In recent months, there has been a difference of opinion between Twente Airport and ILT about the departure of 6 (temporarily) parked Lufthansa Boeing 747s to be dismantled elsewhere. In the week of 26 October, intensive and constructive discussions took place between Technology Base and ILT on this matter. This resulted in agreement being reached on how the parked Boeings can leave. Meanwhile, ILT has adjusted the safety certificate for Twente Airport accordingly and has granted an exemption from the requirement for a reinforced runway verge and turning capability at the runway ends. The first Boeing 747 took off on Tuesday 3 November.

Safe departure

In the discussion between Twente Airport and ILT, the top priority for both organisations was to ensure the safety of aircraft departures. The difference of opinion between Twente Airport and ILT focused on the interpretation of the safety certificate granted and on the room available in regulations to grant exemptions from the rules in specific cases. 

Jan Schuring, Technology Base director: ‘The result achieved confirms that the safe departure of these large aircraft was never in question and gives confidence in the further relationship with the ILT.’ 

Fact sheet

The above events and the questions raised about them from the Council and States, prompted the General Board of Technology Base to ask the project organisation for a timeline with a factual overview. Together with a memo on the substantive difference of opinion with ILT, this factual account was presented to the Council and States on 19 November. ILT received this factual report in advance and comments were incorporated. A technical session has been scheduled with council and state members to answer questions on this memo and the factual report.

Maintenance cluster

The further development of the maintenance cluster for smaller aircraft than the Boeing 747 at Twente Airport is not off the table. Major investment decisions do not happen overnight and go through subject-specific, professional analyses of all relevant risks. The dispute with the ILT does little to change that. Twente Airport continues to discuss possibilities for aircraft storage and maintenance with Lufthansa and other airlines.

The results of the risk analyses and the discussions with the Council and the States will be included in the Executive Board's discussions about the proposed plans and the appropriate strength and management of the implementing organisation; subjects that were and are the subject of continuous attention in the discussions of the Executive Board.

The factual report can be downloaded here.