In 2021, twelve sub-projects were worked on within KDC, all of which fall under the projects listed below.
In 2021, the KDC Management project was implemented, which provides support for the projects, maintenance of the website, and financial management.
The research within KDC is divided into two parts:
• Research conducted by one of our KDC partners or suppliers
• Research conducted by master/bachelor students within the KDC Centre of Excellence
Below is a brief summary of the projects and the results, divided into three themes.
Research theme: Environmental Sustainability
Future runway use (continued) by To70
In 2021 a sequel study was performed, studying environmetal effects of the new TMA concept that is foreseen to
be implemented as part of the Dutch Airspace Redesign Program. The study showed very promising results.
Night-time CDAs (continued) by NLR, ADECS, MovingDot, Ferway
In 2021 a start was made with the development of an environmental strategy for the night time operations. The
study will continue in 2022.
Traffic segregation concepts by NLR, MovingDot, Ferway
In 2021 a first study was performed into traffic segregation concepts, with to aim to optimize the environmental
performance of Schiphol airport. The study did not yield any feasible solution for the near term. An sequel
study into this subject will be put on the market in 2022
Established on RNP procedures by NLR
In 2021 a study into route design was conducted, making use of advanced navigation capabilities of aircraft. The
study did yield promising solutions. A sequel study will be conducted in 2022 looking at system innovation in
the field of ATM in support of concept deployment, with mixed airline equipage.
Steep approach runway 22 by To70
In 2021 a study was performed to investigate steeper approach angles close to the airport, with the aim to
reduce noise load on the surrounding communities. In 2022 a sequel study is foreseen, looking at very steep
approach angles for smaller aircraft.
Research theme: Capacity Management
Schiphol Airport Operations Centre (APOC) by To70
In 2021 a study was performed to align the planning processes of Schiphol airport, LVNL and KLM, the day
prior to operation. The study is part of a larger development, and sequel studies are expected in 2022 and
beyond.
Research theme: Airspace Redesign & Innovation
Transition to Trajectory Based Operations by consortium
In 2021 a broad team of experts developed a strategy for the transition to trajectory based operations. The study
was very successful and as a consequence several new studies will be incorporated in the KDC program. These
new studies are building blocks of the developed strategy.
Transition to high capacity fixed arrival routes
Two studies were conducted in 2021 in support of the fixed arrival route development. First design principles
were developed: Early split ñ late merge by To70. Secondly Key Performance Indicators were developed by NLR
in support of the decisions that need to be made during the deployment process.
Results of the students at the Technical University Delft
Improving the predictability of Aircraft Induced Lightning (AIL) for Mainport Schiphol
Around Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Aircraft-Induced Lightning (AIL) is common in fall and winter, with 90% of strikes triggered by the aircraft itself. This research aims to deepen understanding of AIL and provide pilots with new information, as AIL is often not covered in standard training. Enhanced pilot awareness could help reduce lightning strikes and their associated inconveniences.
by Brian Verhoeven
Taxi Time Prediction with Classical and Auto Machine Learning at Schiphol Airport
The Departure Sequence Planner (DSP) helps ground control optimize departure planning by estimating Variable Taxi Time (VTT) to determine an aircraft’s Target Take-Off Time (TTOT). Inaccurate VTT predictions can lead to delays, capacity losses, increased workload, and operational uncertainty. Currently, VTT is predicted using average taxi times based on gate-runway combinations, wake turbulence categories, deicing procedures, and simplified runway configurations. This project aims to enhance VTT predictions by utilizing machine learning and additional data sources like traffic density, weather, and aircraft type to improve accuracy and operational efficiency.
by Christophe Vakaet
Air Traffic Management Concept for Off-Idle Continuous Descent Operations at Schiphol
The aviation industry’s growth has led to increased emissions and noise. Continuous Descent Approaches (CDA) can mitigate these issues by eliminating level segments and reducing thrust, thus lowering noise and emissions. However, CDA complicates predicting aircraft positions, requiring more separation and reducing airport capacity. Using a fixed, constant descent angle for all aircraft could address this. This project aims to assess the feasibility of this approach for high-capacity airports, a crucial step towards implementation.
by Bart Bouwels
Air Traffic Flow Management for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Air Traffic Flow Management aims to optimize traffic flow in Europe’s air transportation system, minimizing delays. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a major source of Airport ATFM Delay due to congestion and other factors, impacting arrival punctuality. To address this, a Bayesian Network is proposed to analyze operational parameters and identify conditions causing delays, enhancing understanding and management of these issues.
by Mathijs Post
Design and Evaluation of a Support Tool for Planning Adherence While Holding Inbound Air Traffic
Schiphol Airport, one of the world’s busiest, faces challenges with tight schedules and urban areas under arrival routes. During extreme weather, delays are managed using holding stacks at three Initial Approach Fixes (IAFs). Currently, holding stack controllers (ACC) lack support to understand speed and wind effects on turn times and leg velocities. Enhanced support would help controllers make informed decisions, improving Estimated Arrival Time (EAT) adherence, traffic orderliness, capacity, and workload in the Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA).
by Stephanie Wiechers
Improving probabilities of poor visibility and ceiling
Accurate weather forecasts are crucial for optimizing Schiphol operations, especially for Low Visibility Procedures (LVPs). The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) provides these forecasts using deterministic weather models. This research evaluates the performance of three models—HIRLAM, HARMONIE, and ECMWF—in predicting visibility and ceiling. It aims to identify causes of inaccuracies and suggest improvements to enhance forecast reliability, thereby preventing unnecessary or last-minute operational restrictions.
by Soraya van Beek
Results of the students at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Evaluating the accuracy of information provided by the (D-1) OPS plan
In early 2020, LVNL implemented the OPS plan to better align traffic demand with available capacity by improving operational predictability and transparency for stakeholders. The PRE-TACT unit develops a daily OPS plan, which includes external factors affecting capacity and recommendations for optimal operations based on predicted traffic demand and weather forecasts. This research aims to evaluate the accuracy of predicted traffic demand by comparing it to actual demand in 20-minute intervals and assess how runway configuration impacts capacity.
by Jan Jaap Wijnker
Improving Operational Plan Preparation for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Stakeholder preparation for future operations is often done individually with limited and untimely information access. By mapping each actor’s plan development, commonalities and information exchange moments can be identified. Feedback from the Airport’s Operation Centre (APOC) and LVNL, along with expert recommendations, can improve information sharing. Optimizing planning processes and collective operational preparation benefits all stakeholders. Continuous monitoring of data exchange and arrangements using performance indicators ensures proper execution.
by Gijs Bekkers