Historic turning point<\/p>\n
Den Helder in general and Den Helder Airport in particular are facing a historic turning point. Over the past decade, offshore activity has gradually declined, the region has been known as a "shrinking region," and defense cuts have also had major consequences for the navy.<\/p>\n
It's remarkable to see how, despite the headwinds, the region worked on future opportunities. Electrification of aircraft, innovation in drones, including through METIP, collaboration with vocational education, and the civil maritime cluster. The region didn't give up.<\/p>\n
The wind has shifted and is blowing strongly at our backs. Due to all the geopolitical uncertainty, the theme of Resilience is central. This translates into three key areas: security, securing critical infrastructure; strengthening the Dutch defense industry and innovation; and investments in mobility and infrastructure. There is a sense of urgency, and large investment budgets will be made available in the coming years.<\/p>\n
Den Helder Airport plays a crucial role in the operation and security of (traditionally) offshore oil and gas, and increasingly, offshore wind farm infrastructure. There are several strategic shortcomings in the security of the North Sea, which are currently being discussed intensively with various ministries. This is a very relevant topic!<\/p>\n
Den Helder Airport plays a key role in the North Sea Coastguard, both domestically and in collaboration with other airports in other North Sea countries. The Netherlands, and therefore Den Helder!, must maintain a leading role in this regard.<\/p>\n
There is close collaboration with the navy in the civil maritime cluster. Investments in defense and innovation go hand in hand with strengthening the civilian industry. A good example is the drone development, both in the navy and the civilian sector. Vocational education is also closely involved in this through METIP. These developments are moving at breakneck speed! But now let's go with the flow!<\/p>\n
The navy is facing major investments in Den Helder. This will improve accessibility and increase the need for new personnel at all levels. This presents significant challenges (but above all, opportunities!) in the labor market, as well as in terms of mobility and housing.<\/p>\n
On all these issues, the municipality, Den Helder Airport, the navy, the province of North Holland, the regional government, and the business community are working together. The business community is organized through the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), a powerful brand in The Hague and Brussels, and a visible presence in our region.<\/p>\n
It's crucial to translate these opportunities into concrete action. The foundation was laid against the wind; it must be possible to accelerate with the wind at our backs! I consider it a privilege to use my national and regional network to support the management of Den Helder Airport in this task during an exceptionally exciting period!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hans Huibers<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Historisch keerpunt Den Helder in het algemeen en Den Helder Airport in het bijzonder staan voor een historisch keerpunt. De afgelopen tien jaar was er sprake van geleidelijk afnemende offshore activiteiten, de regio stond als \u2018krimpregio\u2019 bekend, de bezuinigingen op Defensie hadden ook grote gevolgen voor de marine. Het is bijzonderenswaardig om te zien hoe, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":5287,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5286","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-column"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n