With great anticipation, I look forward to the Tweede Kamer elections on 29 October. Even the ballot paper itself is impressive, with over a thousand candidates spread across 27 parties. The political debate is dominated by a wide range of themes, with opinions often poles apart. This also applies within the field of Royal NLR – Netherlands Aerospace Centre. Should Lelystad Airport remain open for both defence and civil aviation, or should it remain closed for commercial flights? And how do we make aviation more sustainable – and who will foot the bill? These are just a few examples of the many ambitions outlined in party manifestos.