From aircraft maintenance to custom solutions: Robert at KLM
At KLM Engineering & Maintenance, technology is about much more than just maintenance. In the maintenance workshop, craftsmanship, creativity, and teamwork come together. Here, KLM employees work on diverse projects, ranging from machine maintenance to developing solutions for unexpected technical challenges, involving the creation of new parts and structures.
Robert has been working at KLM for 25 years now and knows better than anyone how varied and challenging this work is. “Every day is different,” he says. “One moment you are working on machine maintenance, the next you are creating something completely new to solve a problem. That is what makes it so great.”
A Blue Family History
My father worked here in this workshop, the Galley department within aircraft maintenance. When he was ready for a new challenge within KLM a position became available in the workshop. I applied and got into KLM that way. In doing so, I took over practically his tools and workbench. The 'blue family' tradition doesn't stop there. My grandfather also worked at KLM, and even my son recently completed an internship here.Robert
Technology with Stability
Robert started out as an aircraft and component mechanic. With a young family, the need for more regularity grew. Three years ago, he switched to the maintenance workshop, where he found the desired balance with a fixed day shift and a manageable on-call duty only once every seven to eight weeks.
In his current position, two worlds come together: his experience in aircraft maintenance and his talent for structural metalworking. As a result, he knows exactly what maintenance colleagues need and the technical challenges they face. “Over the years, I’ve handled just about every piece of equipment in the bay,” he says.
Together with his team, he maintains and manufactures parts for almost all the machines at Schiphol-Oost. From aircraft jacks to special constructions such as manhole cover hooks: the work is incredibly diverse. In addition, he works with hydraulic, pneumatic, and smaller electrical systems. This broad scope ensures a great deal of variety, regularly requiring inventive solutions for unique technical challenges.
Proud of continuous development
After 25 years, Robert is still just as enthusiastic about his work. "This is really my place," he says with conviction. "I can really put my skills to good use here." He derives his greatest satisfaction from solving complex problems. "When a machine is down and needs to become operational again, and you get it running, that really gives you a good feeling."
Robert began his career as a structural fitter/welder and has developed into the specialist he is today through various roles and internal training programs. "Within KLM, there are many opportunities for career advancement and to pursue various training programs."
Indispensable behind the scenes
The work in the maintenance workshop may not always be visible to passengers, but it is indispensable to KLM's operations. Robert, with his rich family history and passion for technology, is the specialist who keeps the KLM fleet in top condition. The broad scope of his work ensures plenty of variety: "Here, you travel all over Schiphol. You also get to know many people in departments I had never been to before. If you are eager to learn and have a technical aptitude, KLM offers plenty of opportunities for anyone looking to get started!"
