KLM to Cut Workforce by Nearly 15% in Major Cost-Saving Drive

Photo Credit: A KLM Boeing 737 at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. KLM/Capital Photo KLM is preparing to shrink its workforce by almost 15% as part of a major restructuring aimed at cutting costs and improving its long-term competitiveness. The Dutch flag carrier announced the measures on Thursday alongside parent company Air France-KLM's third-quarter earnings. Around 5,000 positions have already been or will be affected, with jobs eliminated, outsourced or transferred within the wider airline group. The overhaul aims to deliver an additional €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in annual earnings improvements, bringing the total targeted improvement to €1.4 billion. Speaking on Thursday, Marjan Rintel, KLM's CEO, delivered a stark message about the need for change: "KLM's future is not guaranteed… That's why, at this pivotal moment for KLM, we're taking far-reaching, sometimes painful measures. Every department and every division will be asked to contribute." Which Teams Are Affected? KLM says around 1,250 cater