8 October 2007

AMSTERDAM – An ambitious plan involving almost all the major players of the Dutch aviation sector should expand the accessibility and increase the sustainability of Schiphol Airport in the coming years.

The initiative is to be presented today by KLM, Air Traffic Control Nederland, the National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR), Schiphol, Stork Aerospace , technical research centre TNO and the Technical University Delft (TU).

The new approach will enable Schiphol Airport in the short term to better anticipate developments in international air traffic and at the same tackle growing environmental problems. The plan aims to reduce noise nuisance and CO2 emissions caused by aircraft on the ground by 20 percent during a single cabinet term.

The parties that took the initiative feel that the plan can be realised since it has the support of all the key players in the Dutch aviation sector. The parties involved want to create pyramid-like sound bunds in the area around Schiphol Airport. These devices can largely put a stop to annoying low frequency noise levels. The plan will also involve the installation of devices at homes close to Schiphol Airport so that sound waves from aircraft can be neutralised in the near future.  Another aspect of the plan is the development of a so-called ultra green, very environmentally friendly aircraft that scientists of the Technical University Delft have been working on for months.

The parties involved are also discussing the construction of specifically designed train stations where air passengers in ten years' time will be able to check in. These so-called front ports will be located on the outskirts of the Randstad and should be easily accessible from the motorways.

Ample parking space and technologically advanced walking facilities should stimulate air passengers to use the train to reach Schiphol. Schiphol Group, in conjunction with KLM and the Netherlands Railways (NS), is currently developing a trial project, a lounge with check-in possibilities at the new Central Station in Antwerp.

[Copyright Expatica News + ANP 2007]

Subject: Dutch news