The Dutch aviation industry gained a strong position and an excellent reputation over the past 15 years. The current strength of the Dutch aviation is the result of a long-term, close cooperation between industry and government. Also the fact that the Netherlands have exceptional air lines (the basis for many economic activities outside the aviation sector itself) and their innovative leadership in multiple aviation areas (both civilian and military) led them to become one of the biggest players in Europe.

The aviation industry plays a pivotal role within the Dutch economy and society. Moreover, the good international accessibility of the Netherlands also makes possible various economic activities outside the aviation sector.

For Example, the international accessibility contributes greatly to the Dutch tourism industry. In 2007 approximately 2.1 million tourists from outside Europe arrived in the Netherlands by air. This group represents a total annual expenditure of approximately € 1.0 billion.

The Dutch aviation industry also has well qualified technical professionals. The central location and excellent logistical infrastructure makes the country particularly suitable for maintenance tasks for aircraft and aircraft components. The distances within the country are relatively small and this makes it possible to achieve effective cooperation between large and SME aviation companies.

The economic activities of the aviation industry and all aviation related parties can be seen as a three-link chain:

1. 
   Source: Schiphol Group

   The economic activities directly related to the aviation industry itself; Main port Schiphol, the core of Dutch the air lines with a gross revenue of €12,2 billion, acts as an enabler for the Dutch economy, the Randstad in particular. Schiphol airport is the fourth largest in Europe, after London Heathrow, Paris CDG and Frankfurt, in terms of both passengers and freight handled. Schiphol handles both the traditional and the new, low-cost carriers.
2. The economic activities of the aviation industry users (consumers and businesses)- the so-called forward activity;

3. 
   Source: CBS Statistics NL

   The economic activities of the aviation industry suppliers- the so-called backward activity. The Netherlands are not only strong in the aviation transport, but also in the aircraft building and maintenance industry. This part of the industry’s chain employs about 23,000 people.

For any supplementary information on this or any other sector please contact us through the contact form, email or telephone.