BlueLink

After finishing a degree in International Law and studying Business Economics, Olaf joined KLM’s Commercial Division, his roles included Commercial Director for Air France-KLM Group in Beirut and later in Rome. After 14 years at the airline, he switched to Engineering & Maintenance eight years ago, bringing along his customer focus from Commercial and combining it with his passion for aviation. Since 2020 Olaf has been AFI KLM E&M VP Sales for Europe & Key Accounts, working with his team to ensure that the customer always comes first. Outside work Olaf enjoys sailing, especially together with his family & friends. His motto - “They never knew it was impossible, so they just did it.”

After obtaining a degree from the ESTACA engineering school with a specialization in maintenance, Aurelien followed this up with an advanced master’s in international business development (with a focus on Asian markets). His professional experience began with a stint at Airbus Thailand, as sales manager for flight operations. After working in a technical sales role at GEMCO and then in Powered By Event’s component business unit, he joined AFI KLM E&M in 2016. Aurelien has always been passionate about travel and exploring new cultures and landscapes – just as well, since his sales purview stretches 10,000 miles from Paris to Tahiti! His motto - “Be clear about the goal, but flexible about the process of achieving it."

Boasting more than ten years’ experience in the aviation/MRO business, Arthur has a background in engineering and was a PhD candidate in Aviation/Airway Management and Operations. He began amassing international experience working as a production planning engineer in the UAE, where his talents were soon recognized by AFI KLM E&M. Hired to manage premium customers in Eastern Europe, Arthur successfully accomplished a major sales campaign in the region, before going on to work in global Key Accounts, mainly with Leasing companies. When he is not busy looking after top solutions for top customers, Arthur is always on the lookout for new swimming partners or chess opponents! His motto: “The ultimate goal is not to make a sale – it’s to build trustful business relationships founded on reliable solutions for our customers.”

Sergiy began his aviation career in the cockpit, learning to fly helicopters with the Ukrainian military and later at Kiev’s National Aviation University. He then had the chance to spend two years at the heart of European aerospace, obtaining a degree in Maintenance in Toulouse. After working for several Ukrainian airlines (where he was once advised, “Between good, fast and cheap, you can only ever pick two!”), he joined AFI KLM E&M in 2008 as a sales manager for the CIS region. In the wake of Covid, he has been hard at work expanding his portfolio to accommodate the many new airlines emerging in Eastern Europe. His motto - “One person can make a difference.”

After starting out as an aerospace structural engineer, Matthieu gradually switched over to commercial operations, working in Aerostructures License Management and OEM Components Procurement. He now oversees Account Sales Management for the UK and Italy, with a few French accounts thrown in for good measure. As he explains, “Building up trust with the customer is my number one motivation on a daily basis.” In his spare time, Matthieu is also a self-confessed quiz show addict, and enjoys cultivating his general knowledge by exploring other cultures, countries and civilizations. His motto - “Trust is earned in drops, but can be lost in gallons.”

Starting out in 1986 as a Boeing 747 Ground Engineer for KLM, Joop has amassed 36 years of Aircraft Maintenance experience, during which time he also graduated from the Hague School of Applied Sciences. After 10 successful years in AFI KLM E&M’s Sales Department, he’s observed that adaptiveness, flexibility and Innovations are the most crucial selling points for our customers. His motto - “Focusing on your strengths is what makes you stronger.”

Starting his aviation career as an Assistant Crew Chief in the Royal Dutch Airforce, Raymond’s first Ground Engineer Aircraft Type Certification was for the iconic F-16 Falcon. He joined AFI KLM E&M after his military service, and has occupied various roles including Mechanic, Ground Engineer, Engine On-Wing Test Runner, Customer Support for Engines/Airframe, and now Account Sales Manager, sustaining close relationships with Lessors around the globe. Along the way Raymond has also completed a degree in Business Administration, and after 38 years in the industry is still enjoying the ride! His motto - “The customer is the judge – so listen to their needs and provide the best for him.”

With a background in logistics, Carine began her career in aviation as a customer support agent in an APU MRO, gaining extensive knowledge of customer satisfaction and AOG situations. She then moved on to Sales and business development for Europe, CIS, southern Africa, and Ethiopia, expanding her experience in international aviation and sharpening her negotiation skills. Four years ago she took an opportunity to join AFI KLM & E&M as Account Sales Manager for key accounts based in Europe, developing her knowledge of nose-to-tail aircraft maintenance and broadening her experience with Lessors and OEMs. Her motto - “Trust, transparency and proximity are the watchwords for building and sustaining relationships with our customers!”

With an educational background in Human Resources, Boudewijn started out working in several HR roles before going on to obtain an MBA. He joined our commercial teams in 2018 and is responsible for Key Accounts and certain European countries. Building bridges, exploring new possibilities and looking for a win-win deal is where Boudewijn excels. In his free time, he likes to stay physically and mentally active by biking, swimming, reading and exploring new places. His motto - “The key to analyzing any problem and finding adaptive solutions is knowing how to listen.”

After graduating from Delft University in 1994 and completing his Dutch military service, Franck started his career as Project Manager at Driessen (now Safran), going on to work in the USA and Thailand. In late 2000 he joined KLM Engineering and Maintenance, managing multiple complex engine maintenance contracts for customers in the Middle-East and Asia region. Franck also holds an MBA from the University of Bradford, UK. In his current role he is responsible for MRO sales in the Turkish region and for Military and Defense accounts. Franck lives in Haarlem with his wife and two daughters, and has a passion for travel, adventure and nature. His motto - “Listen to your customer before they listen to the competition.”

After obtaining masters’ in international commerce at the University of Bordeaux and at the IPAG International Business School, Xavier began his career working in Logistics in Barcelona. He joined KLM as Marketing Manager for South Europe, left the airline activity as e-sales Manager for the Americas and South Europe. In his current position at AFI KLM E&M, Xavier is eagerly developing new segments such as Military and Defense accounts, and enjoys tackling fresh challenges in a fun yet focused atmosphere. On the weekends you might see this devoted Barça fan trekking in the mountains or out riding his Bianchi, unless he’s off on a cultural break! His motto: “Teaming up is the best way to achieve customer satisfaction and loyalty, since Customers and Provider experts are ultimately pursuing a joint objective.”

Ivo van der Geest is our Sales manager for Spain, Portugal and strategic accounts. Over the past five years, Ivo has created maintenance support solutions for many of our customers in Central and Southern Europe, and loves working at the intersection of technology and business. He was educated in Amsterdam and obtained a bachelor’s degree in aviation technology in 2001. In his free time, Ivo enjoys exploring the landscapes and culture of the Grand Est region of France. His motto - “Work with an open mind and a can-do mentality to ensure that each and every airline has access to reliable and adaptive solutions.”