AIR France-KLM Cargo managing director Erik Varwijk, after 25 years with the carrier, has resigned effective March 1.

"I have decided that I will not be available for reappointment at the end of my current term on July 1. With the completion of the strategic reorientation of cargo, the time has come for something new," said Mr Varwijk.

"I am grateful for the many wonderful years with KLM, the opportunities it has offered me and the excellent co-operation with such diverse and dedicated colleagues," he said.

Sources close to KLM Cargo expressed surprise that Mr Varwijk was to leave. "After the board's decision to scale down AF-KLM Cargo, ie, Martinair's freighters, I was under the impression that Erik would manage this," one senior industry executive told London's Loadstar.

Others speculated that the board was looking for a more experienced executive with specific skills in union negotiations.

Marcel de Nooijer, managing director of Martinair and vice president KLM Cargo was mentioned. "He could be asked to wind down Martinair and negotiate with the pilots. Then the job would be to find someone to focus on the bellies and KLM's combis."

Sources also said they would not be surprised if an executive from Air France was chosen to head the group's cargo.

Another said: "Erik Varwijk was not the right guy for cargo. He is very nice, but not visible or strong enough. He should have been out with the forwarders, not having internal meetings."