What if aircraft approached airports differently?

One of the concepts currently attracting growing international attention is steep(er) approach operations. Airports, research institutes and aviation stakeholders across Europe are exploring whether steeper approach angles can contribute to reduced noise exposure while maintaining operational feasibility and safety. At Rotterdam The Hague Airport, an initial exploration of steeper approach operations has been carried out together with NLR and other stakeholders to better understand the opportunities and challenges of this concept.

During this edition of the RHIA Talk on October 5, leading experts from industry, government and academia will share their insights, experiences and perspectives on this emerging topic.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Together, we will explore:

  • The latest developments and international experiences with steep approach operations
  • Insights from the initial exploration of steep approach operations at Rotterdam The Hague Airport
  • Potential effects on noise reduction and possible environmental impact
  • Operational implications for airports, air traffic management and flight crews
  • Current research and knowledge gaps
  • A light โ€˜immersiveโ€™ introduction to steep approach operations through video demonstration and a VR experience
  • Opportunities for collaborative testing, monitoring and validation
  • The potential role of Rotterdam The Hague Airport within a broader European innovation ecosystem

The programme features expert presentations, a moderated panel discussion, an interactive Q&A session and a forward-looking dialogue on possible next steps for validating, testing and international cooperation.


WHY ATTEND?

This RHIA Talk brings together researchers, policymakers, aviation professionals, businesses and public stakeholders to exchange knowledge and discuss how innovation can contribute to a more sustainable future for aviation.

Whether your interest lies in noise reduction, operational innovation, environmental impact, airspace management or European collaboration, this event offers the opportunity to engage with experts and fellow stakeholders.

Interest in this topic is growing rapidly across the aviation sector, and participation capacity is limited.

Secure your spot today and join the conversation shaping the next generation of quieter and smarter airport operations.

Meet the speakers

Programm

14:45 - 15:00
Walk-in
15:00 - 16.00
RHIA pitches & Talk
16:00 - 16:45
Interactive session
16:45 - 17:00
Wrap-up
17:00 - 18:00
Networking drinks

Mark Dorsman

R&D Engineer, Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and Captain at Transavia

Roalt Aalmoes

LiT DASAL Project Coordinator at NLR

Pim van Gemeren

Coordinating Policy Officer, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management

Roberto Merino Martinez

Assistant Professor, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, TU Delft

Bart Banning

Air Traffic Management Architect at LVNL

Stefan van Dorp

Training and Standards Captain Falcon 8X, Shell

Steven van der Kleij

Director of Development & Capacity, Rotterdam The Hague Airport