An in-depth investigation by citizen platform 'Denktank-MAA' shows that employment at Maastricht Aachen Airport (MAA) currently does not exceed 520 to 560 people, of which only a maximum of 400 are filled by direct permanent jobs. The other employment is in flexible hiring, for example for passenger handling and in indirect employment. Converted into full-time jobs, these numbers are even lower.
MAA has been a major cost item for the Province of Limburg for many years and for this reason studies have been carried out by external agencies and proposals have been developed for the future strategy of MAA on behalf of the Province.
Research by the 'Think Tank-MAA' now shows that the proposed strong growth in volumes of freight transport and possibly also of holiday traffic will only result in limited gross growth in employment. Moreover, it is established that due to the negative effects of growing nuisance from air traffic on the tourism sector and on the recruitment climate for knowledge workers, there will probably be a negative net growth in employment.
These findings are in stark contrast to the numbers presented by research firms. Their studies talk about 1760 people today to 2300-4000 people in 2030. The proposals for growth are based on these unrealistic outcomes.
According to 'Denktank-MAA', the research they have carried out also shows that MAA is and will remain of marginal significance for Limburg's infrastructure and has very little added value for the Dutch economy. The results of the study contrast with the statements of the provincial executive, such as "MAA is basic infrastructure for Limburg" and "MAA has brought us great prosperity". According to the organization, based on the research, the arguments for defending survival and in particular the proposed growth for MAA can be questioned.
Moreover, there is a shortage in the Limburg labor market in segments in which MAA is active. Many foreign personnel are already deployed in these segments. Given the growing need for personnel in sectors such as energy transition and healthcare, MAA's need for personnel can be seen as a nuisance competition. According to 'Denktank-MAA', if MAA is closed, there will be no major problem for those involved in finding a new job. The Province of Limburg will also have to include this aspect in its policy.
The findings of the research by 'Denktank-MAA' are documented in a detailed investigation report, which provides transparent insight into the results and their substantiation. A few weeks ago, this report was presented to the newly appointed GS van Limburg as input for drawing up a hoped-for new approach for determining the future strategy for MAA.
Photo above: Frank Kerbusch/ Shutterstock.com
Also read: Our schools have started again. Adjust your speed!