Marcel de Nooijer will be leaving Transavia on 31 December 2025
After six years of leadership at Transavia, Marcel has decided to step down from his position as CEO. On 1 January 2026, he will take the reigns as Chief Executive Officer of Heerema Marine Contractors.
Under Marcel’s leadership, Transavia had a brisk recovery after the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, while important strategic steps were taken to lay the foundations for further growth and investment. For example, the fleet was renovated with the switch from Boeing to Airbus, bringing into service quieter, cleaner and more efficient aircrafts. A broader sustainability agenda was also introduced, with initiatives aimed at reducing CO2 and innovation. With the 60th anniversary in October 2025, the company decided to refresh and sharpen its powerful Transavia brand, an innovation that marks the path for the future.
In addition, we reinforced the revenue model with additional income from newly introduced products and services, in addition to ticket sales. We added new destinations to expand and strengthen our network. In 2022, we initiated flights from Brussels Airport, and Transavia will further increase its European presence by opening a crew base in Brussels in 2026.
Marcel also made the decision - in partnership with KLM - to start building a new and future-proof maintenance hangar at Schiphol Airport. This will lead to a further intensification of cooperation in the field of maintenance and technical support. For employees, this means a modern and pleasant workplace.
The Supervisory Board of Transavia extends its gratitude to Marcel for his vision, dedication and leadership and wishes him all the very best in his new role. We have initiated the procedure for the appointment of a successor, and we will issue a communication about this shortly.
Marcel de Nooijer
It is with great pride that I look back at my years at Transavia and in the aviation industry. Together with all my colleagues, we have managed to build a strong organisation. With a renewed fleet and ambitious sustainability agenda, a reinforced revenue model, an extensive network of new destinations and a solid basis for maintenance and cooperation with KLM and Transavia France. I am proud of the team’s entrepreneurship and creativity and will leave Transavia with a lot of gratitude. After 30 years of working in various positions within the aviation industry, I have chosen to take on a new challenge in another sector as of 1 January 2026. The move to Heerema Marine Contractors is the next phase that makes sense to me, and in which I will use my experience in a completely different sector, that is equally dynamic. I look forward very much to taking on my new role.
Jenny Elissen, Chair of the Transavia Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board respects Marcel de Nooijer’s decision and thanks him for his excellent cooperation in turbulent times. Under his guidance, Transavia has gone through a major transition. COVID, the sustainability agenda, fleet innovation, growth and (geo)political tension all coincided, while Marcel always managed to maintain the balance between strong investments and affordable flying. His personal commitment went beyond Transavia. He has put his heart and soul into the sustainable development of aviation, explored partnerships, and initiated new collaborations. His commitment, perseverance and craftsmanship form the basis for a lasting impact for Transavia. We wish him every success with his new role.