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What is RHIA

A community platform that works collaboratively towards a quieter, cleaner and smarter future for aviation with Rotterdam The Hague Airport as a unique testing ground.

Shaping the future of aviation

RHIA (Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport) connects companies, research & educational institutions and authorities & governments to develop a quieter, cleaner and smarter future for aviation.

Working together on real solutions

At RHIA, collaboration takes place at an operational airport. Together with partners, RTHA (Rotterdam The Hague Airport) provides a real-life testing ground where innovations can be validated and demonstrated in practice. This setting turns ideas into applied solutions that move the aviation sector forward while enabling airports to prepare their infrastructure and operations for the future.
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RHIA Pathways

Focus areas

RHIA offers a variety of innovative and action-oriented projects towards a quieter, cleaner and smarter future of aviation through sustainable practices and technological advancements, with an operational airport (RTHA) as a test facility. Stimulating innovative technologies and infrastructure is a crucial driver of economic growth. As RHIA explores sustainable practices, the potential for economic expansion becomes inevitable. We focus on sustainable practices and gaining valuable insights on implementing infrastructure and operations, such as new energy solutions for electric and hydrogen-powered aviation and flying on SAF, environmental and societal impact and comprehensive energy management systems.

Pathway

Future energy supply (chain)

Developing the airport infrastructure and operational processes for hydrogen-powered, SAF and battery-electric flights.
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Pathway

Smart energy airport

Developing smart energy systems to manage current and future airport energy demand with sustainable solutions.
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Pathway

Environmental & societal impact

Optimising flight paths to reduce noise and emissions, improving air quality with cleaner fuels and reducing waste.
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We’re on a mission

Rhia sets course towards achieving a quieter, cleaner and smarter future for aviation starting from RTHA - Key enabler & fully operational testing ground - through knowledge dissemination, driven by a community of innovators.

From ideas to action

To accelerate the shift towards future proof aviation, we emphasize the principle of ‘learning by doing’ and create meaningful impact. This means taking concrete actions that lead to innovative solutions. By actively engaging and connecting the right stakeholders, we facilitate knowledge sharing, align common goals and organise collaboration through practical innovation projects. This approach creates a dynamic environment for real-world learning and delivers tangible progress in sustainable aviation.

Thinking global and starting local

At RHIA, the community guides every decision and action towards our shared goal. We believe in thinking big and acting small, acknowledging that local efforts can impact globally. Testing on a small scale first helps us identify challenges and refine strategies for greater success when expanding. Through projects and events, we build an active community and strengthen collaboration. Working together in practice creates opportunities for innovation and drives sustainable aviation forward.
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RHIA explained

The ecosystem

The RHIA team of directors are responsible for setting the strategic development of the organization towards a lively community, ensuring that all efforts align with the long-term vision and goals of RHIA. RHIA is guided by the highly motivated and knowledgeable executive board that includes representatives from RTHA, Transavia, Shell, TU Delft and NLR. The executive board plays a key role in shaping the RHIA innovation portfolio and overseeing the implementation and progress of projects. Together, they drive community development by engaging in ecosystem-building activities such as creating communication platforms, organizing RHIA events, conducting ideation sessions, and facilitating connections to investment and funding opportunities.
The RHIA community is a diverse group of innovators, industry leaders and pioneers. It is a growing network where knowledge, expertise and experience come together to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation. By joining RHIA, members become part of an active network committed to shaping the future of sustainable aviation through collaboration and shared ambition.
RHIA maintains close ties with local municipalities, the province and the government. Together, they create a collaborative environment that is essential for addressing current challenges in aviation and innovation. By actively sharing knowledge, organizing concrete demonstrations and researching scalability, partners help bring diverse insights together into a clear understanding of the sector’s needs. This cooperation identifies innovation and policy gaps and supports strategic decision-making, ensuring that innovative solutions are effectively integrated into aviation.

Transform your solution into reality

Start your sustainable aviation journey today. No more delays.
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