Competitiveness of Schiphol Airport as European HUB in the Cut Flower Supply-chain

Abdel El Makhloufi, Ann Wellens

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

The Netherlands is the largest export country of cut
flowers in the world. Air cargo transport of flowers
amounts to 25 percent of the total annual tonnage of
goods that go through Schiphol Airport. However, due to
uncertainty of the future development in international
trade, as well as the increasing competition from other
hub airports in Europe and new developments in the
maritime transport sector, forecasts point to a less rosy
picture for the Schiphol airport and Netherlands.
To maintain and improve the international competitive
position of Schiphol airport as a 'preferred hub' for
flowers, it is important to keep up with developments in
the international markets, changes in the international
value chain of flowers and to strengthen the competitive
position of Schiphol in relation to competing airports
(Brussels, Liège, Frankfurt and Paris).
In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework that
assesses the competitiveness of Schiphol airport
compared to its European competitors, based on a model that takes into consideration transport and logistics costs, as well as other variables like quality of services and local and business environment. The results show that Schiphol can maintain it competitive advantage due to competitive indicators as trade costs, hub position in international air-networks, quality of handling goods, and the existence of high-quality airport infrastructure and a unique business environment, which attract international business.
However, the results of the flower trade analysis show
that Liège airport has become a direct competitor of
Schiphol, as this airport scores better than Schiphol for
trade in flowers above 1,000 kg. Liège airport scores
equally to Schiphol in terms of monetary, transport costs
and quality of services.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2019 MULTILOG Conference
Subtitle of host publicationChallenges and Innovative Solutions for Multimodality in Global Transport Networks
EditorsAnn G. Wellens, Catya A. Zúñiga Alcaraz
Place of PublicationCoyoacán
PublisherFacultad de Ingeniería - UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México)
Pages138-147
Publication statusPublished - 2019
EventMultilog Conference 2019: Challengges and Innovative Solutions for Multimodality in Global Transport Networks, - December 12-13, , Huatulco, Mexico
Duration: 12 Dec 201913 Dec 2019
http://www.multilogs.eu/

Conference

ConferenceMultilog Conference 2019: Challengges and Innovative Solutions for Multimodality in Global Transport Networks,
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityHuatulco
Period12/12/1913/12/19
Internet address

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