Albert Plesman

Albert Plesman (7 September 1889 – 31 December 1953) was a Dutch pioneer in aviation and the first administrator and later director of the KLM, the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name.

In 1915 he joined the mobilized Dutch airforce as an officer, at the time still called the "militaire luchtvaartafdeling" (military aviation department), in Soesterberg.

All these activities led to the establishment of Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM), of which Plesman became director and made a flourishing company.

Upon the death of his mother and his graduation from Hogere Burgerschool, Plesman enrolled in the Alkmaar Cadet School for service in Royal Dutch East Indies Army.

He then attended the Royal Military Academy in Breda, Netherlands, where he first explored his interest in aviation through access to the Gilze-Rijen airfield.

He would regularly bring his children to important meetings and events within his company, which was a generally uncommon practice for his socioeconomic stature.

[2] Europe realized greater connections with North America through Plesman's influence, pioneering the first commercial transatlantic services.

Plesman advertised progressive business principles for KLM - "a commitment to generating customer preference by offering a high-quality product at a reasonable price; strengthening market presence; and achieving internationally competitive costs coupled with a sound financial basis.

"[3] KLM then transitioned from the wooden Fokker airplanes to metal aircraft manufactured in the United States, per Plesman's discretion.

[6] Turbulent Skies is a 2020 Dutch television series comprising eight episodes depicting Plesman and Anthony Fokker's achievements.