Airport Operations

Airport Operations

28 March 2025

Safety Management

Effective safety management is crucial for organisations operating in complex and dynamic environments. At NLR, we specialise in supporting the development and assessment of Safety Management Systems (SMS), ensuring that our clients have the necessary frameworks, procedures, and resources in place to mitigate risks and optimise safety performance. Our expertise has been applied in various contexts, including supporting Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with incident data analysis, reviewing safety management processes for Geneva Airport, introducing Operational Risk Management for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, and helping airlines and energy transmission operators like Swissgrid develop their SMS. With a proven track record of delivering tailored solutions to clients across various industries, we help organisations navigate the complexities of safety management and achieve their safety goals.

Air Traffic Management

27 February 2025

Fast time simulation

Changes in airport or airspace layout are almost inevitably associated with new operational concepts. Such new concepts of operation need to be analysed and evaluated extensively in order to evolve from several initial ideas to a single, mature operational concept ready for implementation.

Air Traffic Management

27 February 2025

RPAS safety

With over two decades of experience in accident investigation, safety management, safety regulation, and safety risk modelling, NLR possesses a unique blend of expertise to support the development and implementation of safe and effective unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations. Our team has served as policy and technical advisors to key international UAS working groups, including the ICAO RPAS Panel, JARUS, EUROCAE WG UAS, and the UAS WG of the Network of Analysts, providing us with a deep understanding of the global regulatory landscape.

Air Traffic Management

26 February 2025

Runway allocation suite

NLR has developed a comprehensive runway allocation suite that provides airports with a tailored solution for optimising runway selection and allocation. This suite includes advanced tools for forecasting runway usage up to 30 hours in advance, as well as reporting mechanisms for monitoring runway allocation deviation and noise distribution. By leveraging this technology, airports can make more informed decisions about runway usage, reduce noise pollution, and improve overall efficiency. The suite is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the specific needs of each airport, with a user-friendly interface that visualises key decision-making parameters and motivations.

Air Traffic Management

26 February 2025

ATM and airports

NLR provides innovative solutions and consultancy services to address Air Traffic Management (ATM) and airport operational problems. We have unique facilities that enable us to create highly realistic simulations of operational environments for area control, approach control, and tower control. Our facilities also include tools for analysing traffic flows and their impact on the environment, as well as plug-in capabilities for integrating customer hardware and software into our simulation environments. Additionally, we offer training facilities for ATM and airport staff that can be tailored to specific customer needs. Our team of experts includes multidisciplinary professionals with expertise in operations, system development, simulation, verification, and validation. We also have the capability to execute test flights to evaluate the quality of service and coverage of CPDLC VDL mode 2 in customer airspace, as well as evaluate issues related to round trip message transfer and handoffs between ground stations to maintain stable connectivity.

Air Traffic Management

25 February 2025

Concepts for ATM systems

NLR has the knowledge, experience and simulation capabilities to develop and assess concepts for air traffic management (ATM) systems. Our expertise enables us to evaluate the feasibility of these concepts from multiple perspectives, including benefits, human performance, cost, safety, and regulatory compliance. Our experienced aviation researchers and engineers can advise and support you during the implementation of such concepts in your ATM system. Additionally, we have two research aircraft that can fly with all available types of aircraft equipment to test systems and procedures. Our knowledge about the performance and availability of current and expected future aircraft equipment of many airspace users can be translated into realistic and feasible requirements for ATC manufacturers. These requirements ensure seamless co-operation between ground and airborne equipment.

Air Traffic Management

25 February 2025

Instrument flight procedure design

NLR has the expertise and experience to assess, develop or modify flight procedures. We have the capability and facilities to evaluate and validate a procedure design at any stage in the development process, to offer the full spectrum in the design and validation of flight procedures. The conceptual design and CONOPS associated with a new procedure can be developed, based on user requirements and stakeholder consultations

Air Traffic Management

25 February 2025

Concept of operations development

Royal NLR has extensive experience in operational concept development for all aspects of air traffic management (ATM), leveraging applied Research and Development to enhance ATM operations globally. With a proven track record in designing, developing, and validating new ATM concepts, procedures, and support tools, we utilise working methods based on proven international standards, such as E-OCVM and EUROCAE. Our team provides expert ATM operational knowledge, allowing us to speak your language and converse on equal terms. We maintain a clear view on your aims and focus on achievable results, with skilled experts who are able to translate desired goals into concrete solutions.