Aliex is committed to growth through YoungKLM
YoungKLM is the network for young KLM employees who want to discover, grow, and contribute to the future of aviation. As chair of the board, Aliex van Wingerden sees firsthand how valuable this is. “In my opinion, YoungKLM is the best place to quickly meet new people, share ideas, and gain a better understanding of the organization. It’s fun, educational, and important all at the same time.”
Aliex herself started at KLM with a healthy dose of curiosity. Thanks to YoungKLM, she quickly found her way within the organization. “You don’t just learn how the company works, but also who to approach if you want to get things done. I wish everyone could have that kind of head start.”
Connecting and inspiring within KLM
As the largest employee network within KLM, YoungKLM focuses on colleagues up to the age of 35 – from all educational backgrounds and levels. Aliex is the chair of the board and is helping to further develop the network. “Together with five other YoungKLM board members, we organize events with two main goals: connecting and inspiring. Think of sports tournaments, social gatherings, or company visits, but also in-depth sessions about the organization, innovation, and sustainability.”
The network also plays a connecting role between generations. “At KLM, colleagues with thirty years of experience work alongside newcomers who have just graduated. Experienced colleagues have a wealth of knowledge shaped by everything they have experienced at KLM, but this can sometimes make them less eager for major changes. Starters, on the other hand, want to innovate and renew things quickly—preferably yesterday rather than tomorrow. Through YoungKLM, we bring these worlds together, for example by organizing joint events or brainstorming sessions with Experienced KLM, the network for employees over 50, or through brainstorming sessions where the results are shared with a department’s management team.”
Stronger together
YoungKLM is one of the five Diversity & Inclusion networks within KLM. While other networks focus on aspects such as cultural background or sexual orientation, YoungKLM’s focus is on age and career stage. Still, collaboration with the other networks is strong. “We want to make sure these networks don’t become separate bubbles, but instead connect and inspire each other. That’s why we are increasingly working together with the other networks, for example during Pride or on topics related to well-being.”
Exchanging perspectives is what the entire organization is all about. Aliex says, “It’s not just about making sure young colleagues feel at home, but also that they feel heard. Their ideas and initiatives are essential for the future of KLM. And through YoungKLM, they have a platform for that.Aliex
Opportunities, Ideas, and Perspective
Aliex has personally experienced what the network can do for you. “Sometimes you have a goal and a vision in mind, or you want to learn more about a certain topic, but you don’t know how to get there. YoungKLM helps you discover what’s possible. For example, through job swaps with other companies or roundtable discussions with management. We often hear that colleagues have expanded their network and gained new perspectives through YoungKLM.”
Innovation Requires the Right People
At KLM, new ideas are constantly emerging to advance aviation. Aliex says, “We have big and innovative plans, but not everything can happen at once. To innovate, you have to handle opportunities creatively, set the right priorities, and bring the right people together.”
That’s exactly where YoungKLM plays an important role. “Within KLM, we have innovators everywhere: people with energy, ideas, and expertise. Our network helps you find them faster, get to know each other, and discover what’s possible. And it’s not just limited to young colleagues—you also connect more easily with management. That combination can make the difference between a good idea and a concrete result.”
A Future in Motion
What gives Aliex energy? “The enthusiasm of our members,” she says.
“At every event, you can see just how much motivation there is among young colleagues. As YoungKLM, we’ve really learned how to make an impact—sometimes big, sometimes small. And in my view, that’s exactly how we move KLM forward: by connecting the right people with each other.”Aliex
