KLM to British Airways *

Having suffered the loss of Pieter Elbers another senior executive has walked out of the airline.
(See BTN 23 May KLM’s Elbers for India)

Effective15 July René de Groot will be stepping down as Chief Operating Officer (COO) to become COO at British Airways.

Having first joined KLM in 1990, de Groot has a long track record at the carrier, first as a pilot, later in management, and over the last eight years as COO.

Peter Elbers, who was very visible at the IATA conference and joins IndiGo on 1 October.  Replacing Elbers is the former head of Dutch rail firm NS, Marjan Rintel.

The Dutch and the British have a long historical relationship and it was something of a surprise back in 2003 when KLM forged a relationship with Air France, which stands to this day.  A serious connection with BA seemed more logical at the time.

www.klm.com

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

James Jest, Holborn, London

It will be interesting to see how an Irishman and Dutchman can work together at Waterside, and both former pilots.

Jim Smidt, Kilburn, London

KLM has real problems with the loss of two senior executives and the damage done with the withdrawal of Schiphol slots.