Meet Amsterdam's New Airline & Cargo Partnerships team

Tim Heijenbrock

I may be new to the ACP team, but I’m no stranger to operations at Schiphol. In my previous role, I was responsible for activating Schiphol management to meet the needs of our Consumer businesses: retail, hospitality, parking, and the like. Now, as Airline Partnerships Director for KLM and Northern Europe, I’ll focus on building bridges between airlines and Schiphol. Often, the solution is found not on one side or the other, but in the middle. On common ground. 

It’s only by really listening, being creative and selecting the issues that can make the biggest impact that we can reflect on what matters most to our airlines. And I hope my fresh perspective helps us gain new insight into old challenges. I won’t try to copy my colleagues, but to learn from them and teach them, too. And that only works if I am truly myself: frank, approachable and energetic.  

During the lockdown, I loved to escape behind the wheel of my classic Saab convertible. Driving on the open road with my wife, with the top down and the wind in my hair, I felt real freedom. I hope I can offer a similar breath of fresh air to the ACP team. Start your engines! 

When I started working in the aviation industry 10 years ago, I knew immediately that it was the right place for me. It’s an industry in which a diversity of interests comes together – environment, economy, leisure and business – so the sector is incredibly dynamic. That suits me really well. 

Three years ago, I joined Schiphol as Business Partner Airlines, where I helped airlines like Delta and KLM with operational relations. Now, as Airline Partnerships Director for home-based carriers (TUI, Transavia, Corendon and EasyJet) and the Middle East, I’ll be the first point of contact for these airlines in their communication with Schiphol. And I’m ready for the challenge. 

I’m excited to learn all about the route development part of the business from teammates like Marcel and Wilco, who’ve been doing it for so long. But I’m also excited to teach them what I know about the operations side, which will be part of all our roles from now on. The great thing about this new team is that we all bring something to the table. So far, the collaboration and encouragement has been great. 

For all my airline partners, it’s good for you to know that I’m always ready for the conversation. Both business and personal. When it’s time to talk seriously, let’s meet over a good cup of coffee. But I also look forward to meeting you in the bar for a beer to get to know each other better. And, if you’re up for the challenge, join me on a racing bike for a little action around the Schiphol terrain! Biking is one of my biggest passions, in addition to sailing in my sloop with my kids. Are you up for the ride? 

Joost Koning

Marcel Lekkerkerk

When I started work in route development in 2000, I had no idea that it would be one of the last ‘normal’ years in aviation. Our industry has been rocked again and again. From terrorist attacks to erupting volcanos to spikes in oil prices to a global pandemic. But through it all, Schiphol has been able to find success. We even added new destinations and new airlines in 2020. I believe we will be even stronger after our recovery than before. 

The past 100 days has proven to me that this experienced, eager, skilled and enthusiastic team will remain determined to get our industry back on track. As somewhat of a veteran in this industry, I’m eager to share my knowledge and serve my clients in North America and Western/Central/Eastern Europe. 

More than anything else, I want our airlines to know that we’re here for them. We’ll pick up the phone and answer your questions. We’ll keep you up to date on AMS. Nothing is more valuable to me than the excellent relationships I have been fortunate to build with countless competent people, including several real characters. Like many of you, I can’t wait to meet face-to-face again. I’m eager to get back on those planes and travel the world, for business and pleasure. 

I’m even friendlier after I’ve had a cappuccino or two. Keep that in mind if you need me early in the morning. Thankfully, my racing bike was there for me during the pandemic, to help keep me sane. The only restriction to that particular pleasure was the unpredictable Dutch weather. 

I’ve been with AMS for my entire career, and it’s been a fascinating journey. I’ve held many roles and worked with numerous departments, but I truly found my place in route development. Since then, it’s been like a game of RISK – I started in domestic travel, and then began expanding my ‘territories’ to wider and wider regions. But my approach was always – and remains – about building relationships and creating win/win solutions. Today, I’m responsible for Asia, Africa, Latin America and Southern Europe. Quite an expansive territory, indeed. 

When I won the Routes Individual Leader Award in Adelaide at Routes 2019, I knew it was only possible because I work in an industry I love, in a supportive organisation with excellent colleagues. It’s always a team effort. 

In the past 100 days, I’ve enjoyed working with my new colleagues and seeing how to best work together. And one thing is clear: everyone is focused on our airline customers, and keen to see our industry recover from this crisis. We all look forward to the moment when we can say, ‘Wow! We fixed it!’ 

I want to encourage my customers to reach out for anything: a helping hand, an answer to a question, facts & figures or a contact. If I say I’m available 24/7, am I asking for trouble? It’s probably good for you to know I don’t take my phone into the bedroom, but if you leave me a message, I’ll get back to you asap. And if you enjoy Formula 1 or a round of golf, I’m always up for it – even in the middle of the night. Some pleasures know no timetable. 

Wilco Sweijen