KLM-Royal-Dutch-Airlines, known officially as Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, is the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands. Here are some key facts and historical context about this prestigious airline:
- Founded: KLM was founded on October 7, 1919, making it the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name. The inaugural flight took place on May 17, 1920, from Amsterdam to London.
- Hub: The primary hub for KLM is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which is one of Europe's busiest airports.
- Alliance: KLM is a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, which was established in 2000.
- Merger with Air France: In 2004, KLM merged with Air France to form the Air France-KLM group, although both airlines operate as separate entities under their respective brands.
- Fleet: As of the latest data, KLM operates a modern fleet with aircraft from Boeing and Airbus, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 for long-haul flights, and various models for short and medium-haul routes.
- Notable Achievements:
- KLM was the first airline to introduce regular scheduled transatlantic service (in 1946).
- It was also the first airline to introduce a round-the-world service in 1948.
- KLM has received numerous awards for its service, including being named the "Best Airline in Western Europe" by Skytrax multiple times.
- Environmental Efforts: KLM has made commitments towards sustainability, including investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel, fleet renewal with more fuel-efficient aircraft, and initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: KLM has engaged in various CSR activities, focusing on areas like community involvement, environmental protection, and employee welfare.
For more detailed historical insights, one can refer to:
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