Research Sven Buyle

Abstract

Regional airports face a viability problem due to the imbalance between their socio-economic role and the challenges they face. A literature review revealed four main categories of challenges: market dynamics that cause low economies of scale, finances that entail high losses, politics dealing with the discrepancy between sky-high subsidies and ecological pollution, and geolocation that creates (intermodal) competition. The primary aim of the proposed research is to address this imbalance by responding to the challenges and opportunities, thus preparing European regional airports for a sustainable future on an economic, environmental and societal level. To achieve this objective, three phases are completed. First, an exploratory cluster analysis and comparative case study analysis will be used to identify the current economic, environmental and societal challenges of regional airports according to the type of regional airport. Second, the main challenges (derived from the first phase) should be transformed into actions for the airport operators and governments that are supported by the multi-stakeholder network. In the final phase, the prioritized actions are developed into clear guidelines that airport operators and governments can follow in the short, medium and long term to promote sustainable developments and the external validity of the results is examined.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dewulf Wouter
• Co-promoter: Buyle Sven
• Fellow: Pauwels Jolien

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Airports will play a major role in transition towards climate neutral aviation. Sustainable energy production and use (both airside and landside) as well as a shift towards greener multi-modal transport options will reduce GHG emissions and improve local air quality around airports. Bringing together a highly competent and complementary consortium of 29 partners supported by an external advisory board, TULIPS will accelerate the implementation of innovative and sustainable technologies towards lower emissions at airports. At Amsterdam Airport Schiphol alone, TULIPS will realise an estimated 800kT/year CO2 savings based on the sum of the expected benefits of the 17 demonstrations by 2025 with further savings scaled with technology roll out. 17 real-life demonstrations of green airport innovations (technological, non-technological and social) will be performed at the Lighthouse Schiphol, and some also at fellows Oslo, Turin and Larnaca airport. Measuring and quantifying benefits and forecasting their impact on EU climate goals should they be implemented extensively across European airports, results in hands-on robust roadmaps which present how these technologies and concepts should be deployed to different sized airports (international hubs down to regional level) considering economic, geographical, and political scenarios across Europe and beyond. Topics covered include a) improved multi-modal shift for passengers and freight, reduce traffic congestion and offer seamless green travel options, b) improved airside infrastructure for future electric/hybrid aircraft infrastructure, c) smart energy solutions to manage airport operations, d) integrating hydrogen fuel cell technology into current ground support equipment, e) enabling large scale supply of SAF fuel along with the preparation of an EU clearing house, f) circular economy, and g) UFP mitigation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Buyle Sven
• Promoter: Macário Rosário
• Co-promoter: Albers Sascha
• Co-promoter: Buyle Sven
• Co-promoter: Dewulf Wouter

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research focuses on determining the optimal number of ground handling companies in Schiphol Airport. Currently there are 7 companies active which leads to an inefficient market formation. By means of an international benchmarking and a thorough simulation using data from the current companies we investigated whether there are scale, scope and density advantages. The study concluded that there are optimally 3 ground handling companies, which is in line with the international benchmarking exercise.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dewulf Wouter
• Co-promoter: Buyle Sven

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Regional airports face a viability problem due to the imbalance between the socio-economic role they fulfil and their negative profit and loss statement. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to determine whether real estate developments in and around regional airports can increase this (currently negative) profit and loss statement without proportionally increasing the social costs. To achieve this, four research questions were formulated. First, a market analysis of regional airports and their (real estate) strategy uncovers the current situation and delineates the research. Second, the business models of regional airports and the linked problems are researched on the basis of a factor and cluster analysis. Third, the relationship between current land use at regional airports and their profit and loss statement is examined through (spatial) regression. Finally, descriptive examples of future real estate developments (e.g. solar panel park), that can deliver improvements in the profit and loss statement of regional airports, will be provided.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dewulf Wouter
• Co-promoter: Buyle Sven
• Fellow: Pauwels Jolien

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research calculates a SCBA for the three Flemish regional airports (Ostend-Bruges, Kortrijk-Wevelgem and Antwerp). Based on the results of this SCBA and extensive discussions with stakeholders, we will draft a strategic vision for these Flemish airports.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Dewulf Wouter
• Co-promoter: Buyle Sven

Research team(s)

• Transport and Regional Economics

Project type(s)

• Research Project