Effective 1 February 2024, KLM Equipment Services BV (KES) will become part of TCR International NV. A key reason for this move by KLM is that it will enable KES to seize growth opportunities, thereby guaranteeing long-term continuity. Under the new owner, KES will also be able to pursue the further electrification of its ground equipment. KLM will continue to cooperate closely with KES.
Under the agreement, KLM will become a TCR customer for the maintenance and lease of ground equipment, while KES/TCR will be responsible for investment in equipment.
KES, a wholly-owned KLM subsidiary, handles the maintenance, fleet management and refuelling/recharging of vehicles and equipment required for ground handling at Schiphol. KES is also owner of the ground power units (GPUs) used by airlines to supply aircraft with electricity on the ground at Schiphol.
KES employs around 100 people, who will retain their current terms and conditions of employment. KES’s refuelling activities will be transferred to KLM Ground Services, meaning eight KES employees will transfer to KLM.
TCR International NV is a Belgium-based company, which earns annual revenue of around EUR 250 million and employs more than 1,500 people. It has a global presence in the GSE market, focusing on equipment maintenance, leasing and pooling services. TCR has a branch in the Netherlands (TCR NL), which already provides KLM with maintenance and leasing services. TCR has the means and scale to invest in the development of KES. KLM will remain a KES customer.
No further details will be released regarding the purchase price.
