SPIE starts work on new flight simulator facility for KLM at Schiphol-East in the Netherlands

Schiphol, 3 March 2025 – SPIE, the independent European leader in multi-technical services in the areas of energy and communications, will be the main contractor for KLM's new flight simulator building, called The Link. Bas Brouns, CFO of KLM, struck the first pile last Thursday. The creation of this centre will significantly expand the training capacity for pilots. The new facility will house five additional flight simulators, enabling KLM to ensure pilot training for new aircraft types. The building is expected to be commissioned in mid-2026.

The realisation of the simulator centre is a complex project. For this, SPIE works together with Equans and Croonwolter&Dros in a construction and engineering combination. The parties know each other, the location and the working environment well. Together, they have been KLM's permanent building management and maintenance partner for many years, under the name 4AMS (For Assetmanement & Service).

Challenges and special features

The realisation of The Link presents specific technical and logistical challenges. The simulators are extremely heavy and require a special foundation, using so-called DPA piles, whose placement significantly reduces ground vibrations for the existing simulators and the Operations Control Centre in the adjacent buildings. Each simulator is placed on its own concrete block (8x8x1 metres) with piles underneath.

The simulators have a considerable energy need, which requires specific facilities. The new building was designed according to the applicable guidelines for a sustainable and energy-efficient utility building, meeting the requirements for a Nearly Energy Neutral Building (BENG).

Building at Schiphol also requires additional coordination and security procedures. The site is in a secure area, which demands additional access controls and coordination with the airport authorities.

Future-proof training facility

The new training facility named The Link will be located next to buildings 203 and 204 at Schiphol-East. The four-storey complex with a total floor area of 4,442 m2 will house, among other things, five state-of-the-art flight simulators, for use by KLM and Transavia pilots. The expansion of flight simulator capacity will enable KLM to further optimise its pilot training. The creation of The Link will contribute to an efficient and future-proof training facility, that will optimally support KLM’s fleet renewal and expansion.