Obituary: Martinair founder Martin Schröder passed away
On 2 October 2024, the aviation world lost a Dutch aviation pioneer: Martin Schröder, the visionary founder of Martinair, who passed away at the age of 93. Born on 13 May 1931 in Amsterdam, Schröder’s passion for aviation led him to establish Martin’s Air Charter (MAC) in 1958, which later became known as Martinair.
Starting with a single de Havilland Dove aircraft and a team of five employees, Schröder’s leadership and innovative spirit transformed Martinair into a significant player in the aviation industry. Under his guidance, Martinair grew from a modest charter airline into a renowned carrier, contributing significantly to the development of Dutch aviation. Schröder firmly believed that air travel should be accessible to all, and this belief lay at the heart of his life’s work.
Martinair operated a diverse fleet over the years, including both passenger and cargo aircraft. Some of the notable aircraft in their fleet included:
- Boeing 747-400: Used primarily for cargo operations
- McDonnell Douglas MD-11: Mainly used for cargo, with the odd passenger flight
- Douglas aircraft like the DC-3 Dakota, DC-7, DC-8 and triholer DC-10
- Lockheed L-188 Electra
And many more interesting types throughout the years.
These aircraft helped Martinair establish a strong presence in both the passenger and cargo sectors of the aviation industry.
Schröder’s legacy is marked by his dedication to excellence and his pioneering contributions to air travel. His impact on the industry will be remembered and celebrated by many.