The KDC Foundation is a collaboration between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, LVNL, and aviation sector partners KLM and Royal Schiphol Group. The foundation develops and integrates knowledge with the aim of developing and innovating aviation in the Netherlands and Mainport Schiphol. The KDC has a multi-year program carried out in collaboration with knowledge institutes and consultancy firms.
In 2024, the KDC worked on five projects from the multi-year program. Two of these projects continued from 2023. Three of the five projects were completed in 2024. The last two projects will be completed in 2025.
The main topics of 2024 were:
- Future Ground Movement Concepts Part B: This study developed and tested concepts for sustainable ground operations, promoting sustainable taxiing to reduce emissions within a safe operational framework while maintaining capacity. This study was completed in 2024.
- Established on RNP-AR Procedures: This study investigated the implementation possibilities of Required Navigation Performance-Approval Required (RNP-AR) procedures at Schiphol, focusing mainly on transition aspects. This study was completed in 2024.
- Renewal of the KDC Research Agenda: In collaboration with the KDC expert team, the KDC research agenda has been renewed. The new strategic objectives focus on safety, sustainability, operational efficiency, capacity management, and meteorological innovation.
- Air-Ground Datalink Operational Validations: This is a continuation of a previous study. The earlier study analyzed the current datalink capabilities on the ground and in the air within Dutch flight information regions. This study investigated the implementation possibilities of datalink applications in Dutch airspace.
- Maintenance Works Impact Model: Developed to support planning processes for infrastructural maintenance, it is based on a wide range of performance indicators. This involves the infrastructure of Schiphol Airport as well as that of Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL). This study started in 2024 and will be completed in 2025.
- Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA): Aims to use the available airspace as efficiently as possible while balancing the interests of all users. This is particularly important in the Netherlands, where airspace is limited and has many different users. This study started in 2024 and will be completed in 2025.
KDC Centre of Excellence
The KDC has a partnership with the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Delft University of Technology (TU Delft): the KDC Centre of Excellence. In 2024:
- Eight students from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences graduated in the bachelor track and one in the master track.
- Eight master students from TU Delft graduated.
In addition to bachelor and master students, the Centre of Excellence has expanded with two PhD projects. These projects have a duration of four years:
- In 2023, the NOMOS study began, focusing on improved noise calculations based on measurements from the Noise Monitoring System (NOMOS) network.
- In 2025, a second PhD project will start with the topic: Increasing the predictability of 4D flight paths (TBO). This study aims to improve the predictability of flight routes in four dimensions (3D plus time) to make air traffic more efficient and sustainable.
InnovationLabs
In 2021 is een nieuwe ontwikkelfaciliteit bij LVNL gerealiseerd, voortkomend uit de samenwerking tussen het KDC en de TU Delft: iLabs. In 2024 hebben in totaal twaalf stagiairs van de TU Delft werkzaamheden verricht in iLabs. Hier is gewerkt aan de ontwikkeling van ATM en de faciliteiten bij iLabs. De faciliteiten worden onder andere door de MSc-track studenten van het KDC Center of Excellence gebruikt om innovaties te ontwikkelen, te testen en te demonstreren. Daarnaast heeft iLabs meerdere afdelingen van LVNL als gebruiker, bijvoorbeeld ter ondersteuning van de evaluatie van route ontwerpen of het versnellen van systeemontwikkeling. Met de aanstelling van een iLabs-coördinator in 2023 is het management en beheer van iLabs binnen LVNL voor de langere termijn gegarandeerd. Ook zijn daarmee verdere stappen gezet in het versnellen van innovatie in de organisatie.
Results of the students at the Technical University of Delft
Effects on departure capacity of TOBT uncertainty
The assertion and updating of the Target Off-Block Time, also known as TOBT, during the handling process of aircraft affects the capacity of an airport where airport collaborative decision making (A-CDM) is used, such as at Schiphol. The research question concerns an analysis that shows the effect of both how different parties deal with the TOBT proposition and updating and the influence of information sharing on Schiphol’s supply. The assignment includes a data analysis and the challenge of creating a model to show the effect on the supply of Schiphol.
by Daan Snijders
Enhancing the success rate of Continuous Descent Operations: the added value of TP performance through Air-Ground Datalink
Amsterdam Schiphol aims to implement Continuous Descent Operations (CDO) for arrivals, requiring high predictability of arrival trajectories. Emerging Air Ground Datalink (AGDL) technology, like ADS-C, could help achieve this. However, the impact of AGDL on Trajectory Predictor performance and the sensitivity of the arrival process to trajectory predictability are unclear. Understanding these dependencies will aid in designing the technical concept and inform the business case for airline equipage and ground system performance. A key measure of success will be the percentage of CDOs executed without Air Traffic Control (ATC) intervention.
by Mithun Raghunandan
Network effects of changing fuel prices and emission penalties
The Dutch government is implementing new environmental policies for aviation, including limits on aircraft movements and benchmarks for noise and emissions. These changes will affect Amsterdam Airport Schiphol’s (AAS) role as a transfer hub. This thesis analyzes the impact of these policies on AAS’s competitiveness using a traffic flow model to simulate the aviation network. The results will help AAS prepare for the effects of the policy changes.
by Winand Mathoera
Supporting Trajectory Based Operations in Aerodrome Control
To increase airspace capacity and reduce emissions, the ATM system will adopt Trajectory Based Operations (TBO), where aircraft share trajectory information via digital datalinks. Current research focuses on en-route control, but integrating TWR operations could enhance TBO. This integration can improve departure capacity, reduce noise, and manage flight path interactions. The goal is to develop a tool for TWR control to maintain separation between departing and arriving traffic in a TBO environment.
by Bob van Dillen
Supporting executive inbound flight sequencing: improving Expected Approach Time adherence
The limited size of the Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA) is a bottleneck for managing inbound traffic capacity. Arrival metering, which involves sending aircraft through the Initial Approach Fix (IAF) at pre-established Expected Approach Times (EAT), helps manage this. Currently, controllers must deliver aircraft at the IAF within ±120 seconds of their EAT. Reducing this window could increase capacity and allow for time-based separation at the IAF, moving towards trajectory-based operations. This research aims to develop a visual decision support tool to help controllers sequence aircraft and adhere to EATs, compatible with current and upcoming systems at the Amsterdam Area Control Center. An experiment with eight professional controllers showed positive results, with less deviation from EATs and lower workload using the new tool.
by Alexandru Măgdălinoiu
Ground handling planning conformance prediction
Predicting aircraft ground handling delays has become crucial for improving flight punctuality. Timely identification of these delays helps operational partners update schedules and reallocate resources. Understanding the prediction process is equally important as it provides insights into the complex ground handling system, which includes activities like fuelling, boarding, and baggage handling. This research focuses on predicting adherence to scheduled ground handling end times at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AAS) using interpretable machine learning models. It involves identifying and assessing the processes and variables in the ground handling process.
by Lars Dijkstra
Improving fog forecasts for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol using machine learning algorithms
LVNL uses a Decision Support Tool (DST) to manage delays up to four hours ahead, relying on accurate weather forecasts. Fog, which can quickly form and dissipate, severely limits airport capacity due to the need for large separation between aircraft. Traditional forecasting tools struggle with fog’s small-scale and short-lived nature. Machine learning algorithms offer a promising solution by providing accurate, small-scale fog forecasts using airfield observations. This improves air traffic controllers’ ability to anticipate and mitigate delays.
by Vera Buis
Effects of increased trajectory predictability by ATS Datalink on air traffic management operations in lower airspace
The latest Air-to-Ground Datalink (AGDL) generation, Air Traffic Services B2 (ATS B2), will be introduced in European airspace by 31 December 2027. Aircraft certified after this date must downlink and process ADS-C Extended Projected Profile (EPP) data. This detailed trajectory information improves predictability, enhancing safety, flight efficiency, and environmental impact. The research aims to determine the impact of this improved predictability on air traffic control procedures around Schiphol Airport.
by Thijs Scheffers
Results of the students at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences
Airport Operations Center
The Knowledge and Development Centre (KDC) stakeholders, including Royal Schiphol Group (RSG), KLM, and LVNL, currently prepare for daily operations independently, using their own information sources. This lack of communication and information sharing hinders efficient and safe airport operations. The research aims to identify and share relevant information from partner organizations to enhance operational planning, improve traffic prediction accuracy, and minimize delays at Schiphol Airport.
by Reem Alhasan
Inventory on System Wide Information Management (SWIM) to improve Flight Dispatch
System Wide Information Management (SWIM) represents a comprehensive overhaul in managing information throughout the entire European Air Traffic Management (ATM) system. It aims to drive new standards, information, and working methods. KLM’s flight dispatch operates 24/7 to ensure safe and efficient fleet operations, providing crews with all necessary information. Recognizing the importance of global interoperability and standardization in aviation, SWIM could enhance the interoperability of flight dispatch. This research will explore available data on SWIM to improve flight dispatch operations.
by Thomas Konijnenberg
Operational requirements Tactical Demand Tailoring
The goal of this project is to investigate and analyze the operational challenges and requirements associated with the implementation of Tactical Demand Tailoring (TDT) in the European aviation industry. TDT is a concept that involves planned inflight re-routing to optimize air traffic flow, enhance efficiency, and respond to changing conditions. The assignment aims to investigate various aspects related to TDT, including its feasibility, the parties involved, legislative considerations, and the necessary information and communication systems.
by Wester Kuijpers
Complexity factors in multiple- and remote tower operations
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol operates with three ATC towers, including a fallback tower. The main towers, Centrum (TWR-C) and West (TWR-W), manage ground handling and runway control, with TWR-W handling traffic at runway 36L/18R (Polderbaan). LVNL is studying the integration of these towers into TWR-C to reduce costs and personnel. Additionally, LVNL is exploring remote management of multiple regional airfields from a single tower center, potentially allowing one controller to manage two airports simultaneously.
by Joost Schimmel
Improving flight efficiency by using FMS data
As a hub-and-spoke carrier, KLM prioritizes connecting passengers at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport by scheduling closely timed arrivals and departures to ensure manageable transfer times. However, increasing traffic often exceeds airport capacity, causing delays and missed transfers. Research has suggested implementing Inbound Priority Sequencing (IPS) to address this issue. IPS considers factors like potential missed transfers and provides in-flight course corrections based on aircraft priority. Accurate predictions of arrival times at the start of the approach are crucial for IPS, requiring identification of the most accurate data source for estimated landing times. These estimates should be calculated early in the flight and updated hourly until the approach.
by Paolo Stet
Operational requirements for continuous descent operations from 4000 ft
In light of the Airspace Revision Program, the LVNL wants to implement Continuous Decent Operations (CDO) to reduce noise levels and fuel consumption. A first step involves exploring the possibility for a CDO from 4000ft towards 18C, the Zwanenburgbaan. The airspace infrastructure needs to be redesigned in an efficient manner for both the pilot and the air traffic controller. This way CDOs can be flown whilst maximum runway capacity and safe separation is maintained. This research aims to investigate the operational and functional requirements necessary for the successful implementation of such operations.
by Iskander Holtkamp
Feasibility of transitioning to a full RNP AR operation at Schiphol Airport, considering the benefits and challenges for all stakeholders
RNP AR is a precise navigation system that enhances operational efficiency, safety, airspace capacity, infrastructure, and environmental impact. Currently, few flights at Schiphol Airport use RNP AR, but LVNL aims for all incoming flights to adopt it. This research analyzes the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of transitioning to full RNP AR operations for stakeholders like LVNL, KLM, and Schiphol Airport.
by Stijn Nolst Trenité
Improving TOBT (Target Off-Block Time) progress by using big data (MSc)
Target Off-Block Time (TOBT) is crucial for optimizing airport operations through Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM). Accurate TOBT predictions are challenging due to factors like passenger arrival times and ground handling processes. This research uses data analysis to identify causes of TOBT delays and aims to improve prediction models. Better TOBT estimates can enhance flight flow, reduce delays, and improve airport efficiency, benefiting both airlines and passengers.
by Daan van der Veldt
Uitgebreidere informatie over het Centre of Excellence, KDC-projecten en resultaten is te vinden op de website www.kdc-mainport.nl.