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Projects

Pathway

Future energy supply (chain)

DutcH2 Aviation Hub
Fieldlab Next Aviation

DutcH₂ Aviation Hub

The DutcH₂ Aviation Hub is an ecosystem that utilizes an operational test and development environment (RTHA) to enable the further development of all aspects of hydrogen flight. As part of the broader effort to achieve more sustainable aviation, this Hub serves as a collaborative platform where companies, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs come together to develop and implement hydrogen-based solutions within various projects. By working together and sharing knowledge, we ensure a guaranteed acceleration in the transition to hydrogen flight.
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Battery electric aviation
DutcH2 Aviation Hub
Fieldlab Next Aviation

Autonomous & Sustainable Airside Operations (Energy Carriers)

The Autonomous & Sustainable Airside Operations – Energy Carriers project tests how electric and hydrogen‑powered ground systems can support cleaner airside operations. In the RTHA fieldlab, partners trial new vehicles, charging concepts and operational workflows to understand how alternative energy carriers can possibly reduce emissions on the apron.
DutcH2 Aviation Hub
Fieldlab Next Aviation

Pipistrel H2 Range Extender

The Pipistrel H2 Range Extender project evaluates how a hydrogen‑powered range extender can enhance the endurance of light electric aircraft. Using RTHA as a live test environment, partners like TU Delft and NLR assess performance, safety and operational feasibility for future zero‑emission flight training and short‑range missions.
Battery electric aviation
Fieldlab Next Aviation

PowerUp Collaboration

PowerUp is a Collaboration of Dutch regional airports, KLM and Schiphol Group to accelerate electric short‑distance flying and develop the required charging and flight infrastructure. It brings partners together to test electric propulsion concepts. By combining research, ground testing and early operational trials, the collaboration accelerates the development of next‑generation energy carriers for regional aviation.
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Airport Technology Lab/Digital simulation & data platforms
Aviation on (E-)SAF
Fieldlab Next Aviation

SAF Tests & Analyses

The SAF Tests & Analyses with PH‑LAB project conducts flight‑based testing using the PH‑LAB research aircraft of TU Delft and NLR at RTHA. By analysing emissions, engine behaviour and operational effects of different SAF blends, the fieldlab enables high‑quality data collection to support cleaner aviation technologies.
Aviation on (E-)SAF
Fieldlab Next Aviation

SAF Value Chain

The SAF Value Chain Testing project uses the operational environment at RTHA as a fieldlab to test every step of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel chain — from delivery and storage to blending and aircraft refuelling. These real‑world trials help partners understand performance, logistics and scalability for future SAF deployment.
DutcH2 Aviation Hub
Energy Management Systems
Fieldlab Next Aviation

Energy System

The Energy System project develops and tests large‑scale batteries and electrolysers directly in the RTHA fieldlab environment. The aim is to understand how (hydrogen) production, energy storage and flexible consumption can support cleaner airport operations and provide resilience during peak loads.
Airport Technology Lab/Digital simulation & data platforms
DutcH2 Aviation Hub
Fieldlab Next Aviation
Noise reduction

NEEDED

A project working on European emission models and methods for quiet and green aircraft operations (including future hydrogen-powered aircraft) around airports.
Air quality improvement
Automated systems
Aviation on (E-)SAF
Battery electric aviation
CO2 reduction
DutcH2 Aviation Hub
Electrification infrastructure
Innovation Route
Noise reduction

Your project?

There is always room for new ideas and initiatives that strengthen the innovation ecosystem around the operational fieldlab at RTHA. Through Future Check‑in we welcome organisations to explore whether their ambitions align with our mission. Those who become partners join an ideation session with other interested parties, where we shape concepts into concrete collaboration projects that can be tested and developed in the live airport environment.
Pathway

Smart energy airport

Airport Technology Lab/Digital simulation & data platforms
Electrification infrastructure
Energy Management Systems
Fieldlab Next Aviation

Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

The BESS Project tests how a Battery Energy Storage System performs in a live airport setting at RTHA. By evaluating different operational strategies — from peak shaving to renewable integration — the project demonstrates how large‑scale storage can possibly stabilize the airport’s energy system and reduce emissions.
Airport Technology Lab/Digital simulation & data platforms
Energy Management Systems

Digital Twin

The Digital Twin project builds a virtual replica of the airport’s energy ecosystem, grounded in real‑time data from the RTHA fieldlab. This digital environment allows partners to simulate energy flows, test innovations safely and plan infrastructure investments with greater precision.
DutcH2 Aviation Hub
Energy Management Systems
Fieldlab Next Aviation

Energy System

The Energy System project develops and tests large‑scale batteries and electrolysers directly in the RTHA fieldlab environment. The aim is to understand how (hydrogen) production, energy storage and flexible consumption can support cleaner airport operations and provide resilience during peak loads.
Airport Technology Lab/Digital simulation & data platforms
Electrification infrastructure
Energy Management Systems

Smart Grid and Energy Balance

The Smart Grid & Energy Balance project uses the operational airport environment at RTHA as a fieldlab to test how energy flows can be intelligently shared between the airport, local users and external suppliers. By coordinating generation, storage and demand, the project explores how an airport can function as an active, flexible node in the regional energy system.
Air quality improvement
Automated systems
Aviation on (E-)SAF
Battery electric aviation
CO2 reduction
DutcH2 Aviation Hub
Electrification infrastructure
Innovation Route
Noise reduction

Your project?

There is always room for new ideas and initiatives that strengthen the innovation ecosystem around the operational fieldlab at RTHA. Through Future Check‑in we welcome organisations to explore whether their ambitions align with our mission. Those who become partners join an ideation session with other interested parties, where we shape concepts into concrete collaboration projects that can be tested and developed in the live airport environment.
Pathway

Environmental & societal impact

Air quality improvement
Automated systems
CO2 reduction
Fieldlab Next Aviation
Noise reduction

Single Engine Taxi

The Single Engine Taxi project evaluates how reduced‑engine taxiing and semi‑autonomous towing could potentially lower fuel burn, emissions and noise during ground operations. Trials focus on operational feasibility, safety and the potential for large‑scale adoption.
Air quality improvement
Fieldlab Next Aviation

UFP Reduction Measurements

The UFP Reduction Measurements investigates how operational choices, ground equipment and new technologies can reduce ultrafine particle emissions around the airport. The goal is to identify practical interventions that improve local air quality while maintaining operational performance.
Air quality improvement
Fieldlab Next Aviation

Non‑CO₂ Impact Study

The Non‑CO₂ Impact Study focuses on understanding aviation’s climate effects beyond carbon emissions, including contrails, NOx and atmospheric chemistry. By analysing real operational data, the project helps identify measures that can meaningfully reduce the sector’s total climate impact.
Fieldlab Next Aviation
Noise reduction

Steep Glide Path Trials

The Steep Glide Path Trials explore how steeper approach profiles can reduce noise exposure for surrounding communities. Through controlled test flights, the project evaluates safety, feasibility and passenger experience to support quieter and more efficient arrival procedures.
Air quality improvement
CO2 reduction
Fieldlab Next Aviation

Contrail Mitigation

The Contrail Mitigation Project investigates how flight planning, weather data and operational choices can reduce the formation of climate‑warming contrails. By testing practical mitigation strategies, the project aims to lower the non‑CO₂ climate impact of aviation in day‑to‑day operations.
Fieldlab Next Aviation
Innovation Route

Optimal Adoption Rate Study

The optimal adoption rate study examines how pilots use the sustainability tools available in the cockpit and how their impact can be maximised. By analysing real flight behaviour, operational data and user experience, the study identifies barriers and opportunities to improve tool usage. The aim is to ensure that solutions designed to reduce fuel burn, emissions and noise are effectively adopted in daily operations.
Air quality improvement
CO2 reduction
Fieldlab Next Aviation

APU usage research

Within RHIA, partners conduct APU usage research to understand how aircraft rely on their Auxiliary Power Unit during turnaround and how this can be reduced. By analysing real operations and testing cleaner ground‑based alternatives, the project helps lower fuel burn, emissions and noise on the apron — making airside operations more sustainable without compromising performance.
Airport Technology Lab/Digital simulation & data platforms
DutcH2 Aviation Hub
Fieldlab Next Aviation
Noise reduction

NEEDED

A project working on European emission models and methods for quiet and green aircraft operations (including future hydrogen-powered aircraft) around airports.
Automated systems

Autonomous & sustainable airside operations

The Autonomous & Sustainable Airside Operations project explores how automation and low‑emission technologies can improve daily airport operations. At RTHA, partners test autonomous vehicles, smart coordination tools and new operational concepts in the live environment. A key element is MARTHA, the autonomous shuttle running test services between Meijersplein metro station and the airport, showing how self‑driving mobility can boost safety, efficiency and sustainability on and around the airside.
CO2 reduction
Innovation Route

Innovation Route

The Innovation Route, developed with Transavia, turns the corridor between RTHA and Faro into a real‑life testbed for cleaner and smarter aviation. Through a series of dedicated flights, partners trial new technologies, operational improvements and sustainable energy solutions that are aimed to reduce emissions and enhance efficiency.
Air quality improvement
Automated systems
Aviation on (E-)SAF
Battery electric aviation
CO2 reduction
DutcH2 Aviation Hub
Electrification infrastructure
Innovation Route
Noise reduction

Your project?

There is always room for new ideas and initiatives that strengthen the innovation ecosystem around the operational fieldlab at RTHA. Through Future Check‑in we welcome organisations to explore whether their ambitions align with our mission. Those who become partners join an ideation session with other interested parties, where we shape concepts into concrete collaboration projects that can be tested and developed in the live airport environment.