Martinair
Martinair Holland N.V. is a Dutch cargo airline headquartered at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, operating as a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group and focusing exclusively on full-freighter services since November 2011.[1][2] Founded on 24 May 1958 by aviation entrepreneur Martin Schröder as Martin's Air Charter (MAC) with a single de Havilland Dove aircraft for charter flights, the company initially provided passenger and cargo services, including scenic tours and ad hoc charters.[3][4] In 1966, it was renamed Martinair Holland, marking a period of expansion that included the introduction of jet aircraft such as the Douglas DC-8 and DC-9, enabling scheduled passenger flights to destinations in Europe, the United States, and beyond by the late 1960s and 1970s.[4][5] By the 1990s, Martinair had grown into the second-largest airline in the Netherlands after KLM, operating a mixed fleet of passenger and cargo aircraft while employing over 3,000 staff and serving global routes.[5] KLM acquired a 50% stake in Martinair in the early 2000s, and in December 2008, it completed the full acquisition by purchasing the remaining shares from A.P. Møller–Mærsk Group, integrating the airline more closely into the KLM cargo operations.[6][7] Following the cessation of passenger services in 2011, Martinair shifted entirely to cargo, contributing to the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo alliance formed in 2009, which combines resources from Air France Cargo, KLM Cargo, and Martinair for worldwide freight transport.[2][8] As of December 2024, Martinair's fleet consists of four Boeing 747-400 freighters—comprising one 747-400 BCF (converted freighter) and three 747-400ERFs (extended-range freighters)—all fully owned and averaging 24.7 years in age, supporting operations primarily from Schiphol to key cargo hubs in Asia, North America, and Africa.[1] The airline also provides technical maintenance services for Embraer aircraft as part of the KLM Group.[3] Looking ahead, Martinair has three Airbus A350F freighters on order, with deliveries expected starting in 2027 to replace the aging Boeing fleet and enhance fuel efficiency in line with the group's sustainability goals; this follows a 2025 adjustment from an original order of four aircraft.[9][10][11]History
Founding and early years
Martinair was founded on May 24, 1958, as Martin's Air Charter (MAC) by Dutch pilot Martin Schröder and businessman John Block, who sought to capitalize on the growing demand for affordable charter flights and sightseeing tours in post-war Europe.[12][13] The company began operations with a single de Havilland DH.104 Dove (registered PH-MAC), a small piston-engine aircraft suitable for short private charters and local flights, including initial sightseeing tours over Amsterdam that carried 9,000 passengers by the end of its first year.[5] Early activities also included niche cargo services, such as night flights transporting tulips and roses from the Netherlands to Sweden.[5] The airline experienced steady early growth by targeting market segments overlooked by larger carriers like KLM, expanding its fleet with a Douglas DC-3 in February 1960 to support increased charter demand across Europe.[5] In 1966, the company acquired a Douglas DC-6A (PH-MAM) and rebranded as Martinair Holland, marking a push toward longer-range operations.[14][15] This period saw Martinair enter the transatlantic market in 1967, introducing Douglas DC-7s and DC-8 jetliners for charter services to the United States, which broadened its reach and passenger base.[16] By 1971, Martinair had transitioned to an all-jet fleet centered on DC-8 aircraft, reflecting the industry's shift away from piston-engine planes and enabling more efficient long-haul charters.[16] However, the late 1960s brought key challenges, including financial difficulties that prompted co-founder John Block's departure and a company restructuring to stabilize operations amid rising costs and competitive pressures.[17]Passenger and charter expansion
In the mid-1970s, Martinair significantly expanded its charter operations by introducing the McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 widebody aircraft, which enabled long-haul holiday flights to popular destinations in the Mediterranean and Caribbean regions. The airline's first DC-10 entered service in November 1973, marking it as one of the earliest European operators of the type and allowing for increased capacity on vacation routes that built on its earlier charter roots with smaller aircraft. By the 1980s, Martinair transitioned into scheduled passenger services, launching routes from Amsterdam to New York-JFK as early as December 1980, with additional long-haul flights to destinations like Miami to capitalize on transatlantic leisure demand.[18] This expansion coincided with a broader boom in European leisure travel, fueled by rising disposable incomes and affordable package holidays, which drove Martinair's charter business forward through partnerships with tour operators for vacation flights.[19][20] The 1990s represented the peak of Martinair's passenger operations, with the airline modernizing its fleet by adding McDonnell Douglas MD-11 convertible freighters starting in December 1994, capable of mixed passenger and cargo configurations for efficient long-haul versatility.[21] These additions, alongside Boeing 767-300ERs leased or purchased for Caribbean and Florida routes, dedicated to passenger and charter services, replacing older DC-10s and Airbus A310s to meet growing demand.[16]Cargo focus and Air France-KLM integration
In the early 2000s, Martinair increasingly shifted its operations toward cargo amid intensifying competition in the passenger market and opportunities for operational synergies with parent company KLM. This strategic pivot addressed declining profitability in holiday charter flights and aligned with the broader Air France-KLM group's emphasis on freight efficiency. By 2010, the airline announced plans to discontinue passenger services entirely to concentrate resources on air cargo, a decision driven by the need to streamline costs and enhance competitiveness within the integrated network. Passenger operations officially ceased on 31 October 2011, marking the end of Martinair's 53-year history in scheduled and charter passenger transport.[22] KLM's ownership of Martinair evolved through several stages, beginning with a 25% stake acquired in 1964 and increasing gradually in the 1990s, including a blocked 1998 attempt for full control, reaching 50% by the early 2000s. In December 2008, following approval from the European Commission, KLM purchased the remaining shares from A.P. Møller–Mærsk Group, achieving full ownership and consolidating control over the Dutch cargo specialist.[23][6][24] This acquisition positioned Martinair for deeper integration into the Air France-KLM ecosystem. In 2011, Martinair Cargo formally merged its commercial activities with those of Air France Cargo and KLM Cargo, forming a unified entity under the Air France-KLM Cargo banner and solidifying its role as the group's dedicated freighter operator based at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The cargo emphasis involved optimizing the fleet for freight, notably through the conversion of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft from mixed passenger-cargo configurations to dedicated freighters, which supported efficient handling of high-volume shipments. This adaptation facilitated growth in key sectors such as e-commerce logistics, where rapid delivery demands drove increased utilization of Martinair's wide-body capacity, and perishables transport, including temperature-controlled solutions for fresh produce and pharmaceuticals. Post-2011, the airline expanded its cargo charter offerings, providing flexible ad-hoc services for oversized or time-sensitive loads across global routes. By 2025, pharmaceutical and healthcare shipments had seen record growth, with the sector expanding at a mid-single-digit annual rate, prompting investments in advanced cold-chain facilities and digital tracking at Schiphol to meet surging demand.[25][26] Strategically, Martinair's integration enabled rebranding as a core component of the Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) network, enhancing global reach through coordinated hubs in Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol. This alignment improved connectivity for transatlantic and intra-European freight, leveraging the group's combined fleet of over 10 dedicated freighters to capture market share in high-value commodities while prioritizing sustainability initiatives like fuel-efficient routing.[8][27]Operations and services
Cargo operations
Martinair operates as a dedicated cargo airline within the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) division, focusing on full freighter services for a diverse range of commodities including general cargo, perishables such as flowers exported from the Netherlands, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce shipments.[28][29] The airline handles time-sensitive perishables through specialized temperature-controlled units and unit load devices (ULDs), ensuring compliance with strict chain-of-custody requirements for items like cut flowers and fresh produce, which form a significant portion of exports from its Dutch base.[30] For pharmaceuticals, Martinair utilizes the Schiphol Pharma Hub, equipped with secure, climate-controlled storage exceeding 2,000 cubic meters to support global distribution of temperature-sensitive medical goods.[31] E-commerce logistics benefit from the airline's reliable express capabilities, catering to the growing demand for rapid cross-border parcel delivery.[32] The core services include scheduled freighter flights, ad-hoc charters, and wet-lease arrangements to provide flexible capacity for shippers.[33] These operations are fully integrated with AFKLMP, leveraging belly cargo space on over 400 Air France and KLM passenger flights to complement dedicated freighter capacity and reach approximately 295 destinations across 110 countries worldwide.[34] Martinair's primary operational hub is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, where advanced sorting, maintenance, and handling facilities support efficient throughput, including specialized zones for perishables and pharmaceuticals.[35] This integration allows for seamless end-to-end logistics, with Schiphol serving as a key gateway for European consolidation and distribution. In 2024, AFKLMP cargo operations, including Martinair's contributions, transported over 911,000 tons, reflecting a 4.1% volume increase from the previous year.[34] As of 2025, Martinair expanded its summer schedule, operating its four full freighters to 14 key destinations with enhanced frequencies to support peak seasonal demand for perishables and e-commerce.[36] Sustainability initiatives have gained momentum, including trials and broader adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through AFKLMP's dedicated program, which now includes partnerships with logistics providers to book and certify SAF usage for cargo flights, aiming to reduce carbon emissions across operations.[37] These efforts align with the group's commitment to decarbonization, with SAF contributions factored into updated charges effective January 2025. The cargo division employs approximately 3,000 personnel globally, supporting these specialized operations.[38]Destinations
Martinair operates as an integral component of the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) alliance, providing dedicated freighter services primarily from its base at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). As of the winter schedule from October 26, 2025, to March 28, 2026, Martinair's freighter network encompasses 14 destinations worldwide, with a strategic emphasis on North America, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and India, Africa, and intra-European connectivity. This focused portfolio supports the transport of general cargo, perishables, and specialized goods like pharmaceuticals, leveraging the group's extensive infrastructure for efficient global distribution.[39] The network structure integrates Martinair's operations with those of Air France and KLM, enabling codeshare freighter capacity and access to the AFKLMP's overarching system of 295 destinations across 110 countries. This collaboration facilitates seamless connections and optimized routing, with Martinair contributing maindeck capacity on transcontinental routes to major hubs, often operating multiple weekly flights to ensure reliable service levels. For instance, key routes from AMS include services to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Dubai World Central (DWC), supporting high-volume trade lanes.[40][39] Among the prominent routes are those to North American hubs like ORD for general cargo and Miami (MIA) for seasonal perishables, as well as Latin American gateways such as Bogotá (BOG) for time-sensitive fresh produce. In Asia and the Middle East, connections to Hong Kong (HKG), Beijing (PEK), Dubai (DWC), and Mumbai (BOM) cater to electronics, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, and regional trade, while intra-European links via AMS include Prestwick (PIK), Dublin (DUB), and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to handle short-haul volumes. Seasonal operations to MIA and BOG emphasize perishables during peak export periods, aligning with agricultural cycles in Latin America.[39] In 2025, the network includes ongoing operations to Latin American destinations such as Guadalajara (GDL) and Mexico City (MEX/NLU), enhancing connectivity for e-commerce and perishables in the region. These developments reflect AFKLMP's response to surging demand in high-value sectors.[41][42]| Region | Primary Destination (Airport) | Frequency (Winter 2025-2026) | Key Cargo Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | Chicago (ORD) | Multiple weekly | General cargo |
| North America | Miami (MIA) | 3x weekly (seasonal) | Perishables |
| Latin America | Bogotá (BOG) | Multiple weekly | Perishables |
| Latin America | Mexico City (MEX/NLU) | Multiple weekly | General cargo |
| Latin America | Guadalajara (GDL) | Multiple weekly | General, e-commerce |
| Middle East/India | Dubai (DWC) | Multiple weekly | General cargo |
| Middle East/India | Mumbai (BOM) | Multiple weekly | Pharmaceuticals |
| Asia | Hong Kong (HKG) | Multiple weekly | Electronics, general |
| Asia | Beijing (PEK) | Multiple weekly | General cargo |
| Africa | Johannesburg (JNB) | Multiple weekly | General cargo |
| Africa | Nairobi (NBO) | Multiple weekly | General cargo |
| Africa | Cairo (CAI) | Multiple weekly | General cargo |
| Europe | Paris (CDG) | Intra-hub | General cargo |
| Europe | Prestwick (PIK) | Multiple weekly | General cargo |
| Europe | Dublin (DUB) | Multiple weekly | General cargo |
Corporate affairs
Ownership and management
Martinair is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group through KLM, which acquired a 50% stake in the early 2000s and completed full ownership in December 2008 by purchasing the remaining shares from A.P. Møller–Mærsk Group.[23][43] As part of the group's cargo operations, Martinair operates under the Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP Cargo) brand and integrates into the broader KLM cargo division structure.[40][44] Leadership at Martinair is headed by Managing Director Adriaan den Heijer, who also serves as Executive Vice President of Air France-KLM Cargo, a role he has held since 2020 while assuming additional group responsibilities as Chief Commercial Officer effective September 2025.[45][46] Key executives include Finance Director Eric Wittgen and General Manager Marius van der Ham, supporting operational and financial oversight.[45] The company's board and strategic decisions are overseen by Air France-KLM's executive committee, ensuring alignment with group-wide priorities.[23] Governance at Martinair is fully integrated into the Air France-KLM framework, with strategic planning, risk management, and compliance handled at the parent level to optimize the cargo segment's performance.[47] Financial reporting for Martinair is consolidated within the group's cargo activities, which generated €1,994 million in revenue for 2024, reflecting its contribution to the overall network segment amid post-pandemic market normalization.[47] In 2025, leadership has emphasized sustainability initiatives, including expansion of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) program to reduce emissions, alongside digitalization efforts such as achieving over 90% digital bookings and launching AI-powered CRM360 for enhanced customer service.[48][49][50] These priorities build on a five-year digital transformation completed in 2025, focusing on operational efficiency and customer-centric innovations.[51]Offices and facilities
Martinair's headquarters is situated in the TransPort Building at Schiphol East, on the grounds of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands. This facility, occupied by Martinair since 2010, houses administrative functions, operations control, and key management activities for the airline's cargo operations as part of the Air France-KLM Group.[34][52] The airline maintains a dedicated office in Doral, Florida, to support North American sales, customer coordination, and regional business development. Located at 8750 NW 36th Street, Suite 300, this U.S. presence facilitates efficient handling of transatlantic cargo routes and partnerships in the Americas.[53] Maintenance operations for Martinair's fleet are primarily based at Schiphol Airport, where line maintenance is conducted on-site to ensure quick turnaround times for freighters. Heavy maintenance, repairs, and overhauls are managed through Air France Industries-KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI-KLM E&M), leveraging the group's shared resources for comprehensive aircraft servicing.[54][55] Cargo handling occurs at specialized partner terminals within the Schiphol Hub, including facilities operated by Menzies Aviation for Martinair and KLM freighter operations. The hub incorporates advanced infrastructure such as the Pallet & Container Handling System (PCHS) for automated processing of shipments, supporting efficient sorting and distribution. In 2025, Air France KLM Martinair Cargo invested in upgrades to its European hub facilities, including enhanced cool-chain capacity and digital monitoring systems to meet growing demand in pharmaceutical and perishable cargo sectors.[30][56][26]Subsidiaries
Martinair operates the Regional Jet Center (RJC), a wholly owned subsidiary specializing in aircraft maintenance and storage services primarily at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Established with roots in Martinair's former maintenance division, RJC rebranded in 2014 following the airline's deeper integration into the Air France-KLM Group and now employs over 260 professionals focused on line maintenance for regional jets, with a particular emphasis on Embraer E170, E190, and E2 series aircraft. The center handles both in-house work for Martinair and KLM affiliates as well as third-party contracts, including turnarounds, A-checks, and component repairs, making it the largest Embraer maintenance provider in Europe.[57][58][59] The Martinair Flight Academy, originally a dedicated pilot training subsidiary based at Lelystad Airport, merged with the KLM Flight Academy in 2018 to consolidate resources within the KLM Group. This merger led to the relocation of its single-engine and multi-engine training operations to Groningen Airport Eelde in 2020, where it now operates under the unified KLM Flight Academy banner while retaining focus on ab initio and advanced programs tailored to cargo operations. The academy provides integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) courses, modular training, instrument ratings, and type ratings, including for the Boeing 747 freighters central to Martinair's fleet, supporting the recruitment and development of pilots for Air France-KLM's cargo divisions.[60][61][62] These subsidiaries play a key role in the Air France-KLM Group's ecosystem, with RJC ensuring operational reliability across the network and the Flight Academy addressing pilot shortages through standardized, group-wide training initiatives.Fleet
Current fleet
As of November 2025, Martinair operates a fleet of four all-cargo Boeing 747-400 aircraft, all of which are active and based primarily at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.[63] The average age of the fleet is approximately 25.6 years.[63] These aircraft are configured for freighter operations, featuring a main deck and lower holds for palletized and containerized cargo, with crews leased from the Air France-KLM Group and maintenance handled within the group's facilities.[1] The majority of the fleet consists of three Boeing 747-400ERF (Extended Range Freighter) variants, registered as PH-CKA, PH-CKB, and PH-CKC. These extended-range models, painted in KLM Cargo livery with "Operated by Martinair" markings, each have a cargo capacity of 113 tonnes.[64][65][66] Martinair also operates one Boeing 747-400BCF (Converted Freighter), registered as PH-MPS, which is the sole aircraft in the fleet bearing full Martinair livery.[67] This converted passenger-to-freighter model has a cargo capacity of approximately 107 tonnes.[67]| Aircraft Type | In Service | Registrations | Cargo Capacity (tonnes) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 747-400ERF | 3 | PH-CKA, PH-CKB, PH-CKC | 113 | KLM Cargo livery; extended range |
| Boeing 747-400BCF | 1 | PH-MPS | 107 | Martinair livery |
Future fleet orders
In August 2025, Martinair reduced its order for Airbus A350F freighters from four to three aircraft as part of Air France-KLM Group's fleet portfolio assessment amid production delays and efforts to balance capital expenditures.[10] Deliveries of these aircraft are now scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027, delayed from the original 2026 timeline due to supply chain challenges.[10] The A350F order supports Martinair's transition away from its current Boeing 747-400F fleet.[10] This shift emphasizes more efficient, lower-emission operations, as the A350F—built primarily from carbon-fiber composites—offers a maximum payload of 111 tonnes with a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles, enabling versatile long-haul cargo routes while meeting ICAO CO2 emissions requirements from entry into service.[68][69] In 2025, Martinair reinforced its sustainability commitments by aligning with European regulations mandating a minimum 2% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend for all departing flights from January 1, expanding its existing SAF program launched in 2020.[70] The A350F's engines are designed for full SAF compatibility, supporting further decarbonization as demand grows.[69] While no additional A350F orders have been confirmed, Martinair has indicated potential expansions contingent on rising global cargo volumes and network needs.[10]Historical fleet
Martinair commenced operations in 1958 with a single de Havilland Dove, a small piston-engine aircraft used for charter services, marking the start of its fleet evolution from regional charters to international passenger and cargo transport.[71] Over the subsequent decades, the airline expanded its fleet to include piston and turboprop types before transitioning to jets in the late 1960s, reflecting growth in long-haul capabilities.[5] The early fleet emphasized versatility for both passenger and cargo roles. By the mid-1960s, Martinair operated Douglas DC-3s and DC-6As, with the latter introduced around 1966 for extended-range charters; these were phased out by the early 1970s as jet aircraft became dominant.[14] The shift to all-jet operations was completed by 1971, with the introduction of McDonnell Douglas DC-9-50s replacing remaining propeller aircraft on short-haul routes.[16] In 1967, Martinair entered the long-haul market with Douglas DC-8-30 and -50 jets, operating up to six examples until their retirement in 1978, when they were succeeded by widebody trijets.[72] The passenger era peaked with the arrival of McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30CFs in 1973, with five aircraft serving in combi configurations until the last was retired in 1995; these were notable for their flexibility in switching between passenger and cargo setups.[73] The 1990s introduced the McDonnell Douglas MD-11, starting with four CF variants in 1994–1995 for mixed operations, followed by three dedicated freighters by 1998, totaling seven aircraft operated until 2016.[21] These MD-11s were later converted fully to freighters, with passenger services on the type ending in 2008 as Martinair focused on cargo.[5] Other passenger types in the interim included Boeing 757-200s, 767-300ERs, and Airbus A310s and A320s, all retired by the late 2000s.[74]| Aircraft Type | Introduction Year | Retirement Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| de Havilland Dove | 1958 | Early 1960s | Initial charter aircraft; one example preserved.[74] |
| Douglas DC-3 | 1958 | 1960s | Piston transport for early operations.[74] |
| Douglas DC-6A | 1966 | Early 1970s | Cargo-focused; at least one operated (PH-MAM).[14] |
| Douglas DC-8-30/-50 | 1967 | 1978 | Long-haul jets; up to six in fleet.[72] |
| McDonnell Douglas DC-9-50 | Late 1960s | 1980s | Short-haul passenger replacement for props.[5] |
| McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30CF | 1973 | 1995 | Combi widebodies; five operated.[73] |
| Boeing 747-200 | 1980s | 2000s | Passenger and cargo; early widebody supplement.[74] |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-11CF/F | 1994 | 2016 | Seven total; four CFs convertible to freighters.[21] |
| Boeing 757-200, 767-300ER; Airbus A310, A320 | 1980s–1990s | Late 2000s | Medium-haul passenger types.[74] |