Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) has announced that its executive vice president, Ton Dortmans, will retire in summer of 2025 and that Mathieu Essenberg, currently serving as executive vice president of hub operations in charge of ground services, will succeed him on January 1, 2025.
Dortmans joined KLM in 1985 and held various positions within E&M before transitioning to ground services, where he was responsible for redesigning ground handling processes.
From 1998 to 2008, Dortmans held multiple roles within flight operations, including responsibilities for air traffic management, deputy executive vice president of flight operations and serving as senior vice president of the operations control centre within the passenger division from 2005.
Dortmans returned to E&M in December 2008 as senior vice president of operations and deputy executive vice president, eventually becoming executive vice president of KLM E&M in February 2012, joining also the executive teams of KLM and Air France Industries KLM E&M.
In addition to his role within KLM E&M, Dortmans has represented KLM in several capacities, including chairman of EPCOR B.V. and board member of KLM UK Engineering Ltd. He has also participated in various committees with Schiphol Group, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands, and the government, such as the Regional Consultation Schiphol (CROS).
Marjan Rintel, chief executive of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, said: “As executive vice president of KLM E&M, you are responsible for one of the largest technical enterprises in our industry, tasked with timely and safely maintaining and repairing KLM’s aircraft, engines, and components, as well as those of around 200 global customers. Ton has fulfilled this immense responsibility with great dedication, a passion for technology, and a deep care for the people behind it.
“He has successfully steered E&M through challenging times, including significant downsizing during Covid-19 and subsequent scaling up and recruitment efforts. I sincerely thank Ton for his invaluable contributions to KLM and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Anne Brachet, executive vice president of AFI KLM E&M, said: “Ton’s remarkable 40-year career with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has been marked by unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and a profound impact on our organisation. As we welcome Mathieu Essenberg, who will succeed him, we are confident that Mathieu’s expertise and innovative approach will continue to drive our mission forward. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ton for his precious contributions to KLM E&M and AFI KLM E&M.”
In January 2025, Essenberg will be supported by Dortmans for a smooth handover of all activities. In close cooperation with Brachet, Dortmans will manage significant major projects for AFI KLM E&M, among other collaborations with OEMs and supply chain projects.
Essenberg has been with KLM since 2002 and has held various management roles at KLM Cityhopper and flight operations. At KLM E&M, he served as senior vice president of airframe/operations, overseeing aircraft maintenance for KLM’s fleet and global customers. Additionally, Essenberg has 20 years of experience as a pilot with KLM and KLM Cityhopper, serving as captain on Boeing 737. In 2022, he became executive vice president of hub operations in charge of ground services.
Rintel added: “The maintenance and thus the availability of our fleet is our top priority. Mathieu has proven that he can lead significant changes while also addressing daily challenges. His strategic vision and pragmatic results-oriented approach make him the right person to lead E&M.”
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