Schiphol and partners are testing the use of mist to reduce the ultrafine particles produced by aircraft, in a bid to improve airport air quality.
Mist is already a proven method to reduce dust and particulate matter in the construction industry as the ultrafine particles bind to mist droplets, which then fall to the ground in droplets, so can no longer disperse and be inhaled.
Partners Schiphol and TNO (Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek, a research organisation focusing on applied science) carried out the test using a Corendon plane at a KLM hangar's testing facility. Mist was sprayed in a variety of ways while the engines were running at high power, replicating take-off and landing, and when they were switched on. If the collected data proves that the system is of benefit, then further development and scaling up of the technology will be considered in the coming years.
In 2019, Schiphol launched an action plan to reduce ultrafine particle emissions, including measures to lower emissions produced by traffic to and from the airport, at the airport and by aircraft. It also includes measures to improve air quality, such as the electrification of ground-based activities, sustainable taxiing and investing in sustainable aviation fuels.
