The SAOC is established in August 1962 as an association of airline companies operating fixed or regular services to, from or via Schiphol [SPL], such in conformity with the "Airport Handling Manual [AHM] 020 - Guidelines for the establishment of airline operators committee" recommended by the International Air Transport Association [IATA]. The articles of association (available in Dutch and in English) are laid down in a notarial act and are recorded in the Register of Associations at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Amsterdam under no. 596781. Due to the new line of approach since the beginning of 2010 the SAOC Board is now evaluating the current SAOC articles of association.

The objective of the association:

• Represent all SAOC members (airlines and associated members) with a clear mandate.
• Guidelines as recommended in IATA AHM020.
• Participate actively on all levels as a partner in a TEAM: Together Each Achieves More: It’s a lot of work to get a team to click, it’s a lot more work to live with a team that isn’t clicking.
• Communication is the key word.
• Co-ordinate contacts amongst members, associated members, authorities, government bodies and other parties interested on Schiphol.
• Create favorable circumstances for the execution of the tasks of its members.
• Improve quality and efficiency: take action, lead, act swiftly, inform and respond timely.
• Create possibilities for dialogue, education, development, organize meetings, seminars and other activities.

The organization shall be directed at improving the efficiency, at reasonable costs and the creation of favourable circumstances for the execution of the tasks of the members. The circumstances referred to at Schiphol Airport shall at least have to meet the level of airports of the same size and category as Schiphol Airport, such as determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization [ICAO] and IATA.

---> Our vision:

• SAOC is a well organized, independent body; acting on behalf of and representing all members and associated members. We are strong, respected, transparent, up to date, decisive and full of action.
• SAOC only deals with generic issues; but will act also on separate issues if requested by individual members or other parties.

---> Our mission:

• Represent all SAOC members (airlines and associated members) with a clear mandate.
• Members should act on each other’s mutual interest.
• Facilitate and improve communication infrastructure significantly.
• Improve the dialogue with AAS, authorities and governmental bodies.
• Be a steady and consistent partner on all subjects (right from the start).
• Be part of the decision making.
• Focus on AAS cost efficiency by more transparency and financial control.
• Plan, do, check and act with respect and enjoy!

---> Our motto for 2012:

• Focus on Constraints and Performance!

The SAOC shall, in the execution of its activities, maintain contacts with other organizations, groups and commissions instituted by recognized air traffic organizations and authorities.
Airline companies, which do not meet the requirements for membership and handling companies carrying out business with concession or license of the Schiphol Airport Authority, may become associate members of SAOC. Associate members do not have the voting right.
The number of members and associated members amounts to 71 for the year 2012. The executive board is responsible for and decides and/or organizes all business deals after consultation with the members. The members of the board and working groups participate on behalf of the association in external regular meetings.