TU Delft students from AeroDelft visit KLM
Partnership between AeroDelft and KLM
AeroDelft students started visiting KLM this year within the scope of the partnership between the two parties. One of the key aims of the partnership is to exchange knowledge in the field of aircraft technology. The first meeting was held on Wednesday, 23 August. Joining forces for this initiative, KLM and AeroDelft hope to contribute to developing more sustainable aircraft and the associated preconditions including certification, regulations and infrastructure. AeroDelft’s mission is to prove and promote the feasibility of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for aviation. AeroDelft comprises a team of 50 students from the Aerospace Engineering programme at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). They will be spending a year on Project Phoenix: developing a hydrogen-powered aircraft. Click here if you want to find out more about AeroDelft and the project they’re working on.
“They will be spending a year on Project Phoenix: developing a hydrogen-powered aircraft.”
Inspire & provide information about KLM
During their visit to KLM, the main aim was to inspire the AeroDelft students and give them a sense of what working at KLM entails. KLM also wanted to share more about what drives its cooperation with TU Delft. One of the most important aspects is to stimulate disruptive innovation to make aviation more sustainable. This fits in with KLM’s ambition of being the frontrunner, stimulating technological advancement. At KLM, the students also had an opportunity to share their knowledge and discuss the challenges they’re facing within the scope of their own projects. They asked questions about how KLM deals with the new technology surrounding the introduction of electric, hydrogen and hybrid aircraft.
The day’s programme included a presentation of KLM’s Zero Emission programme and a presentation given by E&M. The students were also given a tour of Hangar 14 and Engine Services. The Zero Emission Aviation programme is investigating the introduction of electric, hydrogen and hybrid aircraft within KLM. The programme is currently looking into what is technically and economically feasible. The E&M presentation examined the division’s responsibilities and the world of aircraft maintenance. It also looked at how E&M is preparing for electric, hydrogen and hybrid flight.
Exploring this partnership, both KLM and AeroDelft hope to contribute to developing more sustainable flight.
E&M colleague Chris van der Wal’s photographs provide a nice impression of the day.
