Schiphol takes 40% stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport

Amsterdam Airport (AMS) owner Royal Schiphol Group has acquired a 40% stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) for 4.2 million euros ($4.1 million) as the regional airport shifts its focus to cargo handling and electric flying. MST is the Netherlands’ second-largest cargo airport after AMS. The deal follows government pressure this summer to distribute stakes in MST, which is located in Limburg, Netherlands, beyond the province and establish an environmentally conscious business partner, according to a recent MST release. “We see Royal Schiphol Group as a professional partner that can help build the transition from [MST] to a sustainable and future-proof airport, which also contributes to the economy of Limburg and the national economy,” Stephan Satijn, Limburg province deputy, said in an October release. [caption id="attachment_57132638" align="alignright" width="336"] Photo: Maastricht Aachen Airport[/caption] Terms of the deal On June 3, the Provincial Council of the Province of Limburg voted to preserve MST with eight conditions, one of which was to partner with a business so the province is no longer the sole airport shareholder. As part of the AMS partnership, MST will develop its sustainability and electric flying opportunities — another condition of the airport’s future — with help from an environmental fund from private and public sectors as well as Schiphol. Schiphol will provide around $784,000 to the environmental fund, according to the release. Cargo implications The two airports announced the agreement Oct. 21 as part of a “strategic partnership,” according to the release. “By collaborating intensively and investing in Maastricht Aachen Airport, we can share knowledge and expertise and make optimal use of the scarce capacity available in the Netherlands,” Schiphol Chief Financial Officer Robert Carsouw said. The deal between the airports is a “big advantage” for the sector, an MST spokesperson told Air Cargo World . “AMS is slot coordinated. There are only limited options for extra flights,” the spokesperson said. “Instead of flying across the border, they can visit MST as a seamless alternative using the exact same procedures.” The airport also only sees full freighters and does not handle belly cargo, the spokesperson added. AMS has seen fewer flight movements and less cargo this year due to labor issues. The airport has a daily passenger cap in place until March and will reduce flights by 20% in November 2023 following Dutch regulations. The most recent traffic from AMS for September saw 121,508 tonnes of cargo throughput, down 8% year over year and 11% compared with September 2019. MST moved 9,320 tonnes of cargo in September 2022 and 128,000 tonnes total in 2021. Qatar Airways Cargo, Royal Jordanian Cargo, Emirates Sky Cargo, Turkish Cargo and Saudi Cargo are regular scheduled cargo carriers to MST, the spokesperson said. Other charters carry e-commerce, like Zimex Aviation and Yun Express, according to flight radar. General cargo makes up most of the airport’s commodities, in addition to perishables, high tech, pharma, live animals and e-commerce, according to the spokesperson. MST also holds the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) CEIV Pharma certification for ramp and cargo handling. AMS ranked No. 18 in Air Cargo World’s ranking of top 50 cargo airports , based on 2021 throughput. Join Air Cargo World for our next webinar, “Dangerous goods in focus: Shoring up air cargo logistics,” on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m. ET. Click here for more information and to register.

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