KLM opens its doors to young girls during Girls’ Day

Today, welcomed 30 girls from primary school De Regenboog Tochtwaard in Alkmaar to its Engineering & Maintenance (E&M) division. KLM participated in Girls’ Day '25, a national initiative by VHTO, where various companies open their doors to introduce young girls to technology, science, and IT. The girls had their first dive into the world of airplanes and got a close-up view of what lies behind smart innovations, technology, and maintenance by experts. At KLM E&M, the majority of technical colleagues are men, namely 91%. KLM aims to show that aviation technology is not just for 'the boys' and hopes to inspire girls to pursue careers in technology.

The girls received a tour of the hangar and the engine shop, participated in a quiz, and got hands-on experience assembling a 3D-printed airplane engine. Danique (11) said she thinks it was ‘super fun’. “We did really fun activities like touring the hangar and the engine shop. I learned about how much an engine weighs and many other things. The best part was the workshop on assembling the 3D printed engine,” said Danique. Ashley (11) was also impressed: “The best part was the tour in Hangar 14 because everything there is really big and tall, really cool! I learned that it takes a lot of work to get an airplane into the air. If I don't become a professional soccer player, I would like to work at KLM.”

Stefanie Boers herself works at KLM E&M and is involved in Girls’ Day on behalf of KLM. “By showing girls at a young age how cool technology can be, I am convinced that many more women will choose for it later in life. I am living proof of that. At an early age, I learned from my father how to patch my own bike tire and assemble furniture. This drove me to pursue a technical study, which led me to this position at KLM, where I am still impressed daily by all the wonderful things technology has to offer.”