dnata strengthens leadership in the Netherlands with appointment of new Managing Director Thiemo van Spellen

(IN SHORT) dnata has appointed Thiemo van Spellen as Managing Director of dnata Netherlands, bringing extensive international logistics and commercial experience to lead operations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, where dnata handles around 500,000 tonnes of cargo and supports 16,000 flights annually. His priorities will include strengthening operational excellence, deepening customer partnerships, and guiding the next phase of growth, including the expansion of dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, while succeeding retiring Managing Director Jan van Anrooy.

(PRESS RELEASE) AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands, 2026-Feb-3 — /Travel PR News/ — dnata has appointed Thiemo van Spellen as the new Managing Director of dnata Netherlands, with effect from 1 February 2026. In this role, he will lead the company’s operations at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), one of Europe’s most critical aviation hubs, overseeing both cargo and passenger services as dnata continues to expand its footprint in the Dutch market.

Van Spellen joins dnata with extensive international experience in logistics, commercial strategy, and customer-focused business development. He previously held the position of Global Accounts Managing Director at Geopost (DPDgroup), where he was responsible for managing key global clients and driving cross-border growth initiatives. His background in large-scale logistics and multinational operations is expected to support dnata’s strategic priorities in the Netherlands.

As Managing Director, his primary focus will be on strengthening operational performance, deepening long-term customer relationships, and enhancing organisational capabilities to support dnata Netherlands’ next phase of growth. This includes further developing integrated solutions across cargo handling, ground services, and passenger operations, while ensuring efficiency, reliability, and sustainability remain central to the business.

dnata Netherlands plays a key role within the company’s global network, providing essential aviation services at Schiphol Airport. The business currently supports more than 20 airline customers across short-haul, long-haul, and freighter operations, handling around 500,000 tonnes of cargo per year and facilitating approximately 16,000 flights annually.

Over the past ten years, dnata has steadily expanded its presence in the Netherlands through strategic investments, innovative operational models, and long-term partnerships with airline customers. The company has modernised its infrastructure, introduced electrified ground support equipment, and implemented environmental management initiatives to reduce its operational footprint.

A major element of this expansion is dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, a fully automated cargo facility that is set to significantly increase handling capacity and reinforce Schiphol’s role as a leading European logistics hub. This development positions dnata Netherlands for sustained growth in line with rising demand for air freight and integrated logistics services.

Van Spellen succeeds Jan van Anrooy, who has retired after five years with the company. During his tenure, Van Anrooy played a central role in strengthening dnata’s passenger handling operations and preparing the business for the launch of the new Cargo City Amsterdam facility.

Stewart Angus, dnata’s Regional CEO for Europe, welcomed the appointment, highlighting Van Spellen’s strong combination of commercial leadership, operational insight, and people-centred management. He emphasised that Van Spellen’s experience in building strategic partnerships and leading transformation programmes will be instrumental in further optimising dnata’s operations in the Netherlands.

Van Spellen said that he is joining dnata at a pivotal moment in its development. He noted that the company has an established reputation in cargo and ground handling and expressed his commitment to working closely with customers and partners to deliver sustainable growth and long-term value.

Globally, dnata operates ground handling and cargo services at more than 90 airports across 16 countries. In the 2024–25 financial year, its teams managed over 794,000 aircraft turns and handled approximately 3.1 million tonnes of cargo, reinforcing its position as a leading global aviation services provider.

 

 

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SOURCE: dnata