Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), a regional airport in Beek in Limburg, Netherlands, announced a new €35.3M renovated runway at a launch event held at the airport on Friday, June 30, 2023.
The Netherlands’ second biggest cargo hub looks to upgrade the airstrip as part of a proposal to increase its operating length to 2,750 metres by January 2025.
Royal Schiphol Group and the province of Limburg finalised an agreement in June to purchase a 40 per cent stake in MST.
MST’s development plan
The eight-week refurbishment was part of Maastricht Aachen Airport’s larger infrastructure development plan, which includes an investment of €100M in the airport over the next few years.
The ceremony’s main focus was sustainability, and an electric plane was utilised to formally open the runway after RWTH Aachen University professor Dr Günther Schuh presented a speech on the future of sustainable aviation.
Jos Roeven, CEO of MST, says, “Today, we are celebrating the launch of our newly improved runway and looking back over the hard work that has gone into the planning and execution of this project – but we are also looking forward.”
“The decision to inaugurate the runway with an electric plane is symbolic of our commitment to ensure the sustainability of this airport for years to come,” adds Roeven.
Turkish Cargo currently flies five flights per week out of the hub, bringing cargo operations back to MST. Additionally, Emirates SkyCargo and Royal Jordanian have kept up their two weekly flights each at the airport.
According to the airport, as the summer travel season approaches, MST is preparing for the influx of travellers. Ryanair will operate 12 flights per week to six destinations, while Corendon will operate 18 flights per week to seven locations.
About Maastricht Aachen Airport
Established in 1945, the airport serves as a major port for the import of flowers and handling of hazardous goods.
“For our cargo customers, we offer a complete service in-house. Such as loading and unloading, packaging and storage, customs and logistical support and coordination,” says MST.
Daily passenger arrivals are also welcomed at MST, which serves as the European hub for Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Royal Jordanian, and Turkish Airlines.
The airport claims to enjoy full Fifth Freedom rights and no slot limitations. It has its own facilities for maintenance, repair, and overhaul and is IATA CEIV-Pharma certified.
The Royal Schiphol Group recently invested in MST’s future as a strategic partner, paving the way for future development and expansion.
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