Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) – the second largest cargo hub in the Netherlands – has unveiled its newly renovated runway.
The Dutch airport invested €35.3m in upgrading the airstrip in order to extend its operational length to 2,750m by January 2025. The eight-week renovation was part of a major infrastructure development plan that will see €100m invested in the airport over the coming years.
Sustainability’s role in the runway upgrade
Sustainability was the key theme of the ceremony, with an electric plane used to officially open the runway after RWTH Aachen University professor Dr Günther Schuh delivered a speech on the future of sustainable aviation.
“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,” said Jos Roeven, chief executive officer, Maastricht Aachen Airport. “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.”
The first aircraft to take off from the new runway was electric
Cargo operations have now returned at MST, with Turkish Cargo operating five flights a week out of the hub. Royal Jordanian and Emirates SkyCargo have also continued their operations at the airport, both running two flights each week.
The regional airport is also gearing up for the summer passenger – Ryanair will operate 12 flights each week to six destinations, while Corendon will run 18 flights each week to seven destinations.
Royal Schiphol Group finalised a deal with Limburg province in June to take a 40% stake in MST, in a bid to future proof the regional airport through joint investment.
Images: Maastricht Aachen Airport
