improving the predictability of incoming traffic. Another example is Functional Use of Airspace. This allows for increasingly flexible and dynamic use of airspace at certain locations and times. This ensures direct routes and optimal flight profiles.