Safe Landing joins ‘Luchtvaart in Transitie’ annual event to explore sustainable innovations in Dutch aviation industry

3 Oct, 2024

👩‍✈️ Safe Landing was pleased to participate in the annual ‘Luchtvaart in Transitie’ (LiT) event, a collaborative platform dedicated to accelerating aviation’s transition toward climate neutrality by 2050. Representing Safe Landing, Maxine joined over 270 attendees from more than 130 organisations across the aviation sector, research institutions, government, and start-ups. The atmosphere was charged with energy and commitment, with participants engaging in discussions on sustainable technologies, policy development, and the vital role of young professionals in shaping the future of the aviation industry.

About ‘Luchtvaart in Transitie’

‘Luchtvaart in Transitie’, a government-supported initiative, seeks to address the urgent need for disruptive technologies that will enable aviation to become climate neutral by 2050. “The aviation sector must decarbonise far more swiftly and comprehensively than ‘business as usual’ if it is to retain its licence to operate,” states LiT’s managing director Ron van Manen. “The funding provided by the Dutch Growth Fund empowers Dutch knowledge institutions, companies, and SMEs to advance critical solutions, including hydrogen-powered flight, lightweight materials, and advanced systems for sustainable air travel. This shift also provides economic opportunities and sets the foundation for a climate-aligned aviation industry.”

Inclusive discussions and strong communities

The event welcomed young professionals and students as key stakeholders in an open panel discussion, who issued a clear call to be more involved: “Give us a voice and the space to contribute our ideas,” they urged, underscoring the importance of including the next generation in these discussions.

Several speakers were invited, including Lodewijk Asscher, chair of the Duurzame Luchtvaart Tafel (DLT), who discussed the need for a collective narrative around aviation’s sustainable future and a community where individuals feel safe to speak up. The DLT is a coalition of airports, airlines, research institutions, fuel producers, and manufacturing partners working together towards the decarbonisation goals for the Dutch aviation sector set by the 2019 Sustainable Aviation Agreement.

“My wish going forward: we cannot get there on our own, change national position towards system integration, build new history – together, believe we can make this happen.”Erik Geertsema – CEO Conscious Aerospace

Building a collaborative ecosystem

Engaging with stakeholders such as Asscher, Maxine highlighted how Safe Landing is already building a community that advocates for sustainable industry transformation and the critical need for aviation workers’ involvement in policy discussions. 

Birgit Otto, chair of the LiT International Advisory Council, also emphasised the importance of community, noting, “it’s a community that we are in.” Although her children pointed out aviation’s environmental impact, she affirmed her role by saying, “I can better be in it.” Recognising the importance of young people’s voices, she added, “hey boomer, move over!” showing her willingness to make space for the next generation.

Safe Landing’s vision for collaboration

Safe Landing encourages conversations and partnerships that centre aviation workers’ perspectives in the transition towards a sustainable future. We welcome collaborations with LiT and similar initiatives to ensure that the voices of those within the industry are represented in developing a sustainable aviation sector.

🙋 Do you want to help us raise the voice of aviation workers? Join our international community by signing up here!

📧 If you represent an organisation and would like Safe Landing’s involvement in your event, please get in touch: [email protected]

Continue reading