Women at Cargo: Feminine Touch in the Male World of Air Cargo

Article

Logistics and operations

Air cargo. A world known for forklifts and heavy loads. And traditionally, a world dominated by tough, strong men. That image is slowly changing, partly due to women like Sterre and Angie. They demonstrate that KLM Cargo is about more than logistics, it’s also about talent development and diversity. Here, they share their experiences as a product engineer and teammember animal hotel in this dynamic and ever-changing industry.

From internship to permanent position

Sterre joined KLM Cargo through her graduation internship. 'I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! When a position became available, I didn't have to think twice. Since I already knew the company, the people, and the environment, it immediately felt like the perfect fit.' Now working as a product engineer, she focuses on improving cargo processes, specifically for Fresh Cargo and Dangerous Goods.

Angie's career at KLM Cargo began in 2017, when she started her internship at the animal hotel. Working among the whiskers and wet noses of aviation turned out to be her true passion. 'It might sound crazy but working with animals gives me a sense of peace,' says Angie. The variety of her work is what motivates her every day. After completing her studies in May 2018, she was hired through the employment agency. Two years later, she officially joined KLM.

What I like so much about my department, Business and Process Improvement (BPI), is that everyone is working on improvement and innovation,' Sterre explains. 'My colleagues are driven to make an impact and take KLM Cargo to the next level.' She also values of the knowledge and passion in the Cargo division. 'Many colleagues have been working here for decades and know the industry inside out. It’s an incredibly educational environment.

Sterre, product engineer

Working in a 'man's world'

Even though Cargo is often seen as a man's world, Sterre feels very comfortable. 'I’m not only one of the few women, but also one of the youngest in the team. Despite this, I was warmly welcomed from day one. Of course, it is noticeable that there are fewer women, but I see that as an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective. In the end, comes down to knowledge and commitment – gender doesn’t matter.'

Angie adds: 'At first I felt a certain pressure to prove myself, but I saw that as a challenge.' She noticed that some colleagues were a bit reluctant at first. 'Some of the guys were surprised when I was hired, they thought another flex worker with years of experience had a better chance.' But that quickly changed. 'Before long, they actually found it enjoyable and fun to work with me.'

A helping hand

Working in Cargo can bring additional challenges for women. Angie admits that some tasks can be physically demanding. 'There are some jobs that are simply too heavy for us to do alone, so we work in pairs, while the men can often manage on their own.' But she also sees advantages: 'When I work with the animals, my male colleagues often step in to help. If I need to pick up or connect something, there’s always someone there to help me, and that's a great bonus!'

Benefits and challenges

Does Sterre also experience the same advantages or disadvantages? 'Not really. But I do notice that a friendly smile can go a long way. And that doesn't just apply to women, hahaha!' She can laugh at the often direct humor of her male colleagues. 'I take it with a pinch of salt, you should hear me at home!'

KLM Cargo is looking for female reinforcement!

Sterre believes that the image of Cargo as a purely male world is outdated. 'The male-female ratio is already fairly equal, especially in the office. In operational roles, this is different due to the physical nature of the work. But there are definitely women who could and would do those jobs.' She would love to see more women join the Cargo team.

Angie is also noticing a change. ‘More and more women are joining our team, which is great to see. KLM has already taken steps to make air freight more attractive to women. Angie is referring to the use of, for example, lifting aids and automation to reduce physical strain. 'There’s always room for improvement!’

Looking to the future

Sterre doesn’t have to think long about her favorite part of her job: ‘The variety! I work with multiple products and have a lot of contact with both commercial and operational departments. That makes my work dynamic and challenging’. And her future? ‘I’m open to new opportunities KLM is such a big company with so many interesting divisions, I’d love to explore some more!'

As for Angie, she’s keeping her options open. 'I want to continue growing, but not necessarily in the animal hotel. The position of passenger service agent also appeals to me. Whether she stays with KLM or chooses a completely different path: for Angie, passion and enjoyment in her work will always come first.