Mapping the journey: assessing the present and charting the future of Schiphol Airport towards autonomous airside operations by 2050

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AAS) has embarked on a journey towards becoming an autonomous smart airport by 2050. The BrightSky initiative supports this endeavor by fostering innovation and competitiveness in the aviation sector. The Smart Autonomous Airside work package focuses on implementing fully autonomous operations in the Airside area. This involves replacing traditional vehicles with an interconnected fleet of emission-free vehicles and automating various processes. However, this transition faces challenges due to the complexity and conservative nature of the aviation sector, the involvement of multiple stakeholders, and the lack of a shared vision. Additionally, political and socio-cultural implications need to be considered. To address these challenges, it is essential to study the current operations, plan effectively, explore different avenues, and experiment with innovations. Therefore, this research will attempt to answer this question: “How can Amsterdam Schiphol Airport plan the transition to an autonomous airside from the current regime situation considering the different parties involved and how they operate?”. By mapping current operations and identifying critical issues, the research will envision an aspirational future for 2050 and develop a roadmap with intermediate milestones. The adoption of autonomous fleet technologies will lead to increased automation, safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. However, this will also require new specialized personnel and a change in the skills of ground staff. As more data and technology become available, a detailed roadmap can be designed to guide strategic actions. Further research is needed to understand the impact of various factors on the future. While it is impossible to predict the exact outcome, understanding the present and potential future scenarios will help the aviation industry prepare for change and ensure resilience.