KLM

KLM
Airline	KLM
Founded	7 October 1919
Commenced	17 May 1920
Hubs	Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Frequent flyer	Flying Blue
Alliance	SkyTeam
Parent	Air France–KLM
Website	klm.com

KLM. Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, the flag carrier of the Netherlands, is the world's oldest airline operating under its original name. Founded in 1919, it commenced scheduled services in 1920 between Amsterdam and London. A founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, its main hub is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, and it operates a vast global network in partnership with its parent company, Air France–KLM.

History

The airline was established on 7 October 1919 by a group of investors led by Albert Plesman, receiving its "Koninklijke" (Royal) designation from Queen Wilhelmina. Its first pilot was Jerry Shaw, who flew a leased De Havilland DH.16 on the inaugural Amsterdam to Croydon Airport route. Early expansion included services to Hamburg, Copenhagen, and Málaga. During World War II, its headquarters relocated to Curaçao, continuing operations in the Caribbean. Post-war, KLM was instrumental in rebuilding European aviation, launching pioneering intercontinental routes to New York City and Jakarta. Key milestones include the introduction of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 and forming a strategic partnership with Northwest Airlines, which preceded its full merger with Air France in 2004 to create the Air France–KLM holding group.

Operations

KLM's primary operational base is its single hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, one of Europe's busiest airports, where it coordinates closely with SkyTeam partners like Delta Air Lines and Korean Air. Its operations are integrated with those of Transavia and Martinair, which focus on leisure and cargo markets, respectively. The airline is a leader in operational efficiency and sustainability initiatives, investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel and modern fleet renewal. Its maintenance division, KLM Engineering & Maintenance, provides services for its own fleet and third-party airlines. The carrier also operates an extensive cargo network through KLM Cargo, utilizing the bellyhold capacity of passenger aircraft and dedicated freighters.

Fleet

As of 2023, KLM operates a modern, fuel-efficient fleet primarily composed of aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, Boeing 737 Next Generation, and Boeing 777 families. Its long-haul operations are centered on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Airbus A330, with the older Boeing 747-400 having been retired. The narrow-body fleet is being progressively renewed with the Boeing 737 MAX and the Embraer E-Jet E2 family, operated by its regional subsidiary KLM Cityhopper. This fleet strategy, managed under the Air France–KLM group procurement, focuses on reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution, aligning with goals set by the International Air Transport Association.

Corporate affairs

KLM is a subsidiary of the Air France–KLM holding company, listed on the Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam stock exchanges. Its corporate headquarters, the KLM Head Office, is located on the grounds of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The airline's frequent-flyer program is Flying Blue, a joint venture with Air France. Key leadership has included CEOs such as Pieter Elbers and Marjan Rintel. KLM maintains major operational centers at Schiphol Airport and engages in joint ventures with partners like Virgin Atlantic on transatlantic routes. The company is known for its distinctive livery and branding, including the iconic Delftware miniature houses given to World Business Class passengers.

Destinations

KLM serves an extensive global network spanning over 90 countries across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. From its Amsterdam Airport Schiphol hub, it offers high-frequency services to major European capitals like Paris, London, and Frankfurt. Key long-haul destinations include New York–JFK, Tokyo Narita, Shanghai Pudong, Johannesburg, and São Paulo–Guarulhos. Many routes are operated in partnership with Delta Air Lines and other SkyTeam members through codeshare agreements. The airline also serves numerous secondary European cities through its regional network operated by KLM Cityhopper.

Accidents and incidents

Throughout its long history, KLM has experienced several notable accidents. The deadliest in aviation history at the time was the Tenerife airport disaster in 1977, involving a collision between its Boeing 747-200B and a Pan Am Boeing 747 at Los Rodeos Airport. Other significant incidents include the 1954 crash of a Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation near Shannon Airport, the 1961 disappearance of a Douglas DC-8 over the Pacific Ocean, and the 1989 crash of a Boeing 747-300 near Amsterdam, known as the Bijlmermeer disaster. The airline's safety protocols and training were extensively revised following these events, in alignment with investigations by the Dutch Safety Board and recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Category:Airlines of the Netherlands Category:Companies listed on Euronext Amsterdam Category:SkyTeam