The Netherlands’ strengths lie not only in air transport, but also in developing and manufacturing complex aircraft and airport systems, plus aircraft maintenance (MRO: Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul). The Dutch aviation industry consists of three segments in total:
- Aircraft construction industry suppliers
- Aircraft maintenance companies (including airline maintenance divisions)
- Airport systems suppliers
In 2012, the Dutch aviation industry generated total turnover of €2.3 billion, of which €1.5 billion (65%) was derived from foreign clients and €0.8 billion from Dutch airlines, the Ministry of Defence and various government services.
Aircraft construction industry suppliers
The Dutch aircraft construction supply industry employs 5,300 people across some 90 companies. They supply advanced, innovative products and services to aircraft and engine manufacturers, such as Airbus (including for the A380 and A350), Agusta, Boeing, Bombardier, Comac Aerospace Corporation, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Electric and Rolls-Royce.
Fokker Technologies is the largest of these companies, with a workforce of 3,946 in 2012.
Aircraft maintenance (MRO: Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul)
The Netherlands is a major player in aircraft maintenance. KLM Engineering & Maintenance and Air France Industries together form the world’s second largest aircraft maintenance company, with a turnover of €2.9 billion. In total, some 10,700 people are employed in aircraft maintenance in the Netherlands, most of whom (60%) work for airline maintenance divisions. With 4,452 employees, KLM Engineering & Maintenance is the largest employer in aircraft maintenance. In addition to airline maintenance divisions, there are another 50 or so aircraft maintenance companies in the Netherlands, Fokker Services being the largest.
Dutch suppliers of airport systems
Dutch airport system suppliers are international leaders in many areas, including baggage-handling and security systems. The fact that Schiphol is a leading international airport is largely attributable to the expertise of some 90 companies operating in the Netherlands in this area. They employ a total of 1,400 people and, together, generate an annual turnover of approx. €0.5 billion.
Together, the three segments of the Dutch aviation industry employ 17,400 people, the two largest employers being Fokker Technologies and KLM Engineering & Maintenance.