As aviation faces growing pressure to decarbonise, regional airports are stepping up with bold sustainability targets—none more so than Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST), which is aiming to achieve net-zero operations by 2030. With a 40% investment from the Royal Schiphol Group, MST is guided by a strategy rooted in the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme, MST is laying the foundation for a greener regional aviation future.
A milestone in carbon management
In November 2024, MST renewed its Level 3 Optimisation status under the ACA programme, underscoring its commitment to reducing emissions across the board. The achievement was no small feat, especially given the airport’s control over all internal operations, including ground handling.
“We are proud to have successfully transitioned from Level 2 to Level 3 in a remarkably short time, demonstrating our strong commitment to sustainable aviation and environmental responsibility,” says Roel Ubaghs, Head of Innovation, Sustainability & IT at MST.
Level 3 accreditation has also prompted a broader view of emissions at the airport. In addition to Scope 1 and 2 emissions, MST is now actively managing Scope 3 emissions, including landing and take-off (LTO) cycle emissions, staff business travel, and passenger and employee access to the airport.
“Our strategy aligns with the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, ensuring we remain an environmentally responsible airport and an attractive choice for airlines seeking a sustainable cargo hub,” Ubaghs adds.
“This reflects our dedication to being a responsible partner to airlines and other carriers.”
Scaling up solar and sustainable energy
Central to MST’s energy transition is its solar energy programme. The airport already operates a solar park and is exploring an expansion to replace as much of its annual energy demand as possible with self-generated power. While the exact share of solar power is yet to be determined, MST is assessing the scale and phasing of future installations.
However, growth in renewables is tempered by grid constraints. “We must also consider current grid constraints and grid feed-in possibilities with our grid operator,” Ubaghs notes, acknowledging the logistical and infrastructural challenges that come with scaling solar production.
For now, there are no concrete plans for wind or hydrogen-based energy projects. The feasibility of such options is still under analysis, with MST opting for a measured approach that prioritises compatibility with its energy goals and regional conditions.
Greener ground operations
Reducing direct emissions remains a critical focus area for MST. The airport has taken steps to electrify its handling equipment and fleet, improve building insulation, and gradually eliminate the use of gas for heating and other operational needs. It has also implemented restrictions on the use of Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) and is exploring alternative fuels where feasible.
A detailed Ground Support Equipment (GSE) fleet renewal calendar is also in place, guiding the airport’s transition to electric alternatives through to 2030.
“All new equipment will be sustainable, with a preference for electric options where available and deemed a sustainable investment,” says Ubaghs. “To provide for this, the airport must also have sufficient charging infrastructure in place. There is still a lot to research on this topic; a transition of this size has not been seen before in the history of the airport.”
Waste and push for circularity
On the waste management front, MST has been working closely with external partners to boost recycling and minimise waste sent to landfills. Its waste contractor plays a key role in ensuring optimal sorting and processing, resulting in steadily rising recycling rates.
While the airport currently has no formal circular economy partnerships with airlines or tenants, it remains open to collaboration and is inviting stakeholders to join its sustainability journey.
“We believe that achieving sustainability goals can only be effective through collective action,” says Ubaghs.
Culture and collaboration
Internally, MST is fostering a culture of awareness and accountability. Staff are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices, supported by visible cues such as clearly marked eco-friendly equipment and regular communications around policy changes, including APU restrictions, to ensure compliance.
Externally, the airport continues to play an active role in industry-wide initiatives. Last summer, it contributed to the Electrifly project, marking the first European cross-border electric flight available to the public. “We are proud to have played a key role in this pioneering innovation, testing the future of sustainable aviation, and we were thrilled with the success of the project,” says Ubaghs. Although it wasn’t a cargo flight, the outcomes provide valuable data on the feasibility of electric aviation. Our involvement reflects our strong commitment to innovations that drive the industry towards a more environmentally responsible future.”
MST, alongside Dutch regional airports, OEMs, and airlines, is part of the Power Up initiative, a platform helping airports prepare for the arrival of commercial electric aircraft. It is focused on preparing infrastructure, processes, and safety protocols for commercial electric aircraft.
Navigating the challenges ahead
Transitioning to a fully sustainable airport operation presents a host of complex challenges. A key concern is ensuring that electric vehicles and equipment are not only available but also efficient and capable of supporting daily operations. While MST has committed to sustainable replacements, not all specialised equipment currently has viable electric alternatives.
The availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is another major hurdle. “The market for SAF is still developing, and availability remains limited,” says Ubaghs. “We work closely with our partners to explore all available options and have invested in measures that have enabled us to progress through the ACA certification levels.”
Building out charging infrastructure adds another layer of complexity. MST must navigate compliance requirements for integrating new energy sources while managing investments and potential wait times for new equipment.
Adding to these operational challenges is a broader structural issue: limited capacity on the public power grid in the Netherlands. This bottleneck complicates the airport’s ability to scale renewable energy usage and implement the necessary infrastructure for a full transition.
Despite these constraints, MST remains focused on finding innovative, scalable solutions to meet its sustainability goals.
A scalable vision for regional aviation
Looking ahead, MST is excited to play a leading role in shaping sustainable regional aviation in Europe. As demonstrated by the success of the Electrifly project—the first European cross-border electric flight available to the public—the airport is committed to innovation and to supporting the future of sustainable aviation.
By continuously improving and future-proofing its facilities, MST is confident in its progress toward meeting its 2030 net-zero commitments. Although it operates on a smaller scale, this gives the airport the flexibility to implement sustainable practices quickly and effectively, setting an example for other regional airports. MST remains eager to collaborate with industry partners to help shape the next generation of sustainable air transport.
This story was first published in the March-April 2025 issue of Payload Asia.
