PhD Position in Airline Operations and Sustainable Aviation Networks at Delft University of Technology

PhD in Airline Operations and Sustainable Aviation Networks

Mixed Fleets of Novel Aircraft – Network Development and Scheduling
Delft University of Technology
Delft, Netherlands
Application Deadline: 16 March 2026

Fully Funded PhD in Sustainable Airline Operations

The Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is offering a fully funded PhD position within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. This doctoral project focuses on airline operations, fleet planning, and sustainable aviation systems, addressing one of the most critical questions in aviation:

How can airlines integrate sustainable aircraft technologies into future networks while maintaining economic viability?

This research lies at the intersection of aerospace engineering, operations research, transportation systems, and climate-focused aviation innovation.

Research Focus: Airline Decision Models for Novel Aircraft Technologies

Global air traffic demand continues to grow, while aviation must significantly reduce its climate impact. New aircraft concepts powered by hydrogen and battery-electric propulsion systems introduce new operational constraints and opportunities, including changes in:

• Aircraft range and payload

• Charging and refueling infrastructure

• Airport compatibility

• Flight performance characteristics

• Scheduling and frequency planning

This PhD project develops advanced mathematical models and computational tools to support:

• Strategic airline network development

• Mixed fleet composition decisions

• Aircraft introduction timing

• Sustainable scheduling optimization

• Tactical operational planning

The goal is to help airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and policymakers make data-driven decisions about integrating next-generation aircraft into commercial networks.

Academic Field and Research Domain

This PhD lies within the following disciplines:

Primary Field

• Aerospace Engineering

Core Research Areas

• Airline Operations Research

• Transportation Systems Engineering

• Network Optimization

• Sustainable Aviation Systems

• Mathematical Modelling and Optimization

Application Domain

• Hydrogen-powered aircraft

• Battery-electric aircraft

• Climate-neutral aviation

• Aviation energy transition

The project contributes directly to the broader themes of sustainable aerospace and decarbonization of air transport.

Research Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Develop mathematical models for long-term airline planning

• Create optimization algorithms for mixed fleet scheduling

• Build computational tools for strategic network analysis

• Integrate operational, tactical, and environmental considerations

• Collaborate with aircraft designers and performance experts

• Contribute to the Dutch DASAL research project

• Publish in leading aerospace and transportation journals

• Present findings at international conferences

• Supervise laboratory sessions and mentor master’s students

You will work within the Operations and Environment section, an interdisciplinary research group focused on sustainable and adaptive air transport systems.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• An MSc in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Research, Transportation Engineering, or a related field

• Strong analytical and modelling skills

• Experience with mathematical optimization

• Advanced Python programming skills

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

Knowledge of aircraft technology and flight performance modelling is considered an advantage.

Employment Conditions and Benefits

PhD candidates at Delft University of Technology are appointed for four years, structured as:

• Initial 1.5-year contract with performance assessment

• Followed by a 2.5-year extension upon positive evaluation

Salary

• €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month (based on full-time employment)

• 8% holiday allowance

• 8.3% end-of-year bonus

Additional benefits include:

• Enrollment in the TU Delft Graduate School

• Structured Doctoral Education Programme

• Flexible working arrangements

• Relocation support services

• Dual Career Programme for partners

• Inclusive and diverse academic environment

Research Environment: Faculty of Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is internationally recognized for research in:

• Energy transition in aviation

• Sustainable aerospace technologies

• Aviation safety and security

• Climate-resilient mobility systems

The faculty collaborates with research institutes, industry, and government stakeholders across Europe to advance sustainable aviation solutions.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Detailed CV

• Motivation letter

• BSc and MSc diplomas and transcripts

Candidates must demonstrate English proficiency suitable for doctoral education and academic publication.

Applications must be submitted through the official TU Delft application system before the deadline.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this PhD will develop expertise in:

• Sustainable aviation systems

• Airline network optimization

• Mixed fleet modelling

• Aviation decarbonization strategy

• Computational modelling for transportation systems

Career pathways include academia, aviation consulting, aircraft manufacturing, airline strategy departments, transportation policy, and sustainability advisory roles.

Study and Live in Delft, Netherlands

Delft is a leading European innovation hub, known for its strong engineering tradition and international research community. As a PhD candidate, you will join a collaborative academic environment committed to technological solutions for global climate challenges.

This PhD in Airline Operations for Mixed Fleets of Novel Aircraft is ideal for candidates passionate about aerospace engineering, sustainability, optimization modelling, and shaping the future of climate-neutral aviation.

Apply now at : https://careers.tudelft.nl/job/Delft-PhD-Airline-Operations-for-Mixed-Fleets-of-Novel-Aircraft-From-Network-Development-to-Scheduling-2628-CD/1353373557/