Maastricht Aachen Airport (MAA) and Royal Schiphol Group have reached an agreement in principle to start a strategic partnership.
Schiphol will acquire a 40% interest in MAA for €4.2m. As a result of the agreement, the parties will invest in the future of MAA together. This far-reaching cooperation is in line with the Dutch government's aviation policy, requests from its parliament and the amendment of the Provincial Council of Limburg.
With this collaboration, MAA will be able to focus on the development of a sustainable and future-proof airport. Electric flying will be one of the main priorities. An environmental fund will be created with contributions from governments and companies. Royal Schiphol Group will also contribute €800,000. In addition, the parties are committing to a far-reaching exchange of knowledge in the areas of real estate and commerce.
MAA is the second largest cargo airport in the Netherlands, playing a crucial role in the Dutch freight sector and the regional economy of Limburg. Cargo will be an important part of the collaboration between MAA and Schiphol. The airport also offers passenger flights and is home to various aviation maintenance companies.
Royal Schiphol Group CFO Robert Carsouw said: “Our contribution to society is to connect the Netherlands with the rest of the world. Regional airports are an important element in this strategy. The idea that airports in the Netherlands form a single system, as expressed in the Dutch aviation policy, is very appealing to us. 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.”
Left to right: Robert Carsouw, Maastricht deputy Stephan Satijn, and Dick Benschop, CEO and chairman of Royal Schiphol Group. Image courtesy of Royal Schiphol Group
