Winner Sustainable Aviation Prize 2024

5 questions for Stijn Donckers

What did you study?Stijn: “After completing my degree in Aviation Engineering at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, I went on to do a master’s in International Business at Maastricht University. I realised I was especially drawn to the policy and organisational side of aviation. That’s why I chose the Strategy & Innovation specialisation. For their thesis, students dive into a technology, service or business model with the potential to shake up an entire market – known as disruptive innovation.”

What was your thesis about?

“I researched electric flying, from the perspective of regional airports. NASA, among others, predicts that smaller airports could take the lead in making aviation more sustainable.

Using interviews, a mix of qualitative and quantitative research, and trend analysis, I developed four future scenarios for this niche market.

Part of my thesis was a case study on Maastricht Aachen Airport. This airport has a strong focus on sustainability and innovation. Until the early 2000s, there was a network of regional scheduled services. But over time, airlines moved towards bigger airports, where larger aircraft could be used more efficiently. These days, those major airports are reaching full capacity, while regional ones – like Groningen and Maastricht – still have space to grow.

Electric flying allows for quiet, eco-friendly regional flights, and can encourage travellers to depart from an airport closer to home. The long-term expectation is that the technology will become both greener and more affordable. The first generation of electric aircraft will likely carry up to 20 passengers, with larger models already being developed and expected within the next ten years.”

You’ve won an NLF award before – tell us about that“While I was studying at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, I won an award in 2022 in the HBO - General category. For the 2024 awards, the NLF introduced several themes, including sustainability. My research fitted in perfectly with that. Because aviation-related theses are quite rare at Maastricht University, I first asked for permission to enter. As far as I know, I was the first participant from Maastricht.”

What was it like to win again?

“Prior to the award ceremony, nominees were invited to a training day with tips and coaching for their presentation. I found it really inspiring to hear what other students had come up with for the future of aviation. I wasn’t focused on the idea of winning at all. You only find out who’s won during the actual ceremony. My girlfriend and I had already planned a holiday and were going to miss the gala. In the end, we decided to come back earlier – and lucky we did! Winning was a great surprise, and it felt extra special to be able to share that moment with my girlfriend and family.”

What does this award mean for your future?

“After graduating in 2024, I started working as a sustainability and innovation consultant at Maastricht Aachen Airport. The award may not have directly landed me the job, but it gave me a strong push to stay in this field. It felt like confirmation that I’m on the right track. I am an aviation enthusiast at heart, and I really appreciate that the NLF takes sustainability seriously. Aviation can and must become more sustainable. And if the technology is there, then we should be using it. I think it’s great that this award supports students who contribute to this.”