Twente Airport

What Twente Airport does

Twente Airport is a private civilian regional airport located in Enschede, Netherlands, operating on a 220+ hectare former military airbase as part of the Technology Base innovation ecosystem. The airport originated in the 1930s, was closed to military and civilian traffic in 2008, and reopened as a civilian regional airport on March 30, 2017. Its core infrastructure includes a nearly 3 km runway oriented southwest/northeast, 20 aircraft parking stands (VOPs), 24,000 m² of existing buildings including three hangars and 13 former F16 shelters, and a high-capacity electrical grid capable of charging multiple electric aircraft simultaneously. The airport is the first Dutch site to integrate manned and unmanned flights in shared airspace and holds a unique water basin simulation used for aircraft braking certification by NLR and Airbus.

The company operates as a multi-revenue-stream facility serving four primary customer segments: business aviation (charter and private jet services for internationally oriented companies in the Twente region), aerospace R&D and testing (NLR, Airbus, drone manufacturers, PAL-V flying cars), aircraft parking and storage (Lufthansa, KLM Cityhopper, Air France, Nordic Aviation Capital), and on-site aviation-related tenants and defense exercises (Royal Netherlands Air Force, Royal Netherlands Army). Ancillary revenue streams include real estate leasing (offices, hangars, F16 shelters, ground-lease building lots), EASA Part145 line maintenance via Direct Maintenance, and aircraft decommissioning and recycling via Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions (AELS), which has dismantled KLM Boeing 747s, 737-800s, and Air France aircraft.

Twente Airport is positioned as a "living lab" for sustainable aviation and new mobility — co-founder of the Electric Flying Connection (EFC) cross-border network, lead site for the €4M MOMO C electric short-haul project with Fraunhofer FFB, and the first Dutch airport to receive BETA Technologies' ALIA CX300 electric aircraft. Its go-to-market combines direct B2B enterprise sales for testing, parking and tenancy with event-driven community marketing (Wheels & Wings, Runway Run for KiKa, fly-in events) for general aviation. The site is not under heightened ILT supervision and secured PBN approval for fixed instrument approach and departure routes by end of 2025, materially improving all-weather accessibility.

Name

Twente Airport

Legal name

Twente Airport

Website

https://twente-airport.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Twente Airport is a private regional airport in Enschede, Netherlands, operating a 220-hectare facility as a living lab for sustainable aviation, business aviation, aerospace R&D and testing, and long-term aircraft parking for European airlines and lessors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Airport Services

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811), Other Support Activities for Air Transportation (488190), Support Activities for Air Transportation (4881)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation Infrastructure Agencies (Public Airports, Airfield Ops, Ground Access) (BPAIALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Private Aviation Terminals & FBO Services (THABAFAH), Electric & Hybrid-Electric Propulsion (eVTOL/Regional) (IMABADAH), Traffic Management & Intelligent Transportation Systems (Signals, TMCs, Congestion) (BPAIALAC)

Keywords

• Regional airport services
• Business aviation operations
• Aircraft parking storage
• Aerospace testing facilities
• Electric aviation infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Enschede

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Landing Fees: Fees charged for aircraft landings at the airport. General aviation pilots can fly in for specified fees including landing and consumption vouchers.
2. Aircraft Parking (VOPs): Parking fees for temporarily parking aircraft of airlines, leasing companies, and decommissioning companies. Currently 20 aircraft stands available for larger and smaller aircraft.
3. Real Estate Leasing: Leasing of office space in hangars, former F16 shelters transformed into business accommodations, and building lots via erfpacht (ground lease). Technology Base has 24,000 m2 of existing buildings and 13 former F16 shelters.
4. MRO Services: Aircraft maintenance company Direct Maintenance provides line station services at Twente Airport, certified EASA Part145 for various aircraft types.
5. Aircraft Decommissioning Services: Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions (AELS) performs aircraft dismantling and recycling, with KLM 747 and other aircraft processed at the airport.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Twente Airport operates as a civilian regional airport and living lab for sustainable air mobility, providing aircraft landing and parking services, business and charter aviation, aerospace testing facilities (including a nearly 3 km runway, water basin simulation, and shielded 220+ hectare testing environment), real estate leasing for aviation-related businesses, and specialized infrastructure for electric aircraft charging and unmanned systems development. The airport generates revenue from landing fees, parking/storage fees, real estate leasing, and on-site partner services (MRO via Direct Maintenance, decommissioning via AELS).

Product overview

Twente Airport is a civilian regional airport operating as a living lab for sustainable air mobility and new forms of mobility. The airport operates as a single unified facility offering multiple integrated services: Testing Facilities (including a 3-km runway, water basin simulation, and shielded testing environment), Flying Services (charter, private jet, and recreational aviation), Aircraft Parking with 20 VOPs, and Establishment Opportunities for aviation-related businesses. The airport is part of Technology Base and focuses on sustainable aviation innovation, electric flying, and unmanned systems testing. The site spans over 220 hectares with various indoor and outdoor test facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Testing Facilities Comprehensive testing infrastructure at Twente Airport including a nearly 3-km runway (45 meters wide, oriented southwest/northeast), water basin simulation for braking and water absorption certification tests (used by NLR and Airbus for A400M braking tests), a shielded 220+ hectare fully fenced environment, and fire department facilities for safe testing operations. Designed for aerospace companies, defense contractors, and research institutions requiring secure, controlled environments for high-risk and competition-sensitive testing.
• Flying Services Charter and private jet services providing time savings and effectiveness for business aviation from eastern Netherlands to the rest of Europe. Also supports recreational flying through Vliegclub Twente and Twentsche Zweefvliegclub. Prior permission required (PPR) via email with 24-hour advance notice.
• Aircraft Parking (VOPs) Aircraft parking services with 20 aircraft stands (VOPs) available for both larger and smaller aircraft, suitable for temporarily parked decommissioning aircraft, airline parking, and leasing company storage. Includes MRO opportunities through Direct Maintenance (EASA Part145 certified). Customers include Lufthansa, KLM Cityhopper, Air France, and Nordic Aviation Capital.
• Establishment Opportunities (Real Estate Leasing) Business location services for entrepreneurs including existing buildings (3 hangars with 11,500 m2 total GFA, 13 former F16 shelters being transformed into permanent accommodations), buildable lots for new construction via erfpacht (ground lease), and temporary office space rental in hangars. Focuses on aviation-related activities, Safety & Security, Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, and unmanned systems. Includes 24,000 m2 of existing buildings on the Technology Base site.
• Electric Flying Infrastructure Sustainable aviation infrastructure supporting electric aircraft with sufficient electricity network capacity for charging multiple electric aircraft simultaneously, positioning the airport as a hub for electric flying development. Co-founder of Electric Flying Connection (EFC) network. First Dutch airport to welcome BETA Technologies ALIA CX300 fully electric five-seater aircraft.
• Unmanned Systems Testing Development and application testing environment for unmanned systems (drones) with combination of high-tech knowledge, testing facilities, and intensive cooperation with governments and emergency services. First Dutch airport where manned and unmanned flights share airspace, enabled by U-space framework. Supports drone activities, unmanned systems testing, and security solutions development via Space53.

Quantifiable outcome

• First Dutch airport to welcome BETA Technologies ALIA CX300 fully electric five-seater aircraft
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers16 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FlyvcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 November 2023Twente Airport became the first Dutch airport partner of Flyv, a technology company developing innovative air travel solutions. This partnership positions Twente Airport as a leader in sustainable aviation connectivity.
• Electric Flying Connection (EFC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 February 2023Twente Airport is a co-founder of EFC, which connects all players in electric flying in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany - aircraft manufacturers, operators, airports, knowledge institutions, charging experts, and governments. EFC pools knowledge and spreads the message about electric flying.
• Royal Netherlands Aerospace Center (NLR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNLR and Technology Base bet on Twente Airport for innovative and sustainable aviation. NLR conducts radar tests, water basin tests, unmanned systems testing, and PH-LAB research flights from the airport. NLR also hosts EFC expert meetings at the facility.
• Space53coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpace53 is based at Twente Airport and serves as the hub for drone activities, unmanned systems testing, and security solutions development. Hosts workshops on drone technology for site security applications.
• AeronamiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAeronamic, based at Technology Base, leads the TePS project within Aviation in Transition, developing air and thermal management systems essential for hydrogen and electric propulsion in aviation. Collaboration includes TU Delft, University of Twente, NLR, and Collins Aerospace.
• Technology BasecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwente Airport is part of Technology Base, a former military airbase now serving as an innovation ecosystem for aviation, autonomous systems, advanced materials & manufacturing, and safety & security. One of five top work locations in Twente.
• University of TwentecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner in MOMO C project for electric short-distance flying research, exploring mobile battery-based electric charging systems between Twente Airport and Münster Osnabrück International Airport.
• Saxion University of Applied SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in MOMO C project and Solar Team Twente initiatives. Contributes students and research capabilities to sustainable aviation innovation at the airport.
• ROC van TwenteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational education partner contributing to the innovation ecosystem and talent development for aviation and technology companies at Technology Base.
• Fraunhofer Institute FFB (Münster)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading the €4 million MOMO C research project on electric-powered short-distance flights, including conception of testing field between Enschede and Münster. Funded by Interreg, Ministry of Economic Affairs, NRW, and Dutch provinces.
• e-Smart AviacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZero-emission cargo airline operating BETA Technologies ALIA CX300 electric aircraft. Has placed orders for several ALIA CX300s in cargo configuration and aims to establish European/Middle East electric cargo flight network.
• NRG2flyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAviation pioneer partner in MOMO C project contributing to electric short-distance flight research and development.
• Albert Seine GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBattery developer partner in MOMO C project focused on developing mobile battery-based electric charging systems for electric aircraft.
• Nest-Fly TechnologiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDrone solutions company demonstrating perimeter surveillance and incident detection technologies during security workshops at Twente Airport.
• LUGN SecurityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSecurity company partner in drone technology workshops for physical security of business locations and critical infrastructure.
• Municipality of EnschedeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner in drone technology workshops and Space53 activities, contributing to innovation ecosystem development.
• Solar Team TwenteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent team from University of Twente, Saxion, and ROC van Twente testing solar car designs on the runway for Sasol Solar Challenge South Africa. Tests essential for simulation data collection.
• PAL-VcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlying car manufacturer that has tested driving stability of PAL-V vehicles at Twente Airport and received 100+ orders from a Dubai company for vehicles tested at the facility.
• SPRINT RoboticsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNetwork partner for SPRINT Robotics World Conference 2025, offering 10% discount to attendees as promotion for Technology Base and Twente Airport.
• Direct MaintenancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEASA Part145 certified aircraft maintenance company with line station at Twente Airport, providing maintenance services for parked aircraft and operating carriers.
• Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions (AELS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAircraft decommissioning and recycling company based at Twente Airport, dismantling KLM Boeing 747s, 737-800s, and Air France aircraft as part of circular economy operations.
• Vliegclub TwentecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecreational flying club celebrating 60th anniversary in 2024, operating general aviation flights from Twente Airport and co-organizing fly-in events.
• Twentsche ZweefvliegclubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGliding club operating recreational flights from Twente Airport, contributing to general aviation community and activities.
• TKH Airport Solutions (formerly USE System Engineering)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvanced airport lighting and technology solutions provider based at Technology Base, developing smart airport lighting systems.
• Royal Netherlands Air Force / Air Mobility CommandcoreOthersRegular military exercises including Falcon Leap (international), Orange Bull, and other training operations conducted at Twente Airport using C-130 Hercules, A400M, and other transport aircraft.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Lelystad Airport: Regional Dutch commercial airport focused on general aviation, flight training and test flights, with active efforts to attract sustainable-aviation and business-aviation traffic — directly comparable to Twente's positioning as a non-hub regional facility serving niche aviation segments.
• Maastricht Aachen Airport: Regional Dutch airport near the German border combining business aviation, aircraft parking, MRO and aerospace MRO tenants — directly comparable to Twente in scale, cross-border catchment and diversified niche operator model.
• Teuge Airport: Small regional Dutch airfield focused on general aviation, flying schools, recreational aviation and light business traffic. Comparable to Twente's GA/recreational and trial-flight operations.
• Groningen Airport Eelde: Dutch regional airport offering scheduled, business and general aviation plus aircraft parking and MRO. Closely comparable to Twente in size, regional positioning, mix of business/charter/recreational traffic, and reliance on multi-use revenue streams.

Emerging players

• Lilium: eVTOL developer with vertiport infrastructure ambitions in Europe. Comparable as an emerging player whose future operations would require the type of regional charging and test infrastructure Twente is building.
• Beta Technologies: US electric-aviation OEM whose ALIA CX300 was first hosted at Twente Airport. Relevant as an emerging player in the same electric short-haul and charging-infrastructure category Twente is investing in.

Broad incumbents

• Rotterdam The Hague Airport: Larger Dutch regional airport with scheduled, business and general aviation plus on-site MRO and aerospace tenants. Comparable as a broader regional competitor for business-aviation and parking demand in the Netherlands.
• Jet Aviation: Global FBO and business-aviation services operator with multiple European locations. Relevant as a broader incumbent in private-aviation terminal and FBO services comparable to Twente's business-aviation offering.
• Eindhoven Airport: Second-largest Dutch airport, focused on scheduled leisure traffic but also hosting business aviation, MRO and aerospace tenants at the Brainport region — a larger incumbent in a similar regional-airport-plus-innovation-cluster model.

Others

• Space53: Drone and unmanned-systems test ecosystem co-located at Twente Airport. Not a peer in airport operations, but a directly comparable ecosystem/testbed player and on-site partner for U-space and drone integration.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/twenteairport
• Facebookfacebook.com/twenteairportofficial
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/twente-airport

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Twente Airport