Clear and feasible advice from Remkes Committee

Royal Schiphol Group is indebted to the Advisory Committee for investigating the relationship between aviation and nitrogen, and offering advice on solutions. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol made it clear from the start that it wished to contribute, in line with what the Advisory Committee stated in its first report: ’All economic sectors responsible for nitrogen emissions must make an equitably balanced contribution, while acknowledging cost effectiveness.’

The Committee described the relatively modest contribution made by aviation and concluded that aviation’s reputation as a major source of nitrogen emissions was inconsistent with the facts.

Schiphol is aware of its responsibility and – together with the sector and in keeping with the Remkes Committee’s advice – is committed to implementing the required measures. This includes the following:

• Remaining en route to zero-emission airports by 2030, with the largest electric bus fleet in Europe, electric public transport to and from Schiphol, aircraft using ground power and the development of electrically powered taxiing.
• Schiphol encourages the use of cleaner, quieter aircraft through its airport charges levied on airlines. This has contributed to the aircraft fleet being updated. Scaling up the use of sustainable aircraft fuels is the next step.

The Committee also indicated that, like in other sectors, an additional measure would be to use the possibilities provided by internal and external offsetting.

“With this advice, the committee has assigned a clear task, but also given feasible advice. This will allow the government to finalise its political decision making on Lelystad and Schiphol.” Dick Benschop, CEO Royal Schiphol Group