Groningen Airport Eelde achieved a positive operating profit in 2017, according to airport director Marco van de Kreeke.
Eelde’s director spoke with BNR Radio on Friday about the airport’s performance last year. Van de Kreeke did not specify how much profit the airport has made, but he suggested that Groningen Airport Eelde is doing well financially.
One of the main reasons behind the profitable results is that the airport’s shareholders are covering certain expenses, such as the fire fighting services. Those costs were previously paid by the airport itself, which lead to a deficit in operation costs.
The airport’s shareholders include the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe and the municipalities of Groningen, Assen and Tynaarlo. The shareholders have indicated that they intend to increase their investment in the airport, which should enable Eelde to operate more flights.
Groningen Airport Eelde’s goal is to double its passenger numbers by drawing travellers away from other airports. Van de Kreeke sees potential for the Dutch aviation sector to be organised more efficiently by stimulating regional airports: Eelde can serve as a release valve for passengers who would otherwise fly out of busiers airports like Schiphol and Eindhoven.
