Working in the aviation world keeps me flying high
Wouter Vermeulen is a general manager at Air France-KLM Southern Africa
Tell me about your job and your four most important tasks.
As general manager in the region, the most important task in all countries is looking after our reputation, relations with customers and the travel trade, revenue generation and operational excellence. I am also involved in operational needs and discussions with government, civil aviation and airports companies, as well as sales and commercial activities. I put the dots on the horizon and work with my management team to reach those goals by executing our strategy. KLM is 100 years old — what do you think is behind its longevity?
I think being able to adapt. We work in an industry that is constantly changing and evolving.
We are affected by any number of events or situations that are outside our industry but still have a negative effect on our business. You also have to stay current and ensure your offer is relevant to the time.
Air travel has become associated with climate change, making some consumers more careful about how much they travel. What is KLM’s answer to this?
We are very aware of our footprint. Over the years, KLM has focused more on sustainability. So in June this year, we launched the “Fly Responsibly” initiative, which incorporates all of KLM’s existing and future efforts to improve the sustainability of our activities. Earlier this month, we heard Air France-KLM is back in the No 1 position in the airlines category of the Dow Jones sustainability index. We have been in the top three for 15 years now — it’s good to be back on top. What did you want to be when you were a child?
A fighter pilot, like my grandfather, but it soon became clear I was going to be too tall to fit into the cockpit, so I changed my mind to become a zookeeper. In the end, aviation remained something that is in my blood, and I felt at home immediately when I started working for Air France-KLM.
What do you find most meaningful about the work you do?
It is all about people. Making sure I have a highly motivated team who enjoy what they are doing gives me the most pleasure in what I do. I believe every individual has a desire to matter and do a good job. I enjoy lighting the fire in the people I work with, pushing them out of their comfort zone and supporting them in developing their skills.
What character traits make you good at your job?
I like to believe I am patient yet demanding. In most aspects of my work, with customers, government, parastatals and also internally, I have to practise patience to get what is needed.
What is the best career advice you have ever received, and who gave it to you?
It was from my father. He said: keep doing the things you like and you will be good at it. Don’t try to be something you aren’t good at or do something because you think it will please others.
So far, my father’s advice has been proven right. I have achieved success in my career and have also been lucky enough to enjoy everything I have done so far.