Insights from the NAG Airport Development Networking Event
On Thursday, February 6th, Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport (RHIA) took part in an event aimed at collaborating in shaping the future of aviation: the NAG Airport Development Networking event, held at Lelystad Airport. This gathering brought together a diverse group of participants from various companies and universities, all sharing a common goal—to stimulate innovation and sustainability in the aviation sector, particularly among smaller airports.
Setting the Stage for Innovation
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Werner van Eck, CEO of MEP, whose opening remarks set a collaborative tone for the day. The focus on innovation was underscored by three compelling presentations from leading industry figures:
Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Developments at Lelystad Airport
Sander Mulder, Manager of Sustainability & Innovation at Lelystad Airport, kicked off the presentations by sharing insights into the airport’s sustainable energy initiatives. Attendees learned about current projects and future plans that aim to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint and promote environmental responsibility.
RHIA: Cleaner, Quieter, and Smarter Aviation
Elise Bavelaar and Cornelia Bom took the stage to discuss the ambitious goals of RHIA. As members of the RHIA Executive Board, they outlined their vision for transforming aviation into a cleaner, quieter, and smarter industry. Their talk emphasized the critical role of RHIA in spearheading these advancements, highlighting ongoing projects and collaborations with partners like Shell Nederland B.V.
DutcH₂ Aviation Hub: the future of hydrogen in Aviation
Marlies Hak, innovator at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, introduced the DutcH₂ Aviation Hub, a RHIA program exploring the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source for the future of aviation. Her presentation covered both the opportunities and challenges associated with integrating hydrogen into airport operations, sparking interest and discussion among attendees.
Engaging Discussions and Collaboration
The event’s momentum continued with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Werner van Eck. This open Q&A session provided a platform for attendees to engage with pressing topics in the industry, such as:
- Sustainability in flight and airport operations
- Collaboration opportunities for smaller airports
- Innovations in airport infrastructure and future development standards
- Projects like GOLIAT that promote enhanced collaboration between airports and aircraft developers
A Unique Glimpse into Lelystad Airport
The day completed with an exclusive guided tour of Lelystad Airport, allowing participants to experience the airport’s infrastructure up close in a rare, quiet setting. This behind-the-scenes look provided valuable insights into the airport’s operations and future development plans.
