KLM to appoint new members to Supervisory Board

The Supervisory Board of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines N.V. today announced it intends to appoint five new members. Having successfully completed its share exchange transaction with Air France, KLM said it will now adjust the constitution of its Supervisory Board as agreed with Air France. The nine-member KLM Supervisory Board will henceforth consist of five Dutch members and four appointed by Air France.

The KLM Supervisory Board said it intends to appoint Hans N.J. Smits as a new Dutch member. He will join the existing Dutch members Mrs. Asscher-Vonk and Messrs. Storm, Kok, and Geersing. Air France has nominated Messrs. J.F. Henri Martre, Jean-Didier F.C. Blanchet, Henri Guillaume, and Remmert Laan. The current non-Dutch members Eustace, Wilson, and Van den Berghe will be stepping down. Messrs. Maljers and Van Lede will also be leaving the KLM Supervisory Board to join the Conseil d'Administration of Air France (later to be renamed Air France-KLM). In its new constitution, the board will be chaired by Mr. Storm.

Hans Smits (54) has extensive experience in the airline industry, having served as Director General and later Secretary General of the Dutch Ministry of Transport. He was also President & CEO of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol from 1992 through 1998. He later served as President & CEO of Rabobank. Mr. Smits is currently Director of Arthur D. Little, Netherlands.

Jean-Didier Blanchet (64) served Air France for many years, rising to the post of Chief Executive Officer. He later served as CEO of the Le Méridien hotel chain. He is, among other things, currently Chairman of the French organization Cercle des Transports, which protects the interests of transport companies. 

Henri Guillaume (61) was previously Chairman of ANVAR, a French governmental organization actively involved in promoting corporate innovation, research, and development. Until 1999, Mr. Guillaume was Vice President of ERAP, predecessor of the Elf concern. 

Remmert Laan (62) has worked for the French corporate bank Lazard Frères since 1979, and holds directorships at various Dutch, Belgian, and French companies.  

Henri Martre (76) was Chairman & CEO of Aérospatiale and stood at the cradle of the successful European multinational aircraft manufacturer Airbus. He was Vice-Chairman of the Airbus Supervisory Board until 1992. Mr. Martre currently holds directorships at various companies in the airline industry.

The KLM Supervisory Board said it intends to appoint these new members following the Annual General Shareholders' Meeting on June 23, 2004, in Amstelveen.