The Netherland Aerospace Centre (NLR) is a leading international research organization for aerospace working with the international business community and government agencies. Its mission is to make aerospace safer, more efficient, effective, and sustainable.
NLR has been around for over 100 years. Given the country’s relatively small size, what do you attribute the organization’s success and aerospace heritage to?
The Netherlands is a relatively small country, but it's the fourth or fifth largest economic power in Europe. This strong economy, combined with a rich aviation heritage, contributes significantly to our success in the aerospace sector. Historically, the Netherlands had its own aircraft manufacturer, Fokker, which played a crucial role. Although Fokker no longer exists, its legacy continues through its integration with GKN-Fokker. This legacy allows us to "punch above our weight" in both civil and military aviation. Moreover, the Dutch aviation sector's deep-rooted history and long-standing tradition dates back to 1919 with the establishment of the Government Service for Aeronautical Studies (RSL), alongside Fokker Aircraft and KLM.
The Netherlands is funnelling considerable investment into drones and advanced air mobility. What are the motivations behind this, and is it a realistic adoption strategy?
Drones have been part of the Netherlands Aerospace Centre’s projects since the early 1980s, long before my time. Our involvement has continued to grow, especially with the increasing military and civilian applications of drones. The Netherlands’ focus on sustainability may also play a role in this prioritization, given our highly populated environment and the proximity of aircraft to urban areas, which raises concerns about noise and emissions.
Sustainability is a significant driver behind our advancements in drones and air mobility. For decades, the Dutch government has been pushing for solutions that make aviation quieter and less polluting. This emphasis on reducing environmental impact aligns with the global trend towards more sustainable aviation practices, ensuring that our investments in these areas are not just realistic but necessary.
What are the most impactful policies and regulations currently shaping the sustainability agenda in Dutch aviation?
One of the most significant steps the Dutch government has taken is imposing a ceiling on carbon dioxide emissions for aircraft. Soon, aircraft that exceed certain emission thresholds will no longer be allowed to fly in the Netherlands. This regulation is a strong incentive for the industry and research organizations like ours to develop cleaner technologies. Additionally, noise reduction is another critical area of focus, with similar regulations pushing us to innovate. These policies are essential drivers for advancing sustainability in aviation, ensuring that the industry continues to evolve in a way that aligns with broader environmental goals.
The adoption of new technologies often faces significant challenges, particularly regarding safety. When implementing new technology in an aircraft, it's not just about proving that it works but also ensuring it meets the strict safety standards required for certification. New technologies lack long-term safety statistics, making it difficult for certifying authorities like EASA to approve them without extensive testing. This lack of data is a major hurdle. We need to build trust in these technologies through rigorous testing and the gradual accumulation of safety statistics. For example, we’re currently testing a fully electric, two-seater aircraft with a flight time of just under one hour. Although its range is limited, this prototype helps us explore the potential for range extenders using hydrogen, which could pave the way for more sustainable, reliable aircraft in the future.
What technologies are you most excited about that have the potential to lead the way to a more sustainable aviation industry?
There are several exciting technologies on the horizon. First, making aircraft as light as possible is a traditional but effective approach, as lighter aircraft consume less energy. Next, developing engines that emit little to no pollution and generate less noise is critical. Hydrogen as an energy carrier and full-electric aircraft are among the most promising solutions for the future. Full-electric aircraft, in particular, represent a vision of true zero-emission flight, though it remains a long-term goal.
Synthetic aviation fuels, produced using green hydrogen and captured CO2, also offer a viable interim solution. These fuels can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of aviation, contributing to climate conservation while we continue to work towards more ambitious zero-emission goals. Collaboration across Europe and globally is vital to making these innovations a reality.
How do you plan to address public concerns about the application of these new technologies in aviation?
Public perception is crucial, especially given that civil aviation often faces criticism, and rightly so, for its environmental impact. We acknowledge that aviation contributes to emissions and fully adhere to international climate agreements to reduce this impact. Our mission is to bring the 3% of global (CO2) emissions attributed to aviation down to 0%, but this is a complex challenge that won’t be solved overnight.
Reducing emissions to zero while maintaining the same safety standards is our ultimate goal. Although the figure of 3% might seem small, the growth in global air travel means that if we don’t act, this percentage could increase. The solution lies in developing truly zero-emission aircraft, which will eliminate the problem of aviation-related emissions entirely. In the Netherlands, we are particularly involved in hydrogen technology. For instance, we had a drone flying on gaseous hydrogen in 2019, and this year we’re working with liquid hydrogen. Next is the National Growth Fund awarded the aviation program ‘Luchtvaart in Transitie’ €383 million. Including private contributions, this program will be able to invest approximately €750 until 2030 to contribute to an acceleration towards a sustainable future of aviation, demonstrating the Netherlands’ commitment to finding its place in the global supply chain of sustainable aviation technologies.
