Schiphol is known as the Mainport of the Netherlands and aspires to be *the most sustainable and high quality airport*. This is why we continue to improve our airport on all fronts. With the help of our partners and collaborative relationships, we are achieving pioneering innovations. This helps ensure our passengers enjoy the best possible travel experience and provides local residents, employers and visitors with a sustainable and safe airport.
An easily accessible and safe airport is important for passengers, local residents, employees and business customers. If we intend to maintain and expand Mainport Schiphol, this is one of our most important responsibilities. This is why, together with KLM, TU Delft (Delft University of Technology), TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research) and the NLR (National Aerospace Laboratory), we set up the SIM Innovative Mainport Alliance. Its aim is to improve the airport’s accessibility and processes through innovative technologies.
The Knowledge and Development Centre (KDC) was set up together with KLM and Air Traffic Control the Netherlands. Its aim is to identify valuable and innovative solutions for the sustainable development of Mainport Schiphol. The KDC supports and develops various projects that explore whether the airspace is being used sustainably, safely and optimally. It also proposes solutions.
Schiphol is more than 4 m below sea level and is one of the world’s most complex and vulnerable urbanised regions in terms of water management. The airport is therefore extremely vigilant when it comes to the consequences of climate change. This is one of the reasons why Royal Schiphol Group is part of the national Knowledge for Climate (*Kennis voor Klimaat*) programme. By developing and sharing knowledge, we hope to make our airport climate-proof. This is our contribution to the sustainable operation of Mainport Schiphol, in balance with its environment – now and in the future.
Local residents can turn to the Local Community Contact Centre Schiphol (BAS) if they have questions or comments about air traffic, runway usage, approach routes, safety or Schiphol policy. BAS employees ensure that their questions, complaints, tips and comments are referred to the right people. BAS is a joint initiative of Air Traffic Control the Netherlands and Royal Schiphol Group.
At the end of 2009, KLM, Schiphol, Rabobank and TU Delft established the Mainport Innovation Fund (MIF). In 2015, they were joined by the Amsterdam Port Authority and the NS (Dutch Railways), and MIF II was launched. This investment fund helps innovative entrepreneurs in the high-tech industry by providing funding and expertise and by deploying its international partner network. MIF II focuses on innovations for the logistics, transport and aviation sector.
In alliance with Erasmus Medical Center and KLM Health Services, we run the International Patient Center (IPC). In it, Schiphol provides patients from abroad with access to quality Dutch healthcare. IPC helps international patients and referring physicians to find the right consultation or medical treatment at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam. In collaboration with KLM Health Services, we arrange the medical transport, facilities and accommodation for international patients.
Collaborating with suppliers and partners is an important focus for Royal Schiphol Group. Every day, more than 65,000 people from all kinds of different companies work together to give travellers a great travel experience and keep cargo running smoothly. We want to ensure that everyone at the airport can work well and safely, and we also feel responsible for our environment and for the quality of our infrastructure and buildings. Together we work towards a quieter, cleaner and better Schiphol. In this way, Schiphol remains a place that connects the Netherlands with the rest of the world, but with demonstrably less impact on people and the environment. We can only achieve this with the commitment and expertise of our partners.