KLM plane. Credit: Pexels, Jeffry S.S.
Dutch airline KLM has announced plans to reduce 250 non-operational roles as part of its ongoing efforts to improve financial and operational performance.
KLM expects these measures to result in a €450 million improvement.
KLM is restructuring
KLM’s President & CEO, Marjan Rintel, stated that the company is committed to securing its long-term competitiveness and ensuring the Netherlands remains well-connected globally. “It is crucial for our future to structurally lower costs, which involves making painful choices,” Rintel said.
While the airline aims to minimise forced redundancies, it cannot rule them out entirely. The decision has been communicated to both the Works Council and trade unions, with KLM promising to handle the process carefully and in close consultation.
Despite job reductions in non-operational sectors, KLM will continue recruiting for operational roles and other hard-to-fill positions to maintain its flight schedules.
The airline has already postponed plans to construct a new HQ and delayed investments in two buildings at its engineering and maintenance division. Additionally, KLM is looking to improve productivity by at least 5 per cent.
To maintain flight schedules, KLM has also reached a preliminary agreement with the Dutch Airline Pilots Association (VNV) on temporary measures to increase pilot availability for both European and intercontinental routes – good news for frequent flyers with KLM who may be worried about the impact of the restructure.
KLM reassures passengers that its operations will remain stable, with a continued focus on maintaining service quality and connectivity.
For expats in the EU who rely on KLM for travel between the Netherlands and other regions, these changes indicate a shift towards a leaner but more sustainable airline.
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