Mark Ommert joins NAG as Project Manager ‘Strengthening Sustainable Aviation Ecosystem’
We are excited to announce that Mark Ommert will be joining NAG on November 1, 2024, as Project Manager ‘Strengthening Sustainable Aviation Ecosystem.’ In this role, Mark will help accelerate sustainable aviation in the Netherlands as part of the National Growth Fund project Luchtvaart in Transitie.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience?
I have had the privilege of working in a variety of environments, from large companies to start-ups, and in both educational and research institutes. During my studies (BSc Aeronautical Engineering at Inholland Delft), I worked on technical projects at Fokker Landing Gear, Fokker Aerostructures (composite structures) and NLR (aeroelasticity), and since 2019, I have focused on the development of electric aircraft at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, Saluqi Motors, Maeve Aerospace, and Conscious Aerospace. Each experience has been unique, and I feel lucky to have gained hands-on experience in various stages of aircraft development: from project initiation and organization to design and certification.
In addition, I have spent over 15 years on volunteering work by organizing/facilitating/helping with events, ranging from travel and sports activities to open days and parties, as well as serving on multiple boards. One of my last major organizational activities was a two-week trip to the U.S. for 28 people, which included visits to Boeing Seattle, the Museum of Flight, Pratt & Whitney, Embraer Executive Jets, Kennedy Space Center, and the Fort Lauderdale Airshow. We had also planned a visit to SpaceX, which was unfortunately canceled just days before due to a delayed launch. I currently serve on the board of Young NAG.
2. What inspired you to join the NAG team?
In recent years, I have had the opportunity to work on exciting freelance projects in electric aircraft development. It has been very interesting pioneering work, but I have always had broader interests beyond my own niche. For this reason, I have attended events in the Netherlands and abroad for years, which also has helped me to build a strong network, of which many of you are already part of. Despite this, I still felt the need to dive deeper into this ecosystem perspective. Hence the unique opportunity provided by the NAG has made me decide to step away from freelance work to become part of something larger with potentially more impact: strengthening the aviation ecosystem.
3. What excites you most about your new role?
As said, I have always been interested in seeing the bigger picture, and this role gives me the chance to better understand and oversee the broader aviation sector. It is a unique opportunity, and I am excited to meet even more people and companies and work together to make a real difference.
4. What do you hope to contribute?
Some of my core values are responsibility, collaboration, and trust. I hope to build genuine relationships to really sense what is needed in the industry, such that we can act accordingly and strengthen the ecosystem. With my technical background, entrepreneurial mindset, and networking skills, I look forward to contributing both technically and strategically within the ecosystem. Together, we can (1) identify needs, (2) connect supply and demand (for both small and large initiatives), (3) think about national and international commercial opportunities, and (4) identify and leverage knowledge. My background, combined with lots of enthusiasm, creativity, adaptability, and a touch of pragmatism, might just make a difference. With this, I hope to contribute to a faster market introduction of quieter, cleaner, smarter, maintainable aircraft and at the same time enhancing economic opportunities and prospects for Dutch companies in both national and international markets.
5. What is one fun or interesting fact about yourself?
I have logged 36 flying hours in world’s first certified battery electric aircraft; an amazing experience! My training is currently on hold due to other priorities, but I hope to continue again soon. In the meantime, I keep my skills sharp with the flight simulator I built myself at home.
And here is something personal that might be useful in my new role as well: in my circle of friends, I am known for two simple but powerful words as I always say: “gas erop” (push the throttle). When things take too long, those words tend to slip out. Maybe because I used to do go-karting as a sport in my younger years and drove training sessions with Max Verstappen. So, if you hear those words, you know it is time to get things moving! I have a feeling this sometimes might be useful in the aviation industry too (wink😉).