PhD Position in Integrated Modelling of Airport and Airline Operations for Zero Emission Aircraft

Challenge: Aviation ecosystems are not ready yet for new zero-emission aircraft.

Change: Develop optimisation and simulation models for airport and airline operations for zero-emission aircraft.

PhD position: integrated modelling of airport and airline operations for zero-emission aircraft

Job description

To achieve the ambitious goals of climate neutrality by 2050, the aviation sector is actively investing in the development of new disruptive technology, infrastructures, and operational concepts. Electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft are considered to be key enablers towards sustainable aviation. Existing equipment manufacturers and startups have announced plans to produce a range of these (near-) zero-emission aircraft in the coming decades.

However, considerable efforts are still to be made to prepare the aviation ecosystem, airports in particular, for these new aircraft. It is expected that in the future, to balance the demand and supply of different sources of energy, (near-)zero emission aircraft with different propulsion systems will operate next to each other, and airports would need to provide the necessary infrastructure, and ensure safe and efficient handling of these aircraft. Furthermore, to ensure a proper integration of (near-)zero emission aircraft in the aviation system, airport operations and infrastructure need to be well aligned with the strategic and tactical decisions of airlines.

Your unique challenge as a PhD candidate at TU Delft is to develop concepts, optimisation and simulation models, and tools to facilitate integration of electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen-powered aircraft into airport and airline operations and infrastructure. Requirements related to the airport infrastructure and aircraft ground handling differ depending on the energy carrier and the propulsion system of the aircraft. In particular, for electric aircraft, charging infrastructure and related operations need to be addressed, whereas for hydrogen-powered aircraft, hydrogen storage, distribution, and refuelling need to be considered. Furthermore, novel aircraft will require additional safety measures, which may influence other performance areas of airport operations. At the same time, the novel airport procedures and aircraft performance will impact the fleet development and tactical schedulling of airlines. Hence, to support the roll-out of such new technologies, it is recommended to build methods that bring airline and airport decisions closer together.

During the first two years, you will be involved in the EU SESAR-funded ZENITIA project, which is well aligned with the goals of this PhD. Your main activity in this project will be modelling of airport operations and infrastructure for (near-)zero emission aircraft. You will also interact with the stakeholders involved in this project, like ground controllers or airport operators, and incorporate their requirements. In addition, you will contribute to project deliverables. You will be working closely with international project partners, like universities Carlos III of Madrid, Cambridge, University College London, and Boeing Germany. In the remaining two years of your PhD, you will also integrate airline networks into your modelling.

You will, of course, be writing papers and attending conferences. In addition, you will supervise labs and coach master students during their graduation research under the flag of the Operations and Environment section.

Who are your fellow team members?

We are an interdisciplinary and internationally diverse group of some 30 driven assistant and associate professors, lecturers, project managers, PhD candidates, and postdocs. We share the ambition to develop models and tools in which we accumulate our expertise to enable future adaptive and sustainable air transport operations. Fostering an open, friendly, and collaborative atmosphere in which people are approachable, we share knowledge, help each other, and meet socially. And you will get all the support and training you need to evolve and grow as a researcher.

Job requirements

Accelerating the future of sustainable air transport operations. That’s the drive you share with us. You put your analytical skills to good use, creating mathematical models and translating them into optimisation algorithms and programs. You work well both independently and in collaboration with academic researchers and industrial stakeholders, for which you harness your communication skills. And you enjoy coaching master students, while developing your own skills and competencies.

You also have:

• An MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Research, Transportation Engineering, or another relevant subject.
• Very good analytical, modelling, optimisation, and Python programming skills.
• Knowledge of aircraft technology and performance models is a plus.
• A good command of spoken and written English, as you’ll be working in an internationally diverse community, participating in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and writing scientific articles and a PhD thesis.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.

You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.