KLM embraces the goals for reducing noise nuisance for residents around Schiphol. Therefore, we are investing 7 billion euros in quieter aircraft and have proposed significant measures in the Cleaner, Quieter, More Efficient plan. This shows that a smaller Schiphol is not necessary to achieve the noise targets. KLM finds it incomprehensible that the cabinet still intends to reduce to 478,000 aircraft movements.

Limiting the number of flights also carries a significant risk of retaliatory measures from other countries, which will not only affect aviation but also other Dutch companies.

We have serious doubts about the assumptions on which the ministry has based this number. The decision-making process does not meet the requirements of a careful Balanced Approach procedure, in which achieving the intended policy goal is central: noise reduction. Reduction of flight movements is not an end in itself and is expected to be legally unsustainable. We await the advice of the European Commission.

Aviation will always play a role in our lives if we want to explore the world, conduct business, and visit family. If the Netherlands is without a well-connected Schiphol, we are taking gigantic steps back in time. That is why it is so important that this decision is made on the right grounds.

KLM agrees with Schiphol that improving the airport and better service for travellers are urgently needed. The state of maintenance of buildings and workplaces does not meet the needs of travellers and employees at Schiphol. KLM also supports efforts to reduce noise pollution and the use of tariff differentiation to encourage airlines to deploy quieter aircraft.

Today, the cabinet decided to submit an amended package of measures in Brussels as part of the balanced approach procedure for reducing noise pollution around Schiphol. The outcome of this is a reduction with a bandwidth of 475,000 to 485,000 aircraft movements.

The package includes a significant reduction in noise at night through a combination of 5,000 fewer aircraft movements and measures such as deploying quieter aircraft as much as possible at night and banning noisy aircraft. This is expected to more than meet the noise target for the night.

It is important that the balanced approach process is completed carefully. It is positive that a number of measures from the broadly supported ‘cleaner, quieter, more efficient’ sector plan have been adopted. At the same time, KLM is concerned that the possible loss of historic slots could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries, resulting in the loss of connections important to the Netherlands as an international trading country.

KLM continues to renew its fleet and as a result, noise levels will further decrease in the coming years. We look forward to the European Commission’s assessment of the proposed measures with confidence so that a balanced package will soon be in place. This way we continue to connect the Netherlands with the rest of the world, in balance with the surroundings.

Sensors and cameras
Several times a day, until the end of July, the bus will fetch KLM Cityhopper crew from Apron A, where KLM Cityhopper aircraft park before departure and on arrival at Schiphol. The self-driving bus then drops off the flight crew at the terminal. The vehicle is equipped with sensors and special cameras and makes use of GPS to manoeuvre. The bus has a 360-degree view because it is equipped with LIDAR technology. This allows the vehicle to detect and move around objects located up to 30 meters away.

Emission-free ground operations 
By 2050, Royal Schiphol Group aims to operate the most sustainable and high-quality airports in the world. Part of the plan involves achieving more sustainable and emission-free ground operations. Royal Schiphol Group expects that by 2050 all vehicles will have been replaced by a fleet of autonomous, zero-emission vehicles and that all associated processes will be automated. Even when ground operations are autonomous, staff will continue to play an important role, taking on a more supervisory role, involving varied tasks.

KLM supports the Supreme Court's clearly substantiated ruling.

KLM wants to continue to connect the Netherlands with the rest of the world in balance with the environment. To this end, we have drawn up the cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient plan, which shows that the common goal of reducing noise pollution can be achieved without reducing the number of aircraft movements.

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 is committed to further reducing noise impact for people residing in the greater Schiphol area. We are an international trading nation and KLM wants to keep connecting the Netherlands with the rest of the world, in balance with the environment. A similar ambition is acknowledged in the new government’s coalition agreement.

Our industry-wide plan “Cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient” shows that we can achieve the government's noise reduction target without drastically reducing the number of flight movements at Schiphol. This revised package includes various elements of our plan, including our proposals for tariff differentiation, higher airport fees for noisy aircraft, and fleet renewal with quieter aircraft.

Unfortunately, the package also includes measures that are harmful and not proportionate. This includes the proposed blanket ban on certain aircraft types from 2025, without giving our industry time to seek suitable alternatives. This would have major consequences for our cargo operation, where we ordered new, quieter aircraft two years ago, which are only expected to be delivered in 2026.

This means there’s a focus on shrinkage, instead of seeking a balanced approach to reducing noise impact. This ignores potential consequences such as countermeasures for Dutch airlines abroad, legal feasibility, and damage to the Netherlands as a trading nation.

It is of great importance that we carefully pursue a balanced approach that complies with European guidelines and that we jointly seek a good solution that is in the best interests of the communities surrounding Schiphol and that acknowledges the importance of air transport for the Netherlands. European regulations state that shrinkage should never be an end in itself, we must continue to focus on noise reduction. KLM is in favour of integrated implementation of the industry-wide plan “Cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient”, which will ensure that the government's noise reduction target is achieved within the designated period, without undue damage to our industry and the local business climate.

We will carefully examine the proposed measures in this revised package before presenting our vision in more detail.

Facts & figures

• Almost 788,000 departing and transfer passengers flew KLM during the May holiday. 415,000 KLM travellers arrived at Schiphol during 26 April until 12 May. Transavia transported 145,000 departing and 135,000 arriving holidaymakers.
• Average number of passengers per day (all airlines): 71,000 departures, 62,400 arrivals and 57,300 transfers.
• 95% of departing travellers went through the security check within 9 minutes.
• 15% of travellers made use of the option to book a time slot. On some days that was even 25%.
• The total number of flights during the period 26 April to 12 May (all airlines): 22,363.

KLM and BARIN initially chose not to publish the report, because they have many reservations about the methodology used and the conclusions drawn. As a result, the findings are incomplete and lack balance. The objections boil down to the following:

• In the Social Cost-Benefits Analysis, the effects on climate are calculated at a global level, while the negative effects for passengers and the airline industry are calculated for the Netherlands only. Consequently, the positive outcomes predicted in the Environment & Noise Variant are greatly exaggerated and do not present a realistic scenario.
• The report does not consider the effects of air traffic moving away from Schiphol to other airports in the world.
• The report ignores the risks that the proposed scenario (Environment & Noise Variant) poses to the future of the airline industry in the Netherlands, to employment, the business climate, and to the continued existence of KLM. None of these important factors are sufficiently reflected in the report's calculations and conclusions.

KLM and BARIN will continue to work hard to strike a balance between the airline industry and the environment. KLM has emphasized this in its sector plan “cleaner, quieter and more efficient” and in the “10 Commitments” that KLM and 30 other industry parties and research institutes have signed up to. Together, these highlight the need for greater improvement and a further toughening of measures across the airline industry, which should be implemented globally, or at the very least at a European level.

The Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management is expected to submit the SCBA to the House of Representatives of the Netherlands in the near future. The letter and attachment from KLM and BARIN to the Ministry are enclosed as a download.

The pilot project

Passengers flying KLM from Canada (Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal) to Amsterdam are eligible to participate in the pilot project, as long as they hold a Belgian, Dutch or Canadian passport and are over 18 years of age. They receive an email invitation from KLM to participate in the pilot. Passengers can upload their passport information at home using a app, combined with a facial photo, facilitating early checks by the border control authorities before they arrive at Schiphol. Upon arrival at Schiphol, participants pass through a special DTC Tap & Go border gate. Based on a facial scan, the DTC is called up. Participants then hold their passports against the border gate reader. If there is a match between the DTC and the passport presented and no irregularities emerge from previous checks, the border can be crossed. A physical passport is still required for the pilot project. Expectations are that this will speed up the border process for travellers.

Busy airports

Passenger numbers are increasing, and airports are getting busier. As a logical continuation of online check-in at home, the pilot project examines how we can further innovate airport checks for boarding and border control. For these checks too, travellers can prepare at home and the process at the airport can be faster and contactless. Barry ter Voert, Chief Experience Officer (CXO) and EVP Business Development at KLM: “On a daily basis, we examine how we can make the passenger journey even more comfortable and enjoyable from start to finish. As an airline, KLM is responsible for passport checks as well as check-in and boarding. Digitisation provides an opportunity to make these checks faster and more efficient for our customers, starting from home. To do so properly, legislation and regulations are needed. That’s why are happy to be participating in the trial conducted by the Dutch government so that we can share our expertise and improve our services.”

About the DTC1

The DTC1 technology standard was issued by ICAO. Combining DTC1 with the application of biometrics, travellers can cross borders quickly and more easily. The DTC1 contains information from the biographical page of the passport (name, first names, etc.), supplemented by some technical elements to establish that the information was indeed obtained from an authentic passport. A key feature of the DTC1 is that this information should always be used in conjunction with a physical passport. Travellers only need to tap their passport on a reader and walk through.

Stable, predictable operations are vital for customers and employees, who understandably expect this from us. We now have scarcely three months to make the necessary arrangements instead of the usual six. KLM will obviously do everything possible to operate the number of flights it has been allocated.

We have agreed to a number of announced measures, such as the cleaner, quieter and more economical plan, to accelerate the reduction of noise pollution. KLM shares the government’s environmental concerns and is fully committed to reducing its environmental footprint. Air France-KLM has accelerated its long-term, multi-billion euro investment plan in fleet renewal and in the use of sustainable aviation fuel. In the coming months, KLM and Transavia will receive their first Airbus A320neo family aircraft, with a noise footprint reduced by 33% on average. Since the year 2000s, the Group has already reduced its noise emissions by 40%.

Safety always comes first at KLM, both on the ground and in the air. KLM's analyses show that the expected wind force 9 combined with wind gusts of 95 to 110 kilometres per hour could lead to unsafe situations on the platform. The safety of colleagues on the ground takes precedence. 

This is the reason why it has been decided to cancel the arriving and departing KLM flights from early afternoon until the end of the day. We realise this is very inconvenient for our customers and apologise for the inconvenience. Customers affected will be rebooked or refunded.

We are disappointed about the ruling and are studying it. The court does not specify in concrete terms how an experimental regulation can be applied. As a result, it is currently unclear when, how and in what way the ruling will be implemented and what it means for the number of aircraft movements at Schiphol.

KLM will continue to engage with other stakeholders in seeking the best way to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise. To this end, we have submitted a plan for cleaner, quieter, more fuel-efficient flight operations on 15 June. We are convinced that these measures will enable us to reduce noise impact and CO₂ emissions, while retaining our network. We would very much like to achieve this in cooperation with government and airport authorities, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) and other stakeholders, within the framework of the balanced approach required by the EU in the context of the noise reduction targets the ministry has set.

We are astonished that Schiphol is unilaterally putting forward proposals that will have far-reaching consequences for airlines, without involving the industry parties in this process. Only through a collaborative, sector-wide approach can the aviation industry achieve a balance between its surroundings and the climate. It should be noted that Amsterdam Airport Schiphol itself plays a vital role in this respect, for example in terms of ethical and sustainable employment practices and working conditions at the airport.

Together, we can arrive at an alternative that will have the support of all parties and will therefore be effective. In consultation with the other airlines based at Schiphol, our strategic partner Delta Air Lines, and aviation industry organizations, we will submit our views on this matter to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management by 15 June at the latest. Schiphol remains welcome to join these consultations.

We will revisit Schiphol's proposals at a later date in the course of the European Union's Balanced Approach procedure.

The airlines maintain that the Dutch government’s unilateral and sudden decision to reduce Schiphol’s capacity from 500,000 to 460,000 flight annual movements (with the ultimate goal of reducing flight movements to 440,000 by 2024) is incomprehensible. The airlines have already made multi-billion euros investments to meet near- and long-term goals in line with their own decarbonization trajectories as well as government policies, while the government’s justification hinges on operational restrictions with no consideration of alternative workable solutions to effect noise reduction.

In addition to negatively impacting the Dutch economy, the capacity reduction would significantly reduce travel options and connectivity for consumers. The airlines maintain that, along with violating national, European and international legislation, the decision is unnecessary, damaging and lacks proper substantiation, given the airline industry is already achieving significant results in relation to reducing CO₂ emissions and lowering noise levels.

For these reasons, KLM, KLM Cityhopper, Martinair, Transavia – all part of Air France-KLM Group – as well as Corendon, Delta Air Lines, easyJet and TUI are urging the courts to safeguard the future capacity of Schiphol Airport.

The KLM Group, which accounts for close to 60% of traffic at Schiphol, initiated this legal action in line with parent company Air France-KLM Group’s position on the matter. In addition, industry association BARIN has indicated its full support for this initiative. This initiative is also fully supported by industry associations Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) because the capacity reduction at Schiphol has major implications for the EU's single aviation market. In a further move, industry association IATA and a number of airlines will also be going to court to initiate proceedings against the Dutch government.

KLM endorses the need for additional measures, but at the same time it should be stressed that we find the mandatory reduction of passengers boarding locally highly detrimental and feel it should be a one-off, short-term solution. KLM finds it unacceptable that the airport’s users should have to structurally bear the burden of capacity problems at Schiphol.

Although KLM is against Schiphol’s measure in principle, KLM has cooperated with efforts to solve the problem, in the interests of passengers and safety at the airport. We have done so, among other things, by complying with Schiphol’s requests to scrap flights and voluntarily slow down ticket sales, spread flights across the day, extend connection times, etcetera. 

KLM feels it is important to give passengers clarity as swiftly as possible regarding the measures they can expect during the summer. In that light, it is better to take steps now, than to take ad hoc measures later. KLM will therefore comply with the request to reduce the number of passengers boarding locally, thereby helping to reduce the pressure on security at Schiphol during the peak period.

KLM will do its utmost to ensure that as many passengers as possible can enjoy holidays they have already booked. This can be achieved, among other things, by restricting the number of tickets made available to passengers boarding locally during the peak period. This measure would supplement KLM’s existing efforts, such as the spreading of flights. Based on the current information we have received from Schiphol, KLM will not have to cancel existing bookings on a major scale.

KLM holds Schiphol responsible for the financial impact of these measures.

A few days before departure, passengers for selected KLM flights will be asked by email to gather the documents needed for their trip. They can upload the relevant documents up to five hours before departure. KLM will then check them and reply by email – usually within an hour. After receiving an “OK”, passengers can check in online at KLM.nl (or using the KLM app) and obtain their boarding pass, which will state “Ready to Fly”. At the airport, passengers will only be required to present their passport or ID card, and a visa if necessary. As such, they will have peace of mind throughout their journey.

Destinations

KLM’s “Ready to Fly” service will be available to passengers flying from or through Amsterdam to Bonaire, Brazil, Canada, Curacao, Dubai, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Istanbul, Italy, Kenya, Lima, Nigeria, Portugal, St Martin, South Africa, Spain and the United States. For a complete overview, please visit: https://www.klm.nl/en/information/covid-19/covid-19-document-check.

500 liters delivered, refueled and used

As announced during the conference, the first commercial passenger flight from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Madrid last month, was carried out on an admixture of 500 liters of sustainable synthetic kerosene. Shell produced the synthetic kerosene in its research center in Amsterdam based on CO₂, water and renewable energy from sun and wind from Dutch soil.

New initiatives and startups

During the conference, the stage was set for various new initiatives and startups. For example, the start-up Synkero announced that it is collaborating with Port of Amsterdam, Schiphol, KLM and SkyNRG on the realization of a commercial synthetic sustainable kerosene factory in the Amsterdam port. The project seeks to link with sustainable initiatives in the North Sea Canal area, such as the establishment of a 100 megawatt hydrogen plant where up to 15,000 tons of green hydrogen can be produced with sustainable electricity.

Another initiative is the construction of a demonstration factory for sustainable kerosene using captured CO₂ from the air as a raw material in Rotterdam. The Zenid initiative, in which Uniper, Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Climeworks, SkyNRG and Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport are participating, uses a combination of innovative technologies to focus on CO₂-neutral aviation with sustainable synthetic kerosene.

Several European politicians, including Commissioner Timmermans, the German transport minister Scheuer and his French colleague Djebbari, underlined the importance of developing sustainably produced aviation fuels to reduce CO₂ emissions and give aviation a good future.

Various European member states have indicated during the conference that they want to work on this. In a joint statement, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Luxembourg and Spain indicate that recovery from the current crisis due to the pandemic must go hand in hand with accelerating the sustainability of the aviation sector in order to achieve climate goals and call on the European Commission to come up with a European blending obligation. The Member States view the development of sustainable synthetic kerosene in addition to sustainable biokerosene as one of the most promising and effective ways to reduce aviation emissions in the coming decades.

On photo: Jeroen Kok, captain and engineering pilot B737 (left), Pieter Elbers (middle) and Roland Spelt, Shell fuel operator

An appeal to our travellers

We urge our travellers to adhere to the coronavirus safety measures. Maintain a 1.5-metre distance, wash your hands regularly, do not travel if you have symptoms, and wear a face mask at Schiphol and on board the plane. We also strongly urge people who drop travellers off at the airport to not enter the terminal. We will strictly monitor compliance with these measures.

This way, we work together in making sure that necessary trips can go ahead and that the connections for passengers and cargo, that are so important to the Netherlands, can be maintained.

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Schiphol Group

KLM

BARIN

During today's test, an empty KLM Boeing 737 was towed to the runway by the Taxibot. "It's important to find out how far we can cut CO₂ emissions by using the Taxibot," explained KLM's project manager, Jeroen Jaartsveld. "We'd also like to know how long it takes to taxi with the Taxibot, what effect this has on aircraft engine maintenance, and how we might introduce sustainable taxiing with Taxibots on a large scale into Schiphol's daily operations."

Fly Responsibly

KLM's sustainability initiative, Fly Responsibly, launched last year, included a commitment to reducing carbon emissions caused by taxiing. This will contribute to KLM's ambition to cut its fleet's total carbon emissions by 15% compared to 2005.

In order to keep the aircraft airworthy during this period, KLM is carrying out an active parking program. In this way, KLM ensures that the aircraft are well protected from the weather during this period. In addition, the programme enables KLM to quickly deploy the aircraft when the weather permits. Periodic inspections are carried out throughout the entire parking period. KLM works well together with Schiphol in order to use the available time and space as efficiently as possible. In total, more than 200 aircraft of various airlines will eventually be parked at Schiphol, more than 100 of which will be KLM and KLC.

With regard to the large aircraft, the entire A330 fleet (13), the entire Boeing 777-200 fleet (15) and the remaining 747s (7) will be parked at Schiphol. The smaller aircraft, all Embraer 175s (17), a large number of Embraer 190s (15) and a large number of Boeing 737s (34) are also parked at Schiphol. The destinations KLM still flies to and the repatriation flights are flown with the remaining aircraft: the Boeing 777-300s, the Boeing 787-9 and -10 fleet, the remaining Embraer 190s and the remaining Boeing 737s.

Pictures of parked aircraft can be found below:

https://we.tl/t-XxCST4vGcI

The new jet bridge is equipped with smart technology, including cameras on the bridge that recognise the aircraft door and sensors that help it connect to the aircraft door. A KLM employee will activate the bridge and supervise the process.

“The fully automatic double passenger bridge at Schiphol is a great innovation and can make a real difference,” says René de Groot, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer at KLM. “KLM is proud to have contributed to its development. The bridge can connect up within one minute, and that means shorter waiting times for our customers. What’s more, the innovation will contribute to our punctuality and reduce the risk of breakdowns. All of this will ensure an even better customer experience.”

“I am proud that the world’s first fully automatic double-decker passenger bridge is going into operation at Schiphol,” says Dick Benschop, CEO of Royal Schiphol Group. “Innovation helps us improve quality so we can make the airport as comfortable and efficient as possible for passengers and airlines alike.”

KLM has regularly indicated that it is in favour of replacing short-haul flights with rail services, as long as trains fully match the speed, reliability and comfort that air travel offers passengers. The decision to reduce flight frequency from five to four flights a day on the Brussels-Schiphol route, in combination with the improved Air&Rail product aboard the Thalys, is a first step. KLM intends to gradually cut back the number of flights between Brussels and Schiphol. The Brussels-Schiphol route is used by passengers who catch connecting flights to intercontinental destinations at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

“Fly Responsibly” and slot restrictions

This step is part of KLM’s commitment to “Fly Responsibly”, which aims to create a sustainable future for air transport, but it also reflects our commitment to the sector plan Smart and Sustainable. Next to that, KLM is faced with slot restrictions at Schiphol. By replacing short-haul flights with rail services, scarce slots can be used for services to long-haul destinations. Rail services will maintain feeder traffic to Schiphol, while network quality improves thanks to the more varied range of available destinations.

Improvement of the Air&Rail product

Air&Rail is easy to book via KLM.com and travel agents. To ensure smoother connections with KLM flights, Thalys, NS, KLM and Schiphol are seeking to improve baggage handling and other services, and there will be a special Air&Rail check-in desk at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

About “Fly Responsibly”

“Fly Responsibly” embodies KLM’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for air transport. It incorporates all of KLM’s current and future efforts to improve the sustainability of its activities. But true progress can only be achieved if the entire sector cooperates. With “Fly Responsibly”, KLM invites consumers to opt for CO2 compensation services, while companies are invited to compensate for business travel via the KLM Corporate BioFuel Programme.

For more information on KLM and sustainability, please visit https://flyresponsibly.klm.com/nl_en#home

KLM is the first European airline to operate this more sustainable and economical aircraft. The Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner has the same efficient engines as the 787-9. The combination of these engines with the use of lighter materials in the 787-10 means it produces lower carbon emissions and less noise.

The 787-10's design is highly sophisticated, with large windows and a spacious interior providing much more room and comfort.

This first KLM 787-10 Dreamliner will be deployed from 2 July on KLM services to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam. KLM plans to have 15 Boeing 787-10s in its fleet by 2022.

Click here for more information about the KLM Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner.

The simulator offers a 360-degree experience, in which a video explains why, how and where King's Day is celebrated. During this experience, the passengers receive an orange crown, an orange bandana and some red, white and blue face paint.

The King's Day simulator is located at Schiphol Plaza at:

Friday 26 April - 8.00 am to 6 pm

Saturday 27 April - 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Roadmap

The ‘Roadmap Safety Improvement Schiphol’ (www.integralsafetyschiphol.nl), which was published online today, contains 30 safety measures that have recently been implemented, are currently studied, or are currently implemented. The sector specifically focused on further reducing runway incursions, minimising risks involved in runway combination changes and runway crossings, optimisation of collaboration between the various sector parties and optimal arrangement of infrastructure and services within this infrastructure. The roadmap will be updated twice a year.

Safety is paramount

For the entire aviation sector safety is paramount. Safety is constantly being optimised due to the constant development of new and existing technologies, procedures and training.

Systematic safety improvement

The extensive range of safety measures included in the roadmap includes the construction of an additional taxiway over the A4 motorway. As a result aircraft taxiing now have access to a separate taxiway in both directions. This greatly reduces the complexity of ground operations and therefore significantly boosts safety. Furthermore, investigation is under way to see if the staff directing the ground vehicles can work in the same tower control room as the ground controllers directing taxiing aircraft. This could improve coordination and minimises the risk of misunderstandings. The platform at the Zwanenburgrunway will be expanded to enable parking of a greater number of aircraft, reducing complexity of gate planners and preventing runway crossings. Investigation is also being conducted clarifying how ground handlers can increasingly share ground vehicles and materials in order to ensure platforms remain clear and movement of materials is reduced. Projects such as digitisation of flight information strips in the control towers are also included in the roadmap.

Integral Safety Management System (ISMS)

One of the Dutch Safety Board's recommendations was to jointly develop an integral system for safety management. In response to this recommendation, the Integral Safety Management System (ISMS) was created in order to improve collaboration between all parties involved in aviation safety. The ISMS is an addition to existing safety management systems of the sector parties involved. The ISMS focusses on risks with regards to interaction between those parties, the so called interface risks. Through the ISMS these interface risks can now be investigated collaboratively and safety analysis are being conducted proactively. Sharing information results in better insights, improvements and conclusions. This new and intensive collaboration method will greatly boost the ability of all parties to analyse, evaluate and resolve any safety issues that may arise.

Do you want to know more about the pick-up of a new Embraer? Take a look at our vlogs about the test flights and the ferry flight back to the Netherlands.

Schiphol has since opened again, but check-in systems remained out of service and staff could not get to the airport.

As a result, KLM has already had to cancel forty European flights and passengers should prepare for serious delays.

KLM is doing all it can to help its passengers as well as possible. We are rebooking passengers on other flights and keeping them informed through a variety of channels. KLM is also advising its passengers to check their flight information regularly.

KLM invests in fleet renewal
Once again in 2018, KLM will continue to invest in the renewal of its fleet to meet its customers’ needs and wishes. The Orchidee is the second Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to arrive in 2018. KLM will take possession of its next Dreamliner in August.

The Boeing 787 creates less ambient noise, consumes less fuel, and gives off fewer carbon dioxide emissions. It brings us ever closer to our aim to reduce CO₂ emissions by 20% in 2020 compared to 2011. The Dreamliner is built mainly of carbon fibre composite which can be cut easily, so the manufacturing process creates less waste.

It also offers numerous advantages in terms of passenger comfort. The increased cabin air pressure helps passengers to arrive at their destination feeling well rested. And all passengers have access to WiFi during the flight.

The Embraer aircraft also perfectly coincide with KLM’s sustainability policy. Owing to their advanced features, the Embraer jets burn less fuel, which means they emit less CO₂. The fuel consumption of the new E175+ aircraft is an impressive 22% lower than that of the Fokker 70s they replaced.

Europe’s largest Embraer fleet
KLM Cityhopper has the largest Embraer fleet in Europe. Since KLC phased out its last Fokker aircraft, its fleet has consisted entirely of Embraers. KLM currently uses its “E-jets” to operate around 300 short-haul flights a day, mostly to European business destinations. The E190 has 100 seats, while the E175+ has 88 seats.

With the three new arrivals, the fleet will consist of a total of 48 aircraft. In April 2018, KLC will take delivery of the 49^th Embraer, which is the last of the current order.

We wish Mr Benschop every success and look forward to a constructive cooperation between Schiphol and KLM.

Baggage

The Olympic team’s baggage was specially labelled in South Korea. It then passed through security, was put in separate containers, and taken aboard the KLM aircraft. The containers were loaded onto a lorry at Schiphol, which followed the athletes’ bus to the Olympic Stadium. The remaining passengers on flight KL854 left the aircraft in the usual way, through a boarding bridge to the gate.

KLM is the NOC*NSF’s preferred carrier.

Airports can be lonely places. Especially when you are travelling around Christmas time; a time for sharing, unity and togetherness. Natascha van Roode, Head of Global Marketing Communications KLM: “We are in the business of bringing people together all over the world and we always aim to offer our customers a memorable experience. After last year’s massively successful ‘Bonding Buffet’ event, we once again set out to accomplish both for travellers on the road. The Connecting Seats definitely did the job.”

The Connecting Seats did not only entice travellers to share personal anecdotes and Christmas wishes. Their curiosity yielded some warm and emotional chats in which participants exchanged their views on the world. Ultimately, travellers from over 30 different nationalities put their phones or books aside and opened up to each other.

The Connecting Seats event

KLM did not script anything for the Connecting Seats event. Marit Badia, Global Marketing Communications Manager KLM: “Having fully tested the technology, our main challenge was whether travellers where willing to open up and converse to one another. We completely relied on spontaneous responses from random travellers, which made it an audacious event. We were quickly positively surprised.”

The seats were specially designed for travellers on Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. After setting up the conversation by selecting their languages, it was not necessary to press any other buttons. With the use of Google Cloud's Speech API, Translation API and Web Speech API, the seat worked automatically.

More eco-benign

The Embraer 175+ has numerous technical features that substantially reduce fuel consumption and, hence, CO₂ emissions. Compared to the Fokker 70, the new E175+ burns 22% less fuel.

Also in the interests of our KLM passengers, KLM takes additional measures. The aim is to minimize discomfort at Schiphol, and to allow KLM flights to depart on time. In addition to continuously monitoring departure and transition processes, KLM will also use additional staff to guide passengers at the airport. KLM will also inform travellers individually, for example, if something changes in flight schedules. In addition, KLM has prepared the following tips that can help the traveller to make the departure and transition process as quickly as possible:

1. Provide contact information in My Trip

KLM recommends all passengers to add their contact info to their booking details. In 'My Trip' on KLM.com, travellers can check, enter or change their phone number and e-mail address. This way, should something change in their journey, KLM can get in touch sooner.

2. Check in online

In addition, KLM strongly recommends checking in online. This can be done in the KLM app and on the website, starting 30 hours before departure. For flights to and from the United States, check-in is open from 24 hours before departure. Online check-in saves time at the airport. Travellers then do not have to go to the check-in desk, but can go straight to baggage drop-off. Or, when travelling with hand luggage only, go straight to the gate. Families with children and groups are of course still welcome at the staffed check-in desks.

3. Read the baggage rules

Because baggage rules are strictly applied at Schiphol, passengers are advised to double-check the amount allowed for their journey according to their ticket conditions. This is stated in their booking details and on KLM.com. Hand luggage that is too big or too heavy must be checked in. Liquids may be carried in hand luggage, if brought in quantities of up to 100 ml and a total of 1 litre packed in a sealable plastic bag. KLM also recommends reading the list of prohibited articles on KLM.com.

4. Be at the airport well in time

Passengers departing from Amsterdam to destinations in Europe are advised to be at Schiphol Airport at least 2 hours before departure. Prior to departure of intercontinental flights, 3 hours are recommended.Departure halls 1 and 2 open every day at 4.30 AM.Schiphol has several departure halls, so KLM recommends checking in advance where the journey begins:

* Between July 6 and August 20 2017 check-in for intercontinental flights to the Caribbean, Paramaribo, Cape Town and Johannesburg may sometimes be in Departure hall 1. The information screens at the airport always show the correct check-in location.

5. Go to the gate at boarding time

The information screens at Schiphol airport show when boarding starts. It is important to be at the gate at the time indicated. For all KLM flights, the gate will close 15 minutes before departure. Anyone arriving at the gate after closing time will not be able to board anymore.Transferring passengers at Schiphol are advised to first go through customs and security checks. After that, one can still shop at the airport if boarding for the connecting flight has not yet started.

6. Maximum occupancy

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is responsible for staffing the security filters. KLM and Schiphol have agreed that all filters will be staffed to a maximum by deploying extra personnel. Plans are also underway to ensure optimum deployment of K-MAR border police at passport control.

SkyPriority

For SkyPriority customers at Schiphol the usual benefits of their membership level or travel class apply. KLM is aware of the increased busyness and does everything possible to minimize the inconvenience caused by this. Unfortunately, KLM cannot entirely prevent queues forming in SkyPriority rows and areas. Therefore, these travellers are also advised to be at the airport at least 2 hours (flights within Europe) or 3 hours (intercontinental flights) before departure.

Customer care

KLM customer care staff at all channels are prepared for receiving more questions and requests. They will do their utmost to serve and help travellers to experience a comfortable journey. Naturally, in case of delays, passengers will be rebooked and/or compensated according to KLM rules.With these additional measures, staff at KLM and its partner airlines are ready to take care of all customers.

For current information about the busy summer at Schiphol Airport, go to: https://www.klm.com/travel/nl_en/prepare_for_travel/up_to_date/flight_update/important_information_schiphol_summer_2017.htm

If you’d like to learn more about the arrival procedure for the new Embraers, take a look at the video clip below.

Located in Panama, Darien National Park is home to the Choco and Kuna peoples. The varied landscape includes sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, mangroves, swamps, lowlands and highlands with tropical rainforests. The park also boasts unusual wildlife such as giant anteaters, jaguars, tapirs and caimans.Darien National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, which means it is officially recognised as unique, irreplaceable and important to the collective interest of humanity.

It will take place at a specially selected gate at the airport. Boarding with facial recognition will require passengers to register first. In the waiting area near the gate, there will be a special registration kiosk. KLM staff will assist the passengers.

Registration involves scanning the passport, the boarding pass, and the passenger’s face. In the interest of privacy, the data will be used only for the test. Following boarding, all personal data will be erased. All data storage in the registration kiosk is erased after ten hours.

Schiphol and its partners are constantly working to develop innovations and create smart ways of improving ease of travel, speed, and airport processes. The airport aims to become “Leading Digital Airport” in 2018. This test is just one step in that direction. Over the past two years, the airport’s collaboration with KLM and governmental authorities has resulted in the introduction of the very first security scan for passengers, crew and staff, and the new Security Lane in 2015. Right now, there is a test involving carry-on baggage scanning which allows passengers to leave their laptops and liquids in their bags. In the time to come, innovative technologies will be tested on a regular basis and, when proven successful, will be put to use.

Ultimate customer experience
The lounge is intended to create the ultimate customer experience. It will receive an entirely new interior design with a completely new look, creating a fresh experience. The lounge will be fitted with the latest technology and service will be outstanding. There will be new concepts for everything from dining and refreshments and the service provided by lounge staff to logistics and the kitchen design. Digital innovations such as a self-service entrance will contribute to the personal experience. KLM is creating the lounge of the future.

Preferred airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol intends to be Europe's preferred airport for both passengers and airlines. This is one of the reasons Schiphol is pleased with KLM's plans for the lounge, which will have a positive effect on the passenger experience and increase the airport's appeal.

KLM Crown Lounge
The international KLM Crown Lounge can be found between Pier E and Pier F, both already remodelled by Ballast Nedam. The lounge is for business class passengers on intercontinental flights. It can be found on the second floor of the terminal and will be extended with a third floor during its renovation. The entrance will be on Holland Boulevard on the first floor. Schiphol is commissioning the shell work, while KLM has commissioned the work on the interior and the interior design.

The bus runs twice a day, seven days a week, from Maastricht Central Station via Maastricht Airport to Eindhoven Airport and on to Schiphol and then back. The bus is also suitable for passengers with restricted mobility, and children can travel along without needing a separate safety chair. You can refer to the schedule at KLM.nl/busservice. For all your questions about the KLM Bus Service, please call us at 020 – 4 747 747

Comfort
KLM ticket holders can travel for free on these buses. As such, passengers can save on costs related to fuel or train tickets, not to mention those associated with parking at the airport. Passengers will also be able to make use of free WiFi in the bus. Coffee, tea and water, along with the KLM Inflight Magazine Holland Herald complete the picture. And if the bus gets delayed along the way, KLM will rebook its passengers free of charge.

Maastricht twin city of Chengdu
Boasting the well-known KLM colours, the special buses are clearly recognisable. Launching the new KLM bus-service route goes hand in hand with the start of Chengdu Week in Maastricht. Maastricht and Chengdu have been twin cities since 2012. Chengdu Week aims to promote visitor awareness for the commercial and tourist opportunities presented by Chengdu and its surroundings.

KLM and Chengdu celebrating 10 years of service
KLM also shares a special bond with Chengdu and will this month be celebrating 10 years of direct service between Amsterdam and Chengdu. Until 4 July, KLM will be offering thrice-weekly service using Boeing 787 Dreamliner equipment. After 4 July, this frequency will be raised to four flights a week, also using the latest aircraft type.

Because Chengdu is home to the well-known giant panda, the KLM bus boasts the familiar KLM colours along with images of pandas and bamboo. Passengers travelling by bus in the course of the first month after the launch will also be given a mini panda as a gift.

During the coming period, the partners involved in this project will evaluate the test results and discuss the next phase.

Partners
This project was co-funded by the European Commission as part of its 7^th Framework Programme*. In addition to KLM, the project involved SME Bluebotics, the universities of Freiburg, Munich, Twente and Orebo, RWTH Aachen University, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The project is coordinated by the University of Freiburg.

The name Spencer is derived from “Social situation-aware PErceptioN and action for CognitivE Robots”.

(*) The 7^th Framework Programme for research and technological development has a total budget of EUR 50 billion, to co-fund research, technological development and demonstration projects.

Also read our KLM.Blog for more information about Spencer.

Objects share information
The devices on the objects transmit information to nearby devices, which in turn relay this information to others in their vicinity. This is how ground equipment such as dollies, carts, and staircases communicate their position to each other. An operator can check the location remotely via the cloud or a dashboard, which makes maintenance and equipment management for example more efficient and cost effective. Each device only needs one battery to keep the network operational for years at a time.

In addition to the Boeing 747, several Fokker 70s, Embraer 190s and Boeing 737s already feature the new livery. The first Boeing 777 will also be arriving soon at Schiphol boasting the new livery.

Knowledge centre for 'working & learning'
The involvement of KLM, with its ever-growing network and programme expansion, means that Luchtvaart College Schiphol can now rightfully call itself the knowledge centre for 'working & learning' in the aviation sector. With the employment and study programmes that are developed for companies, it is the aim of Luchtvaart College Schiphol to set people in motion. These programmes give aviation sector employees a means of retaining the required knowledge and skills, while also ensuring that the influx of new workers matches the needs of the industry in both a qualitative and quantitative sense. The Employers' Service Desk for Greater Amsterdam (Werkgevers Service Punt Groot Amsterdam) works directly with Luchtvaart College Schiphol to facilitate the placement of jobseekers who set to work as part of a specific, airport-oriented (vocational) training programme.

Recent achievements
Luchtvaart College Schiphol has been developing employment and study programmes for the aviation sector since 2007, including eight new senior secondary vocational (MBO) training programmes for airport security officers, air cargo and facilities employees, two custom-designed accelerated MBO programmes for airport retail staff and management assistants, and three tailored education portals for companies. Each year the college teaches 600 students, provides work experience placements for 300 students and gives training or instruction to 1,000 employees.