Schiphol is working with the sector to implement a wide range of measures to better protect staff working airside on the apron from VDME and, consequently, ultrafine particles. We want to minimise the presence of aircraft and diesel engines in the vicinity of employees on the apron. This requires some changes.
Diesel-powered equipment is making way for electric alternatives. Fixed power units (FPUs), electric pre-conditioned air units (e-PCAs) and electric ground power units (e-GPUs) are now available at most locations around the airport.
If they can taxi straight to a preprepared aircraft stand, planes no longer need to wait at a holding bay with their engines running.
New guidelines and enforcement ensure that auxiliary power units (APUs) are only used when absolutely necessary.
The pushback procedure is being modified so that aircraft are pushed to a position where the engines are started later and further away. Also, their exhaust is no longer directed towards the apron.
Aircraft move over the apron with as few engines running as possible, both after landing and before departure.
Diesel vehicles are being replaced with electric versions. If a suitable alternative isn’t available, technical modifications are being considered. We are also looking at whether the vehicle is really necessary at all and monitoring developments in the market.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is available to all apron workers who wish to protect themselves against emissions from aircraft and diesel engines.
We are deploying taxi tow vehicles. These can tow aircraft all the way to the runway without them starting their main engines.
Targeted checks and inspections ensure better compliance with emissions regulations.
Measurements help us to better understand concentrations of aircraft and diesel engine emissions and to assess whether preventative measures are effective.
Research into the health effects of emissions from aircraft and diesel engines provides greater clarity for apron employees and helps to shape future preventative measures.
Research into the health effects of emissions from aircraft and diesel engines provides greater clarity for apron employees and helps to shape future preventative measures.
The action plan for arrival and departure procedures is the foundation of the sector-wide collaboration. It forms the joint roadmap for us to improve aircraft arrival and departure procedures.
In December 2024, Schiphol, LVNL and KLM submitted this plan to the Netherlands Labour Authority. The plan describes measures that Schiphol, LVNL, ground handlers, KLM and other airlines are implementing together now and in the coming years. It includes departing aircraft starting their engines at a greater distance from employees on the ground. And arriving aircraft taxiing directly to the gate in a single movement. This reduces exposure to aircraft engine emissions on the apron.
The taxiway area surrounding Schiphol Centre is complex. We therefore need to examine what is possible for each measure individually. A tailored approach is necessary. All adjustments comply with strict safety standards. We are extensively testing the measures through trials and providing training for employees.
In the coming years, these measures will ensure that aircraft engines are started as far away from the gate as possible.
Arrival procedures
Departure procedures
In addition to these measures, we are also taking other steps.