In a world where air travel has become as commonplace for some as taking the bus or the train, fear of flying represents a fascinating paradox. While research shows that between 20 and 40 percent of people experience some level of anxiety regarding air travel, the number of air travellers increases year-to-year.

And yet in The Netherlands alone, some three million people suffer from fear of flying!

The VALK Foundation is a collaborative venture by the University of Leiden, KLM and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The foundation was set up in 1989, and is devoted to treating fear of flying on the basis of many years of scientific research. Since 2005 the VALK foundation has set up a partnership with Transavia.com.

Director
Dr. L.J. van Gerwen, Clinical psychologist and Pilot

Secretary
Ans Vos

Chairman
Mr. P. Berkhout, Former director of Shell Germany.

Members
Mr. drs. B. Gräber, Air France-KLM Senior Vice President and Area Manager Benelux

Prof. mr. dr. P.F. van der Heijden, Rector Magnificus and Chairman of the board of the Leiden University

Prof. Dr. Ph Spinhoven, Professor of Clinical and Health psychology of the Leiden University

Mr. J. de Boer, Area Controller KLM Western Europe

Advisor

Drs. J. Krul, Director external relations  Amsterdam Airport Schiphol