Strategic Roadmap Update
Collaborative sector effort on Sustainable Taxiing

Executive summary
Starting by detailing Polderbaan operations first, while exploring all possibilities to mitigate emissions
As we updated the Roadmap, we have closely collaborated as a sector to start with

Our ambitions partly overlap with other efforts, like those aimed at mitigating air

what is possible. Considering the highest possible fuel savings, and corresponding

pollutants. In parallel to taking up ST operations to and from the Polderbaan, we

reduction of green house emissions, applicable infrastructure and the ATC

therefore align with other initiatives and investigate possible expansions of

workload being able to better support taking up ST operations from tower west,

Sustainable Taxiing to other runways.

we have started the update to the strategic Roadmap by detailing out a scale-up
from and to the the Polderbaan first. Starting operations to/from the furthest
runway allows us to further validate the technology under challenging conditions
and obtain learnings that will support further scaling.

With successful passing of the TOPSAG in December 2023, we plan to kick off ST
operations Q1 2024 by taking up trials that support a fast validation of ST and set
the base for subsequent scaling steps, concluding with operational milestone O1 in

Q3 2024. Reaching ST standard operations for Narrowbody Aircrafts of all

Following a stage-gate approach, we have scoped five milestones that represent

consortium partners, we will next scale to all carriers and start adding Widebody

not only significant operational achievements and scaling steps, but also are

Aircrafts until reaching a full roll-out to/from the Polderbaan with O5 in 2030.

directly linked to decision gates.
POLDERBAAN
2022

2023

2024
O1

2025
Q3 2024

18R / 36L
737 & A320
CURRENT CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

2

2026

2027
O2*

Q4 2026

2028
O3*

Q4 2027

18R / 36L
18R / 36L
ALL NABO
HOME CARRIERS ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)
(IN/OUT)

2029
O4*

2030
Q4 2029

18R / 36L
ADD 1 WIBO
ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

2031
O5*

2030

18R / 36L
ALL A/C TYPES
ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

In parallel, we investigate the possibilities to trial operations to other runways and align with related
initiatives such as the Taskforce Optimal Future Ground Movements.

2032

2033

2034

The mission remains the same: save fuel & emissions
The build-up over time must be adjusted based on our learnings and the world evolving around us

We, the sustainable taxiing
taskforce, realise aircraft ground
movements where all avoidable
emissions have been eliminated. In
close collaboration with the
aviation ecosystem, we meet our
own sustainability ambitions and
societal & political demands for the
benefit of airlines and our local
community – now and in the
future.
3

The Roadmap follows an iterative approach
For each milestone we have a decision gate, representing a GO / NO GO moment for implementation
Operational milestones
An operational milestone is a point in time in which we
have standard Sustainable Taxiing operations in place at
a certain scale. This means the consortium agrees we
have learned enough about the process and are ready to
‘just carry out’ the operations like that continuously.

Learnings

O1

Learnings

O2

OPERATIONAL
MILESTONE

Learnings

O3

OPERATIONAL
MILESTONE

Learnings

O4

OPERATIONAL
MILESTONE

Learnings

Ox

OPERATIONAL
MILESTONE

OPERATIONAL
MILESTONE

.
G1

DECISION GATE
--GO / NO GO on O1
standard
operations

G2

DECISION GATE
--GO / NO GO on O2
standard
operations

G3

DECISION GATE
--GO / NO GO on O3
standard
operations

G4

DECISION GATE
--GO / NO GO on O4
standard
operations

Gx

DECISION GATE
--GO / NO GO on O5
standard
operations

There will be a build-up of missions towards an
operational milestone to gather learnings. These will be
coordinated by the consortium core team and are as close
to standard operations as possible.

GO / NO GO Decision Gates
Decision gates are part of the iterative approach we have
built into this Roadmap to mitigate the risk of further
exploration and step-by-step implementation. These GO /
NO GO moments are linked to upcoming operational
milestones.
Once the consortium members feel we have learned
enough to start a new phase of standard operations, we
plan a GO / NO GO session for the Executive Steering
Board. Here, consortium members must judge if they are
ready of standard operation. After attaining a GO, final
steps are taken to implement the operational milestone
(e.g. the required vehicle amount is purchased, or enough
personnel is trained for scale-up and standardisation).
In parallel, efforts will continue to learn about for scaling
and achieve the subsequent operational milestone.

4

Our plans are subject to change
As we learn more and our circumstances change, plans must be updated to achieve our ambition ASAP

The Roadmap can and will change over time
The milestones as set out in this roadmap are an
indication of the results necessary at a certain
point in time, for the sector to realistically be able
to achieve our shared ambition by 2030. They
represent the most realistic roll-out strategy we
can currently envision.
As a combination of our fixed ambition and everevolving knowledge on the subject, these
milestones serve as guidelines towards the
ambition, and markers for our shared GO / NO
GO decisions. We do not intend to use them as
markers to grade the sector and our efforts.
As we learn more by testing and implementing
Sustainable Taxiing operations step-by-step,
these milestones might change to better reflect
knowledge developed over time.

5

The consortium can and will change over time
The more we learn about Sustainable Taxiing
with a small group of forerunners, the closer we
get to implementation and scale-up.
As we progress over time, the amount of partners
in the consortium will need to grow. Scaling the
operations will require more partners to adopt
the procedures we develop, test and implement.

Other factors also have an influence on the buildup of our consortium. The regulated ground
handling model, for example, will probably have
an influence on the (amount of) handlers at
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and thus on
Sustainable Taxiing.

We start by detailing a feasible Polderbaan scale-up
At the same time, we keep exploring all possibilities to mitigate emissions & align with other initiatives
We have worked on
defining a joint plan to take
up small-scale standard
operations as soon as
possible and continue
learning in live operations.
The updated Roadmap
currently details our plans
to implement standard
operations to and from the
Polderbaan.
In parallel, we align with
other initiatives and
investigate possible
expansions of Sustainable
Taxiing to other runways.
6

O5*
O1
This standard operation
with 2 TaxiBots will be the
first operational
milestone: O1 - a decision
moment for the project,
where standard operation
is handed over. From here,
we can continue learning
& scaling where possible.

Over time, we hope to scale
operations further, until all
regular aircrafts of all
carriers will be Sustainably
Taxied to and from the
Polderbaan.

2030

.
2024
By the end of 2023 we will have
finalized all prerequisites to take
up operations, starting with dryruns and resulting in an
established small scale standard
operation to/from the
Polderbaan for selected flights
with the current airlines.

In parallel, we investigate the possibilities to trial operations to other
runways and align with related initiatives such as the Taskforce Optimal
Future Ground Movements.

almost

We start with what’s feasible right here, right now
The Polderbaan remains the first logical step for operations and we aim to start trials in a few months
1

2

3

4

7

Highest potential for fuel savings
The Polderbaan is the furthest away runway, as well as
the most preferential runway. Starting and scaling up
here provides the biggest potential to mitigate green
house gas emissions quickly.
Existing infrastructure
We have made most of the necessary adaptions to the
infrastructure for our earlier trials; so we can take up
operations quickly.

Optimal ATC workload
The Polderbaan has its own tower, with a lower Air
Traffic Controller workload. This will make it easier to
support the introduction of Sustainable Taxiing
to/from the Polderbaan.
Validation of the technology
Starting operations to/from the furthest runway
allows us to further validate the technology under
challenging conditions and obtain learnings that will
support further scaling.

The update to our Strategic Roadmap
TaxiBots will be used to learn valuable lessons to reach O1 and inform further scaling steps

Previous Roadmap
18R / 36L
737 & A320
(IN/OUT)

18R / 36L
737 & A320
(IN/OUT)

18R / 36L
ADD 1 WIBO
(IN/OUT)

18R / 36L
ALL A/C TYPES
(IN/OUT)

36C ADDED
ALL A/C TYPES
(OUT)

COMPLETE
OPERATIONAL
ROLL-OUT

O1

O2

O3

O4

O5

Ox

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

By O1 we aim to have an
operating entity in place.
O1

Q3 2024

18R / 36L
737 & A320
CURRENT CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

Roadmap Update
8

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

2032

2033

2034

The update to our Strategic Roadmap
LVNL already supports a scale-up to all home carriers on NaBos1, but we are dependent on more vehicles

Previous Roadmap
18R / 36L
737 & A320
(IN/OUT)

18R / 36L
737 & A320
(IN/OUT)

18R / 36L
ADD 1 WIBO
(IN/OUT)

18R / 36L
ALL A/C TYPES
(IN/OUT)

36C ADDED
ALL A/C TYPES
(OUT)

COMPLETE
OPERATIONAL
ROLL-OUT

O1

O2

O3

O4

O5

Ox

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

2032

2033

CURRENT SCOPE SET BY ATC
O1

Q3 2024

18R / 36L
737 & A320
CURRENT CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

Roadmap Update
9

Achievable with
current 2 TaxiBots

O2*

Q4 2026

18R / 36L
ALL NABO
HOME CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

While LVNL is committed to Sustainable Taxiing,
the Roadmap commitment at this point in time can
be given until O2, representing the Polderbaan
NaBo1 CONOPS2 scope.

Requires more TaxiBots –
amount will depend on
capabilities of zero-emission
driveline

*revised milestones. 1 | NaBo means Narrow Body – short haul planes like the Boeing 737, Airbus A320 and smaller regional planes like the Embraer 175/195. 2 | CONOPS = Concept of Operations, which is the design of the overall process.

2034

The update to our Strategic Roadmap
Over time, we aim to scale up to all flights to/from the Polderbaan

Previous Roadmap
18R / 36L
737 & A320
(IN/OUT)

18R / 36L
737 & A320
(IN/OUT)

18R / 36L
ADD 1 WIBO
(IN/OUT)

18R / 36L
ALL A/C TYPES
(IN/OUT)

36C ADDED
ALL A/C TYPES
(OUT)

COMPLETE
OPERATIONAL
ROLL-OUT

O1

O2

O3

O4

O5

Ox

POLDERBAAN

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

POLDERBAAN
O1

Q3 2024

18R / 36L
737 & A320
CURRENT CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

Roadmap Update
10 *revised milestones

O2*

Q4 2026

O3*

Q4 2027

18R / 36L
18R / 36L
ALL NABO
HOME CARRIERS ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)
(IN/OUT)

O4*

Q4 2029

18R / 36L
ADD 1 WIBO
ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

O5*

2030

18R / 36L
ALL A/C TYPES
ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

2032

2033

2034

Challenges to overcome
Achieving the Strategic Roadmap depends on addressing critical prerequisites & bottlenecks

Technology

Infrastructure

Operations

To achieve a full scale-up to the Polderbaan,
we will require more TaxiBots (or similar
vehicles) than we have today.

We have some infrastructure in place already,
specifically for Sustainable Taxiing. This
includes (un)load locations and bypass areas
on service roads. Over time, we will probably
need more of this supporting infrastructure –
this will become as we scale up.

An effective implementation and scale-up is
only possible if certain operational
prerequisites are in place.

These vehicles will need a zero-emission
driveline (powered by electrify or hydrogen).
Also, they will need to support (and be
certified for) more aircraft types, include
widebodies (like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner
and the Airbus A350).
We are dependent on SAS/IAI or other
manufacturers to take up these costly
developments in time. A solid demand will
help establish/accelerate this market.

11

Sustainable Taxiing operations are dependent
on the availability of clean energy on airside.
We investigate electric as well as hydrogen
vehicle options. Both require sufficient
capacity and charging / refuelling facilities
that aren’t currently available on airside.
Depending on the technology used, the
availability of sufficient electrical capacity
(‘netcapaciteit’) + charging facilities and/or a
steady hydrogen supply + refuelling facilities
will be critical. Here, we are dependent on
other sectors and on new legislation.

A few examples are the development and
implementation of procedural changes, clarity
on the peak hour capacity we can support,
securing enough capacity for all stakeholders,
including ATC capacity and finding a way to
operate under non-nominal conditions.
There are also challenges that will require a
lot of collaboration with parties outside of our
current consortium. For example, we are
dependent on the support of many non-home
carriers (airlines that don’t have a base in The
Netherlands) in order for pilots flying into
Amsterdam to be trained to use ST
operations.

ST Roadmap Scale-Up and Acceleration
The Polderbaan approach is evident, will take time to accomplish and still faces many hurdles
2022

2023

Roadmap Update

2024

2025

Q3 2024

18R / 36L
737 & A320
CURRENT CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

12 *revised milestones

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

POLDERBAAN
O1

Options to accelerate

2026

O2*

Q4 2026

O3*

Q4 2027

18R / 36L
18R / 36L
ALL NABO
HOME CARRIERS ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)
(IN/OUT)

O4*

Q4 2029

18R / 36L
ADD 1 WIBO
ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

O5*

2030

18R / 36L
ALL A/C TYPES
ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

2032

2033

2034

ST Roadmap Scale-Up and Acceleration
Building on Polderbaan learnings could help increase impact by scaling ST to other suitable runways
2022

2023

Roadmap Update

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

2030

2031

2032

POLDERBAAN
Q3 2024

O1

O2*

Q4 2026

O3*

Q4 2027

O4*

Q4 2029

O5*

2030

ACCELERATING DEVELOPMENT & PRODUCTION OF SUITABLE VEHICLES
PUSHING
FOR THE REALIZATION
OF ZERO-EMISSION
INFRASTRUCTURE
18R / 36L
18R / 36L
18R / 36L
18R / 36L

18R / 36L
737 & A320
CURRENT CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

ALL NABO
HOME CARRIERS ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)
(IN/OUT)

ADD 1 WIBO
ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

ALL A/C TYPES
ALL CARRIERS
(IN/OUT)

SCALING TO OTHER SUITABLE RUNWAYS
Ox

Oy

Oz

36C
ALL NABO
HOME CARRIERS
(OUT)

To be determined
TBD
TBD
TBD

To be determined
TBD
TBD
TBD

ALIGNING WITH TASKFORCE OPTIMAL FUTURE GROUND MOVEMENTS

Options to accelerate
13 *revised milestones

•
•
•
•
•

Elongated push-pulls
Tug Release Points
Outbound holding
Unloading in-flow
.…

Aligning with the
Taskforce Optimal Future
Ground Movements can
help expand our
learnings and scope

2033

2034

Acceleration takes more steep & costly commitment
New procedures and a flexible scale-up will only get us so far – investments in vehicles & infra are necessary
Zero-emission &
wide-body vehicles
TaxiBot lead times were identified
as a critical bottleneck as we scale
up. This is an impediment that we
can overcome by early
commitment.
Other possibilities to speed up the
availability of vehicles are outside
of our control:
• Commitment at other airports
• TaxiBot competitors to step up

Infrastructure
Besides building the physical
space to scale operations,
Sustainable Taxiing operations
are dependent on the availability
of clean energy on airside.
We investigate electric as well as
hydrogen vehicle options.
Both require sufficient capacity
and charging / refuelling facilities
that aren’t currently available on
airside.
Investing in scaling up necessary
infrastructure now can be pivotal
in catering for growing demand.
This will also require the right
regulations to be in place quickly,
for example for hydrogen-fuelling
on airside.
Sphere of influence outside of the consortium

Scaling to other
suitable Runways

Broader alignment
with Taskforce FGM

It makes sense to investigate
adding other Runways, such as
36C before a full-scale Polderbaan
operation is underway.
This way, the large pool of
vehicles required to support
Polderbaan at peak capacity can
also be used at other times.
While LVNL is committed to
Sustainable Taxiing, the Roadmap
commitment at this point in time
can be given until O2,
representing the Polderbaan
NaBo1 CONOPS2 scope.

We want to further1 align with
the (upcoming) Taskforce Future
Ground Movements, which will
coordinate the redesign of
departure & arrival procedures in
response to the Arbeidsinspectie
report in a Roadmap by 2024.
This way, all procedures that can
contribute to more sustainable
taxiing operations can
complement each other, and the
lessons learned can be shared
between operational processes.
For example, regular tow tugs
might provide the most optimal
and sustainable form of taxiing
for some short gate-runway
combinations.

Sphere of influence within the consortium

14 1 | There is alignment already with the various initiatives currently in existence within partner organisations, such as the VDME programme within Schiphol, and its LVNL counterpart.

Government support is critical for our ambition
Delivering on the innovations in this Roadmap hinges on Dutch / EU support on four key asks

Financial support

1

2

Accelerate availability of zero-emission ST vehicles
Incentives / targeted funds to develop zero-emission
vehicles/solutions (for all aircraft types) required to
implement the Roadmap.

Ensure the installation of sufficient infrastructure
Incentives / funding opportunities, including but
not limited to Stikstofgelden to make sure sufficient
(zero-emission) infrastructure required to
implement the Roadmap.
The current (plans for) infrastructure
at airside most likely won’t cover the
huge energy demand of a large fleet of
ST vehicles.

15

Regulatory support

3

4

Such as licenses for hydrogen
refuelling infrastructure,
water directive issues, or
achieving peak net capacity

Support in addressing legislative hurdles
We ask government to assist us with legislative
hurdles and processes with long lead times that we
will certainly face along the way, for example with
regards to zero-emission energy infrastructure.

Support in certification of technological solution
Regarding MoC for operations, as well as assistance
in acquiring certifications for additional aircraft
types (narrow & wide body) – a lengthy process that
may hinder roll-out.
Such as the
certification of the
737-MAX