A sustainable future for regional airports. 01/11/2023 - 31/10/2025

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.

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  • Research Project

Etat de lieu of the (national and cross-border) E commerce landscape in Belgium. 01/07/2023 - 30/04/2024

Abstract

eCommerce is since 20 years an increasingly important sales channel in retail. This impacts the last mile and logistics networks of companies a lot, and it also heavily impacts the existing retail landscape in certain countries. This study aims to make a study to examine how cross-border e-commerce flows are impacting the retail landscape and the retail last mile logistics systems in Belgium.

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  • Research Project

A long term strategic vision for the Belgian air transport industry. 17/04/2023 - 16/10/2024

Abstract

In six thematic working groups (connectivity, airports, industry, future mobility, security, sustainability) the 'as is' and 'to be' situation is discussed and defined. From this a coherent and supported strategic vision will be distilled, which will be published in a white paper by June 2024.

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  • Research Project

Integration of the MooV-model with first/last mile optimalisation. 01/01/2022 - 31/12/2025

Abstract

The purpose of network design in supply chains is to ensure the efficient flow of materials in economic, social, and environmental terms. All the decisions that companies make towards efficiency in the operation start from the design of the network at a strategic level, and as the planning horizon reduces, decisions become more concrete until reaching daily actions. The logic sequence is that strategic decisions are made first and condition the subsequent decisions (tactical and operational). Nevertheless, the optimization of each of the decisions has been carried out separately and in stages. The literature shows that there are models for either network design, based on facility location problems, or last-mile distribution in terms of vehicle routing problems. But there are no models that comprehensively optimize the supply chain as a whole. VITO has developed the MooV model, designed to solve long-term strategic/tactical questions (yearly/monthly) related to the design of the supply chain network. However, in MooV the network design and the vehicle routing problems are optimized separately without mutual communication. The overall goal of this proposal is to develop an integrated first and last-mile network design framework applicable to all kinds of supply chains. Three research objectives are proposed RO1: to develop a first and last-mile distribution model with a strategic/tactical approach; RO2: to integrate the first and last-mile modeling with the MooV network design service from VITO; RO3: to analyze the effect of the integrated framework approach on supply chain decisions.

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  • Research Project

Demonstrating lower polluting solutions for sustainable airports across Europe (TULIPS). 01/01/2022 - 31/12/2025

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.

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  • Research Project

Global Supply Chain Management in Southern Mediterranean (GLOB-SM). 15/01/2021 - 14/09/2024

Abstract

This Erasmus+ project, supported by the EU, is a joint project with the Kedge Business School, and aims to transfer knowledge to a number of universities in Libanon and Jordan. The aim is to set up a Master progamme in Supply Chain Management for local university graduates.

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  • Research Project
  • Education Project

Optimal number of ground handlings companies at Schiphol airport 03/04/2023 - 31/05/2023

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.

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  • Research Project

Real estate developments in and around regional airports. 01/11/2022 - 31/10/2023

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.

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  • Research Project

The calculation of a SCBA and the development of a strategic vision for the Flemish regional airports 13/09/2021 - 16/08/2023

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.

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  • Research Project

The calculation of a SCBA and the drafting of a strategic vision for the Flemish regional airports 01/08/2021 - 16/08/2023

Abstract

This project calculates a Social Cost Benefit Analysis of the three Flemish regional airports of Antwerp, Kortrijk-Wevelgem and Ostend-Bruges. After concertation with a large number of stakeholders, a strategic vision for these three airports is made, based on a number of predetermined scenarios.

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  • Research Project

Services to the Cranfield University. 24/05/2021 - 22/11/2021

Abstract

This research investigates the potential of developing supply chain related services at a to-be-build new airport in the Middle East. Hiervoor wordt samengewerkt met Cranfield University die de design van de luchthaven coördineert.

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  • Research Project

Set up of a Community Control Tower and innovative digital processes to distribute the COVID-19 vaccines worldwide for the logical air freight supply chain performed by partners and members of Air Cargo Belgium. 01/02/2021 - 31/03/2022

Abstract

The project set up a Community Control Tower for the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines which were transported through Brussels Airport. The project entailed the proposal and implementation of innovative digital processes to facilitate the worldwide distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines for the part of the supply chain that is under control of the members and partners of Air Cargo Belgium. The role of the University of Antwerp focused mainly on the periodical reporting of the status of the worldwide supply and demand flows of the different COVID-19 vaccines in phase 2 en fase 3 of the development.

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  • Research Project

Delivery of a logistic study on cross-border parcel delivery. 01/10/2015 - 31/01/2016

Abstract

This study explores the cross-border parcel logistics operations and its associated costs, in the context of the EU28, and focusing on B2C logistics chains. In particular, the study: - Describes the logistics operations in cross-border parcel delivery of postal operators, integrators, and other parcel delivery operators; - Estimates and analyses cost factors and drivers in different phases of the logistics chain; - Examines the cost impacts of last-mile delivery options (lockers, retail points, delivery to premises); - Describes the reverse logistics operations and its costs.

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Project website

Project type(s)

  • Research Project