KLM, officially known as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, is the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. Founded in 1919 by a group of Dutch investors, it is one of the oldest airlines still operating under its original name. Here is detailed information about KLM:
History
- Foundation: KLM was established on October 7, 1919, making it the world's oldest airline still operating with its original name.
- First Flight: The inaugural flight took place on May 17, 1920, from Amsterdam to London.
- World War II: During the war, KLM had to operate from Lisbon due to the occupation of the Netherlands. After the war, services resumed, and the airline expanded rapidly.
- Post-War Expansion: KLM introduced intercontinental flights in 1946, with routes to New York and Batavia (now Jakarta).
- Merger with Air France: In 2004, KLM merged with Air France, forming the Air France-KLM group. However, KLM retained its brand identity and continues to operate independently under this group.
Operations
- Hub: KLM's primary hub is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
- Destinations: KLM flies to over 160 destinations worldwide, including both passenger and cargo services.
- Fleet: As of recent data, KLM operates a fleet consisting mainly of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, with plans for fleet renewal focusing on sustainability.
Corporate Structure
- KLM is part of the Air France-KLM group, which also includes several other airlines and service companies.
- It operates various subsidiaries like KLM Cityhopper for regional services and Transavia for low-cost operations.
Notable Achievements
- Safety: KLM has a strong safety record and has received numerous awards for its safety measures.
- Innovations: KLM has been at the forefront of introducing innovations like the first-class cabin, in-flight entertainment, and passenger amenities.
- Sustainability: The airline has committed to becoming a leader in sustainable aviation, with initiatives like the use of biofuels and the adoption of fuel-efficient aircraft.
External Links
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