• Royal Schiphol Group (RSG) intends to increase its stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) from 40 percent to 80 percent.
• MST has recently positioned itself within the Dutch aviation market as ‘Schiphol’s seventh runway,’ and has invested in its cargo handling and airfreight facilities to complement the gateway. Its proximity to the Aalsmeer flower auction and other prominent transport links has continually strengthened its proposition as an alternative cargo hub.
• “With our knowledge and experience as an airport operator, we can work together with Maastricht Aachen Airport and the Province of Limburg to build a strong, financially sound, and future-proof airport,” Robert Carsouw, CFO Royal Schiphol Group stated.

Royal Schiphol Group (RSG) intends to increase its stake in Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) from 40 percent to 80 percent.

To complete this aim, Royal Schiphol Group has made an offer to the Province of Limburg. With a larger stake, Royal Schiphol Group aims to assume greater responsibility for the further development of MST.

MST has recently positioned itself within the Dutch aviation market as ‘Schiphol’s seventh runway,’ and investing in its cargo handling and airfreight facilities to complement the gateway. Its proximity to the Aalsmeer flower auction and other prominent transport links has strengthened its proposition as an alternative cargo hub.

The province of Limburg issued a statement including the vision for the proposed purchase.

‘With its proposal, RSG aims to take a step forward to strengthen MAA’s position and continue building a strong, future-proof, and environmentally conscious airport. The aviation company does this based on its responsibility for the entire Dutch civil aviation system and its importance to the Dutch economy. According to Royal Schiphol Group, MAA plays a key role in this, both nationally and regionally.

‘To expand its stake from 40 to 80 percent, RSG is prepared to pay €4.2 million, just as in 2022, subject to certain conditions. For instance, RSG asks the Province to terminate several historically established financial structures and thereby simplify the airport’s management organization. In addition, RSG is prepared to make additional investments to implement improvements at the airport,’ it stated.

The Province of Limburg will remain a 20 percent shareholder. The proposed expansion is still subject to further decision-making and final agreements.

“Maastricht Aachen Airport holds a distinct position within the Dutch airport system, particularly in the field of cargo. We believe in the potential of the airport and see opportunities to further strengthen that position. With our knowledge and experience as an airport operator, we can work together with Maastricht Aachen Airport and the Province of Limburg to build a strong, financially sound, and future-proof airport,” Robert Carsouw, CFO Royal Schiphol Group stated.

“By acquiring a majority stake, Royal Schiphol Group demonstrates itself to be a committed shareholder that envisions the successful future of Maastricht Aachen Airport and recognizes the importance of the airport for the region, as well as within the broader Dutch aviation system. Royal Schiphol Group possesses the expertise, experience, and network to make this a reality. Naturally, we, as the Province of Limburg, will remain actively involved and, as a minority shareholder, continue to oversee the transition of Maastricht Aachen Airport towards a sustainable, future-proof, and environmentally conscious airport,” Deputy Stephan Satijn, Province of Limburg stated.

“The proposed increase in Royal Schiphol Group’s stake is a clear confirmation of the confidence Royal Schiphol Group has in the future of Maastricht Aachen Airport. As a shareholder since 2023, Royal Schiphol Group knows the airport well and is actively involved in its development. Over the past few years, the Province of Limburg has laid a solid foundation for Maastricht Aachen Airport. If the Provincial Council approves the proposal, RSG, as the majority shareholder, can build upon this foundation and deploy its expertise to further develop the airport in a future-proof and environmentally conscious manner for the benefit of Limburg and the Netherlands,” Frans Weekers, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Maastricht Aachen Airport stated.

The proposed increase in the shareholding is being submitted to the Provincial Council of Limburg for decision-making. In the coming period, Royal Schiphol Group and the Province of Limburg will further develop the proposal and make further agreements.

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