KLM committed to implementing balanced and effective measures to reduce noise impact for local residents
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines today submitted its vision on the recently amended package of measures of the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management. In its vision, KLM outlines the possibilities of achieving common objectives in noise reduction without harming the economic position of the Netherlands and its connectedness with the outside world.
For over 100 years, KLM has kept the Netherlands well connected with the world. However, flights do have an impact on local residents around Schiphol and KLM does have a responsibility to reduce noise impact.
KLM has evaluated the supplementary measures to reduce noise impact for local residents. We appreciate that the ministry has adopted a number of measures from the industry-wide plan titled “Cleaner, Quieter, More Fuel Efficient” At the same time there are still considerable differences. As a result, the amended approach of the ministry does not yet comply with the relevant regulations of the Balanced Approach.
The broadly supported sector plan ensures that the ministry’s noise reduction targets are fully achieved by way of fleet renewal, smarter operational procedures and optimised deployment of our quietest aircraft at night.
Of course, we are available to further clarify our vision for the ministry and other stakeholders. We believe this is the best way to develop a balanced and effective package of measures to reduce noise impact, while ensuring that we maintain the excellent international connections that are so crucial for the Netherlands, businesses and people in general
Government noise target well within reach
Based on calculations made by the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR), KLM has ascertained six major areas for improvement that require additional consultation in the Balanced Approach for the ministry’s plans. Our balanced and effective adjustments obviate the need for capacity restrictions and reduction of secondary runway use, which meets the preconditions of the Balanced Approach.
NLR’s calculations assessing the ministry’s plans confirm that KLM’s plan goes above and beyond the government’s noise reduction target. The diagram below shows what percentage of noise reduction can be achieved for local residents by November 2026, without cutting back on aircraft movements at Schiphol.
Balanced and effective
KLM’s primary concern is that the principles of the Balanced Approach procedure are properly applied. This implies that measures should be balanced and effective.
- Balanced: the proposal should comply with the requirements of the Balanced Approach, be handled with all due care and developed on the basis of objective, factual and legal principles
- Effective: the measures should be proportionate, cost-effective and feasible, and the effects of the measures should be properly mapped
Furthermore, a realistic timeline is needed to ensure that the quietest aircraft are deployed at night. The same goes in setting a clear starting point for the Balanced Approach, in which standard and accepted calculation methods are used to assess the actual magnitude of noise impact.
All of the stakeholders submitted their visions this week. The next step is for the ministry to read and assess these visions in order to revise their package of measures. KLM remains committed to arrive at a balanced and effective package of measures to reduce noise impact. At the same time, it is crucial to the Netherlands, its businesses, and its people to maintain good connections with the rest of the world.
KLM\'s complete response is attached to this post as a download.