Top players in the aviation sector aim to accelerate transition to sustainable aviation

2 minutes read

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Royal Schiphol Group, Airbus, Royal NLR and TU Delft are entering into a close co-operation to develop the technology needed for climate-neutral flights in 2050. To mark the start of the Flying Vision joint initiative, the five parties signed a partnership agreement on Monday evening, 11 April.

Sustainable aviation in the Netherlands

Climate change is a reality. Although aviation makes a major contribution to the welfare and well-being of people all over the world, it also contributes to climate change. If no action is taken, this contribution will increase exponentially. If we are to realise the international ambition of fully climate-neutral aviation by 2050, more radical changes must be implemented at an accelerated pace. Michel Peters, CEO Royal NLR: ‘In order to meet the complex, global challenge, aviation research centres work closely together in the European partnership EREA. The agreement we signed ensures that knowledge institutions will be able to work more closely with one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world. This not only strengthens the position of the Dutch business ecosystem in a European context, but it also ensures that innovations find their way to concrete applications more quickly. This should contribute to achieving the necessary climate goals more quickly.’

Open and innovative
The Flying Vision initiative aims to develop an open and innovative ecosystem. This means that the parties involved will openly share technological breakthroughs and new knowledge and that everyone who wishes to contribute to making aviation sustainable is welcome to join.
The co-operation will focus on the following: the development of new types of aeroplanes that are very energy-efficient, the utilisation of 100% renewable energy, climate-neutral logistic operations in the aviation sector, the implications of sustainable aviation for passengers, and related matters. Encouraging entrepreneurship and training new talent are also important building blocks.

Holistic approach and a physical meeting place
As the five founders of Flying Vision complement each other and each represent a specific component of the aviation chain, it will be possible to not only search for partial solutions but also for integrated solutions for the entire aviation sector. For example, the transition to renewable energy sources is a challenge that impacts the entire chain and that can therefore be tackled more quickly in collaboration between all the parties. This approach emphasises the sharing of and shared development of knowledge and will accelerate the innovation process. This holistic method of co-operation is still unique in the sector.

Flying Vision partnership
Signing of the initiative at Schiphol (from left to right) by: Mr. P. Elbers (President and CEO KLM), Mr. G. Faury (CEO Airbus), Mr. H. Werij (Dean TU Delft), Mr. M. Peters (CEO NLR), Mr. D. Benschop (President and CEO Royal Schiphol Group).

Flying Vision corresponds with the National Growth Fund proposal ‘Aviation in Transition’. Please read our website for additional information about sustainable aviation.

Latest news

Defence and Security

24 June 2025

NLR plays crucial role as partner between government and industry during NATO Summit

Key highlights: NLR plays a crucial role as a partner between the government and industry in the Dutch innovation ecosystem for defence and security. The organisation provides support for research, policy and implementation of new technologies for defence and security. NLR works with knowledge institutions and industrial partners to develop innovative solutions for defence and […]
ATTILA tiltrotor whirl flutter shakedown test in DNW LLF.
Platform System Design

24 June 2025

NLR introduces the Trim Excitation Device for precise wind tunnel testing

One of the main drivers behind improving the design of a tiltrotor is the aeroelastic instability characterised by strongly coupled wing-rotor movements, also known as whirl flutter. This phenomenon generally limits the maximum speed that the aircraft can achieve. Wind tunnel testing helps to understand and improve these sorts of aerodynamic properties of an aircraft. […]
Sustainability and Environment

23 June 2025

VÆRIDION and NLR want to accelerate research and development of short-haul electric aircraft

Key highlights: At the Paris Airshow 2025, VÆRIDION and NLR signed an MoU to accelerate development of the 9-seater all-electric Microliner. Focus areas include flight testing, systems validation, and regulatory compliance for short-haul regional aircraft. The MoU builds on VÆRIDION’s recent expansion into the Netherlands and reinforces commitment to the Dutch aerospace innovation ecosystem. NLR […]