After six years at the helm of Transavia, Marcel de Nooijer has decided to step down as CEO effective December 31, 2025. He will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer at Heerema Marine Contractors starting January 1, 2026.
Under De Nooijer’s leadership, Transavia experienced a successful recovery after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic and took important strategic steps that laid the foundation for further growth and investment. For example, the fleet was renewed with the transition from Boeing to Airbus, bringing quieter, cleaner, and more efficient aircraft into service. A broader sustainability agenda was also introduced, with initiatives focused on CO₂ reduction and innovation. To mark its 60th anniversary in October 2025, the decision was made to refresh the powerful Transavia brand and sharpen its positioning, a renewal that sets the course for the future.
In addition, the revenue model has been strengthened with additional revenue from supplementary products and services beyond ticket sales. The network has been expanded and enhanced with new destinations. Flights from Brussels Airport began in 2022, and with the opening of a crew base in Brussels in 2026, Transavia is expanding its European presence.
De Nooijer also collaborated with KLM to build a new, future-proof maintenance hangar at Schiphol. This will further intensify collaboration in maintenance and technical support. For employees, this means a modern and pleasant workplace.
The Transavia Supervisory Board thanks Marcel de Nooijer for his vision, dedication, and leadership and wishes him much success in his new role. The process for appointing a successor has begun; further details will be announced shortly.
Marcel de Nooijer
“I look back on my years at Transavia and in the aviation industry with pride. Together with all my colleagues, we have further developed a strong organization. With a renewed fleet and ambitious sustainability agenda, a strengthened revenue model, an extensive network with new destinations, and a solid foundation for maintenance and collaboration with KLM and Transavia France. I am proud of the team’s entrepreneurship and creativity and will leave Transavia with a warm heart. After thirty years working in various positions within the aviation industry, I have chosen a new challenge in a different industry, effective January 1, 2026. The move to Heerema Marine Contractors is a logical next phase for me, where I will apply my experience in a completely different, yet equally dynamic sector. I look forward to taking on this new role.”
Jenny Elissen, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Transavia
“The Supervisory Board respects his choice and thanks Marcel de Nooijer for the excellent cooperation in turbulent times. Under his leadership, Transavia underwent a major transition. COVID-19, the sustainability agenda, fleet renewal, growth, and (geo)political tensions all converged. He consistently maintained a balance between substantial investments and affordable air travel. His personal commitment extended beyond Transavia. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the sustainable development of aviation, deepened partnerships, and initiated new collaborations. His dedication, perseverance, and professionalism form the foundation for a lasting impact for Transavia. We wish him every success in his new endeavor.”
