KLM Delftware Miniature No. 104 released as it celebrates its 104th anniversary.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines celebrates its 104^th anniversary on 7 October in traditional fashion, presenting the latest addition to its collection of Delftware replicas of buildings with a unique history. This new miniature depicts the oldest station building in the Netherlands, which is in Valkenburg aan de Geul in the province of Limburg. The station is still in use as a stop on the Heuvelland Line between Maastricht and Heerlen. Now almost 170 years old, the building is a national heritage site owned by NS Dutch Railways and the railway management company ProRail.

The latest addition to the collection was presented to local mayor Daan Prevoo by KLM President & CEO Marjan Rintel at a reception held in front of the station building, attended by several hundred guests.

“

I am thrilled that Valkenburg aan de Geul, with its unique marlstone station, is now part of KLM’s superb Delftware collection. Valkenburg is all about hospitality, history, beauty, and quality. I’m very proud of this acknowledgment, which reflects KLM’s identity as a reliable and customer-friendly airline. I consider it an honour to celebrate the bond between Valkenburg aan de Geul and KLM.

Daan Prevoo, Mayor of Valkenburg aan de Geul

It gives me great pleasure to present this miniature to the mayor of the beautiful town of Valkenburg aan de Geul. Having worked for NS Dutch Railways in the past, I know how committed people are to conserving the rich and interesting rail history of our country. We chose this building because it represents the shared future of KLM and NS Dutch Railways, in which we will further expand our range of air-rail services to replace short distance flights. We’re working hard to make this happen. This is important to KLM because it is a key aspect of our efforts to make our operations cleaner, quieter, and more efficient.

KLM CEO Marjan Rintel

„

Beautiful, romantic setting
The castle-like station building was designed by architect Jacob Enschedé in early English Gothic Revival style, with corner towers and battlements, which was in keeping with the preferred style of the sumptuous spas for which Valkenburg is famous. The station was taken into operation almost 170 years ago, on 23 October 1853, as a stop on the first international rail link between Maastricht and Aachen. Fully restored in 2005, the station has continued to fulfil an important infrastructural role for the town of Valkenburg aan de Geul, which attracts tourists from all over the Netherlands and beyond.

Top three favourite stations in the Netherlands
According to a station experience monitor run by NS Dutch Railways and ProRail, Valkenburg Station is among the top three favourites in the Netherlands, based on scores given by passengers last year. KLM chose to add the station to its collection partly to celebrate the important role that railways have always played in the accessibility of the Netherlands. KLM is striving to make broader use of air-rail options.

The station is part of the building's collection of NS Dutch Railways and ProRail, consisting of 50 stations that each have their own unique architectural character, which is worth retaining and making accessible to the public.

“

In my opinion, it’s perfect that – in this age where train and aircraft are complementing each other more closely – one of the most beautiful stations in the country has been added to KLM’s collection of Delftware replicas. For 170 years, Valkenburg Station has been a firm favourite among train passengers, and I am sure KLM passengers will delight in this beautiful building.

Wouter Koolmees, CEO of NS Dutch Railways

It’s wonderful that Valkenburg Station, the oldest station building in the Netherlands, has been chosen as the latest addition to KLM’s collection. This captures how air and rail traffic are connecting with one another. As guardians of this station, we’re also very proud because we feel it is an iconic symbol of sustainability. For many years, we have taken good care of the station here in Valkenburg, which is so close to neighbouring countries. Many nationalities pass through our town by train. The fact that replicas of our station will now also be presented to international airline passengers is a great tribute.”

John Voppen, CEO of ProRail

„

Third Delftware miniature house in Limburg
The station in Valkenburg aan de Geul is the third building in the province of Limburg that KLM has added to its collection of Delftware miniatures. Presented in 2001, Miniature No. 82 is a replica of Huys op de Jeker located at No. 5 Bonnefantenstraat in Maastricht, while No. 84, presented in 2003, is a replica of De Oude Munt Tavern located at No. 7 Muntpromenade in Weert.

About KLM’s Delftware miniatures
Since the 1950s, KLM has presented Delftware miniature houses filled with Bols Jenever to its World Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights. These replicas of classic Dutch houses with a special history are prized collector’s items. Since 1994, the house numbers have kept pace with KLM’s age, with a new miniature being added to the collection every year to mark KLM’s anniversary on 7 October.

KLM will be serving 157 destinations this winter

KLM’s winter schedule this season will run from Sunday, 29 October 2023 to Sunday, 31 March 2024. The French city of Marseille has been added to the network. KLM is also offering over 20% more seats to Canada this winter compared to last year. Over the winter season, direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai will again depart daily. All Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft now feature Premium Comfort, KLM’s newest intermediate class. Reconfiguration of the B777-300 fleet to feature the new World Business Class seats and Premium Comfort Class will be completed this winter. The same reconfiguration process will then start for the B777-200 fleet. This winter, KLM’s network will include 157 destinations: 92 in Europe and 65 intercontinental. The number of destinations served in winter is always slightly lower than in summer due to fluctuating seasonal demand.

Europe

KLM will be adding Marseille to its European network. From 29 October, the French city will be served thrice daily. Like last winter, KLM will be flying to Rovaniemi (Finland) this winter season too. The twice weekly service will be maintained this year. Rennes will be served daily. While this French destination will be new this winter, it represents a continuation of the summer schedule. The number of seats has been increased by 7% compared to the previous winter schedule.

North America

This winter, KLM will serve 19 destinations in North America (Canada, the US and Mexico). In the US, KLM will operate a daily service to Washington. This means three extra flights a week compared to last winter. Premium Comfort Class will be available for most US destinations. This newest KLM class offers passengers comfortable seats, including extra legroom and a private catering concept.

KLM is offering over 20% more seats to Canada compared to last year. Weekly, there will be an average of eleven flights to Toronto, four to Montreal, three to Edmonton, seven to Calgary and four to Vancouver.

Caribbean and Suriname

KLM will operate a daily service to Curaçao and in the peak period (during the Christmas and spring holidays) the island will be served 11 times a week. For Aruba, in combination with Bonaire, KLM will operate a daily service using Airbus A330-200 or A330-300 equipment, as it did in summer 2023.St Maarten will be combined with Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago). Three to four flights a week will be operated to this destination. Paramaribo (Suriname) will be served six times a week with B777-300 aircraft.

South America

KLM will be operating a daily service to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Panama. In line with last year, Buenos Aires (Argentina) will be combined with Santiago de Chile (Chile). San José (Costa Rica) will be served four times a week, either direct or with a stopover. There will also be six flights a week to Lima (Peru) and Quito and Guayaquil (Ecuador).

Africa

KLM will operate daily services to two destinations in South Africa: Johannesburg and Cape Town. There will also be daily B777-300 flights to Nairobi and Accra. Passengers will have the option of flying to three destinations in Tanzania this winter: five times a week to Kilimanjaro in combination with Dar es Salaam. Also, there will be two flights to Zanzibar in combination with Dar es Salaam. KLM will operate six flights a week to Lagos (Nigeria). Additionally, Kigali in Rwanda and Entebbe in Uganda will also be served five times a week this winter.

Asia and the Middle East

In Asia, the route to Taipei combined with Manila will be returning (four times a week) and the stopovers in Seoul and Bangkok have been suspended. Capacity to Asia has not yet fully recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The destinations listed:

·         Beijing and Shanghai (China) will be served daily.

·         Hong Kong will be served directly four times a week this winter, adding one extra flight a week compared to winter 2022.

·         Daily flights to and from Tokyo Narita (Japan) will be operated non-stop this winter, which amounts to three extra flights a week compared to last year. The Osaka (Japan) route will be served three times a week.

·         Seoul in South Korea will be served six times a week.

·         There will be a daily flight to Bali with a stopover in Singapore, as in 2022.

·         There will be five weekly flights to Jakarta (Indonesia) with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

·         Daily flights will be operated to Bangkok (Thailand).

·         In India, Mumbai and Delhi will be served daily and there will be five flights a week to Bengaluru, representing an additional flight compared to winter 2022.

Daily flights will be operated to Dubai. KLM will be raising capacity on the route to Riyadh and Dammam which was launched last year. These destinations will be served six times a week, which is an extra flight compared to winter 2022.

Intercontinental destinations KLM will no longer be serving this winter include Barbados, Kuwait, Bahrain and Muscat. Capacity released from these flights will be deployed on other routes.

KLM will be serving 157 destinations this winter

KLM’s winter schedule this season will run from Sunday, 29 October 2023 to Sunday, 31 March 2024. The French city of Marseille has been added to the network. KLM is also offering over 20% more seats to Canada this winter compared to last year. Over the winter season, direct flights to Beijing and Shanghai will again depart daily. All Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft now feature Premium Comfort, KLM’s newest intermediate class. Reconfiguration of the B777-300 fleet to feature the new World Business Class seats and Premium Comfort Class will be completed this winter. The same reconfiguration process will then start for the B777-200 fleet. This winter, KLM’s network will include 157 destinations: 92 in Europe and 65 intercontinental. The number of destinations served in winter is always slightly lower than in summer due to fluctuating seasonal demand.

Europe

KLM will be adding Marseille to its European network. From 29 October, the French city will be served thrice daily. Like last winter, KLM will be flying to Rovaniemi (Finland) this winter season too. The twice-weekly service will be maintained this year. Rennes will be served daily. While this French destination will be new this winter, it represents a continuation of the summer schedule. The number of seats has been increased by 7% compared to the previous winter schedule.

North America

This winter, KLM will serve 19 destinations in North America (Canada, the US and Mexico). In the US, KLM will operate a daily service to Washington. This means three extra flights a week compared to last winter. Premium Comfort Class will be available for most US destinations. This newest KLM class offers passengers comfortable seats, including extra legroom and a private catering concept.

KLM is offering over 20% more seats to Canada compared to last year. Weekly, there will be an average of eleven flights to Toronto, four to Montreal, three to Edmonton, seven to Calgary and four to Vancouver.

Caribbean and Suriname

KLM will operate a daily service to Curaçao and in the peak period (during the Christmas and spring holidays) the island will be served 11 times a week. For Aruba, in combination with Bonaire, KLM will operate a daily service using Airbus A330-200 or A330-300 equipment, as it did in summer 2023.St Maarten will be combined with Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago). Three to four flights a week will be operated to this destination. Paramaribo (Suriname) will be served six times a week with B777-300 aircraft.

South America

KLM Crown Lounges now open at Toronto and Houston airports

KLM recently opened two renovated Lounges at the airports of Toronto, Canada and Houston, Texas, United States. Together with the lounges at Schiphol Airport Amsterdam, these are KLM’s only Crown Lounges worldwide. Rejuvenation of these lounges forms part of KLM’s broader strategy: “Run a great airline for our customers and our people”.

With the renovation of the two lounges into KLM Crown Lounges, KLM wants to offer its customers the most attractive lounges in the world, by emphasizing comfort and convenience, all in a recognizable and trusted KLM environment.

Comfortable and stylish

Comfortable, stylish and ergonomic furniture and fixtures made of sustainable elements and circular materials were chosen for the refurbishment of both lounges. The lounges are recognizable thanks to the KLM blue and the use of warm, natural colours. Additionally, as is also the case in the lounges at Schiphol, KLM’s Delftware miniature houses are on display. Several seating areas have been created for customers in the lounges. They can choose to work quietly in a more secluded (work) area or opt for more activity elsewhere in the lounge. Customers can also enjoy what the buffet has to offer, with customized options depending on the time of day. 

Festive opening

Many people attended the festive openings of both lounges, including travel agency employees, influencers, US and Canadian (travel) media, airport representatives, Delta colleagues and AFKL partners. Marleen van de Pol, VP of Customer Experience performed the official opening of both lounges. 

Marleen van de Pol, VP Customer Experience said: "We’re very pleased with the positive response from customers, agents and partners who celebrated the openings with us. Investment in signature lounges at international stations are the cornerstone of elevating the premium customer experience, aligning perfectly with our commitment to investing in our new World Business Class and our recently introduced Premium Comfort cabin. Branded lounges add to the connection with our customers in delivering our brand promise of creating memorable experiences." 

KLM offers 81 flights every week to American destinations, including New York, Atlanta, Austin, Washington, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Houston is visited 6 times a week. KLM flies 36 times a week to the 5 Canadian destinations Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton and Montreal. Toronto is visited 13 times a week.

KLM to invest in cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient long-haul aircraft with an order of new Airbus A350s

KLM plans to renew its older generation long-haul fleet with Airbus A350 family aircraft in the coming years. The Airbus A350 is acknowled­ged as the most fuel-efficient and silent aircraft of its generation. These new wide-body aircraft have substantial benefits in terms of reducing CO2 emissions and noise impact. Procurement is subject to the recommendations of the KLM Works Council.

Marjan Rintel, CEO KLM said "Today marks a very special day for KLM. We have taken a big step towards our future with the proposed decision of purchasing new aircraft. We can make our fleet significantly cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient with the A350s. This is important, because we are all faced with the major task of becoming more sustainable. Furthermore, we can offer our passengers much more service and comfort on intercontinental destinations."

The Air France KLM Group has signed an agreement with Airbus for a total of 50 Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft, with an option for 40 further aircraft. The 50 aircraft have been ordered and will be allocated between KLM and Air France according to local market dynamics and regulatory conditions. KLM expects to begin deploying the Airbus A350 on intercontinental flights from 2026, replacing its Boeing 777-200ERs, Airbus A330-200s and Airbus A330-300s.

More sustainable and quieter

The new Airbus A350 constitutes a major step in building a cleaner and quieter fleet, producing 40% less noise and burning 25% less fuel than similar aircraft of the older generation. The hull of the aircraft largely consists of reinforced, lightweight materials (composites and titanium), ensuring that longer distances can be covered with less fuel. In combination with the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other operational innovations and efficiency gains, these new aircraft will significantly contribute to making operations cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient. The Airbus A350 is also important in terms of customer experience, comfort and efficiency.

KLM wins APEX World Class Award 2024

For the third consecutive year, KLM has again won the APEX World Class Award. This special recognition is awarded by customers and the industry for performance in relation to themes including safety, customer well-being and sustainability. The prestigious award is presented annually by the international Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), which evaluates passenger perceptions. Winners are chosen on the basis of worldwide audits and consumer reviews, and are required to be awarded five-star reviews at the very least. In addition to winning the World Class Award, KLM was also recognised as Best-in-Class for Sustainability.

The World Class Award reflects service, guest experiences, safety and sustainability performance. KLM aims to shine in relation to all these aspects, on the ground, in its lounges and of course on board.

 

Barry ter Voert, CXO & EVP Business Development said:  "We’re incredibly proud to have won the APEX World Class Award for the third year in a row. We prioritise carrying our passengers safely and in comfort, while also focusing on making flying cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient. To this end, we invest heavily in vigorous fleet renewal and purchasing sustainable fuel. The award serves as fitting recognition for everyone at KLM who makes every effort, every day to serve our customers."

APEX

APEX is the biggest international airline association when it comes to passenger perceptions and has developed into a renowned research and rating organisation. 

This year’s World Class Award was dished out to eight airlines. Alongside KLM, this included Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Saudia.

Ground unions submit final proposal KLM to members

KLM presented a final proposal to the ground unions for a new collective agreement (CLA) for ground personnel. The outcome represents substantial progress for all ground colleagues.

FNV and CNV consider the proposal a negotiation result and will be presenting it to their respective membership bases. De Unie, NVLT and VKP have indicated that they consider KLM’s proposal as its final proposal. This means these unions will inform us if they consider it a negotiation result. KLM hopes that this will soon lead to an agreement with all five ground unions.

The final proposal includes a wage increase effective 1 September 2023 of an amount of €135 gross per month and, effective 1 October 2023, a wage increase of 6%. There will also be a one-off payment of €500 in January 2024. In July 2024, a further increase of 3% will follow and in January 2025, depending on inflation trends, an increase of between 0% and 2%. Bolstered by these wage increases, the minimum wage for KLM Ground Personnel will increase to a level of above €16 an hour during the agreement’s term from 2 March 2023 through 28 February 2025.

KLM will also take further measures to prevent employees from becoming overloaded and will be reintroducing the temporary part-time pre-retirement scheme (also known as the “80-90-100 scheme”). This will enable those employees carrying out the most physically taxing work to retire earlier. The bridging allowance will also make it easier to switch to less physically demanding work.

KLM makes statement on capacity cuts at Schiphol

Unnecessary capacity reduction will damage the Netherlands

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has issued the following statement on the decision by the government of The Netherlands to cut the capacity at the nation's biggest airport, Schiphol in Amsterdam.

Unfortunately, today the Dutch cabinet announced the government’s intention to drastically cut the number of flights operating at the Dutch airport Schiphol. In so doing, the minister is opting to focus one-sidedly on capacity reduction as a goal in itself. We find this incomprehensible. This is not about the number of flight movements but about reducing noise. The noise targets can be achieved in a better way that would really benefit local residents, the climate, airlines and the Dutch economy.

Our “cleaner, quieter and more efficient” plan shows that we can achieve the noise targets, while operating the current number of flights. The plan embodies serious commitment from KLM. We can accomplish this if given the space to do so. Our plan will achieve the targets while ensuring the more rapid renewal of our aircraft, supporting cleaner, quieter and more efficient flight operations.

By contrast, the minister is opting for unnecessary reductions rather than actual improvements. We find it inconceivable that the minister plans to tear down what KLM has helped build over almost 104 years.

KLM's new pilot.....

Make-A-Wish Nederland, KLM, and the KLM Flight Academy joined forces to ensure seven-year-old Siraç, suffering from leukaemia, took off to make his ultimate dream come true: becoming a real KLM pilot for a day! 

KLM issues statement on court appeal decision

KLM's reaction to appeal

The court has ruled on appeal that a temporary experimental scheme would not violate the Aviation Act, provided a number of conditions are met.

We are disappointed about the ruling and are studying it. The court does not specify in concrete terms how an experimental regulation can be applied. As a result, it is currently unclear when, how and in what way the ruling will be implemented and what it means for the number of aircraft movements at Schiphol.

KLM will continue to engage with other stakeholders in seeking the best way to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise. To this end, we have submitted a plan for cleaner, quieter, more fuel-efficient flight operations on 15 June. We are convinced that these measures will enable us to reduce noise impact and CO2 emissions
while retaining our network. We would very much like to achieve this in cooperation with government and airport authorities, Air Traffic Control the Netherlands (LVNL) and other stakeholders, within the framework of the balanced approach required by the EU in the context of the noise reduction targets the ministry has set.

Building a hydrogen aeroplane.....KLM starts collaboration with AeroDelft student team.

On 1 April 2023, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines starts a collaboration with the AeroDelft student team to work on its Project Phoenix: building a hydrogen-powered aircraft. Developing and testing a hydrogen-powered aircraft will generate important insights into how hydrogen could be applied in aviation, including the design of liquid hydrogen tanks and crucial safety features. This puts KLM at the forefront of the development of new aviation technologies.

KLM and AeroDelft share the idea that air travel is essential for people and various sectors, but that innovation in aviation is vital. KLM is starting a collaboration with the AeroDelft student team in order to become part of various ecosystems around the technologies of the future, such as flying on hydrogen.

With this initiative, KLM and AeroDelft want to contribute to the development of hydrogen technology and the associated preconditions. This could include certification, regulations, and infrastructure. The technologies currently under development still face many challenges, such as the distribution and transport of liquid hydrogen.

About Project Phoenix

The aim of AeroDelft's Project Phoenix is to build a hydrogen-powered aircraft. The project involves developing a drone, the Phoenix-Prototype, which will serve as a steppingstone in the development of the first, manned, liquid hydrogen-electric aircraft, the Phoenix Full-Scale.

The Phoenix Prototype runs on an electric motor powered by liquid hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The drone has already completed its first flight, making an important contribution to AeroDelft's experience with hydrogen-powered flying. This involved testing whether the drone could fly on liquid hydrogen and if it could be controlled from the ground.

Halt to Amsterdam Schiphol flight cuts welcomed by IATA and KLM

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), KLM and other operators have welcomed a decision by the Dutch courts to uphold the legal challenges lodged by IATA, KLM and other airlines against the Dutch government's reduction to Schiphol's flight limit.  

KLM issued the following statement,  'We would rather cooperate with the other parties than face them in court. We were unfortunately forced to file these preliminary relief proceedings to get clarity; the capacity for the coming winter will be determined at the beginning of May. With this verdict, we have clarity.

With our measures, we see a better alternative for achieving less noise and CO2 while meeting travellers' need to fly. We will demonstrate this in the next phase of this case, the EU’s Balanced Approach procedure. This will investigate whether noise levels can be reduced around Schiphol using methods other than those envisaged by the ministry. The balanced approach is about the best way to reduce the number of people affected by aircraft noise. To this end, we would like to continue cooperating with government, Schiphol and any other relevant parties.

We want to reiterate how important we believe it is to continue to strive for greater sustainability. That means less noise and fewer CO2 emissions. This is an important part of KLM’s strategy.'

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said: “We welcome the judge’s decision. This case has been about upholding the law and international obligations. The judge has understood that the Dutch government violated its obligations in shortcutting processes that would bring scrutiny to its desire to cut flight numbers at Schiphol. This decision gives vital stability for this year to the airlines using Schiphol airport and maintains the choice and connectivity passengers value.

Winning this vital reprieve is good news for Schiphol’s passengers, Dutch businesses, the Dutch economy and airlines. But the job is not done. The threat of flight cuts at Schiphol remains very real and is still the stated policy of the government. Schiphol airport themselves yesterday announced night flight cuts without consultation. Airlines understand the importance of resolving issues such as noise. The Balanced Approach is the correct EU and global legally-enshrined process for managing noise impacts. It has helped airports around the world successfully address this issue.” 

What was the legal challenge about?

KLM to introduce a new cabin feature - The Recline Alert System... get ready for more inflight disturbance

KLM will introduce a revolutionary new cabin feature tomorrow, 1st April which is called the Recline Alert System. 

The airline has developed a sound effect that notifies passengers when the seat in front of them reclines, the idea is to create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere on our flights. The new system will be introduced on all KLM flights from April 1, 2023. Passengers who have already booked their flights will be notified via email.

Get ready for much noisier and disrupted flights with KLM, as the constant beeping of the new feature will be activated on each recline.  The annoying sound is demonstrated in the promotional video above, which also highlights the lack of personal space in Economy on KLM flights as passengers scramble to move much higher drinks cans than are available on their flights.  

Of course, as it is scheduled to go live tomorrow  1st April it could always be an early posted joke, but as everyone knows, doing an April Fools Day joke on a day that isn't 1st April is incredibly unlucky........

KLM adds extra flights from Norwich to Amsterdam

KLM is launching extra flights from Norwich Airport to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport from Monday (27th March), putting over 270 worldwide destinations within even easier reach, and just in time for the Easter holidays.

The airline will be operating up to four return flights a day between Norwich and Amsterdam for the first time since the pandemic as demand for air travel continues to recover.

And with a flight time of just 55 minutes, it means Schiphol Airport’s global network of international onward connections or a city break in Amsterdam is less than an hour away.

Richard Pace, Managing Director of Norwich Airport, said: “It’s great to see KLM’s Amsterdam route from Norwich getting back to full strength with four flights a day on weekdays and up to three a day at weekends.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Summer Schedule 2023

From the start of the summer schedule on Sunday, 26 March 2023, the KLM route network will comprise 165 destinations – 96 European and 69 intercontinental. The airline is expanding its Asian network, doubling the number of KLM flights to Asia compared with 2022. KLM's new Premium Comfort class will be increasingly available on intercontinental flights. 

Europe 

Following the success of the Nantes route last winter, KLM is adding this city to its summer schedule. Nantes will be served by three daily flights. A daily service will operate to Rennes, the regional capital of Brittany, from the start of the summer schedule.

Asia

KLM is further expanding its route network in Asia, following disruptions caused by Covid-19. KLM will operate services to 16 Asian destinations in summer of 2023, doubling the number of flights to the region compared with 2022. KLM operates daily services to Beijing and Shanghai. The airline also is once more operating services three times a week to Hong Kong and twice a week to Taipei via Incheon (South Korea).

In Japan, KLM operates a twice-weekly service to Osaka via Incheon (South Korea), as well as three weekly flights to Tokyo's Narita Airport, also via Incheon. Additionally, there is a direct service twice a week to Tokyo. The frequency on this route will increase in September to five direct flights a week to Tokyo.

KLM also serves the Indonesian destinations of Denpasar and Jakarta via Singapore.

Manila (Philippines) is served five times a week via Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).

In India, there is a daily service to Delhi and Mumbai, and five weekly flights to Bangalore.

North America

KLM operates services to 18 North American destinations. In the USA, these include New York, Atlanta, Austin, Washington, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

The route network is expanding this summer to include 13 flights a week to Toronto in Canada, compared with 10 flights in 2022. KLM also operates services to the Canadian cities of Edmonton, Montreal and Vancouver.

KLM's new Premium Comfort class is available on flights to New York, Los Angeles, Austin, Toronto and Calgary.

Middle East

A daily service will operate to Dubai and Tel Aviv (Israel). Tel Aviv will be operated with the widebody Boeing 777.   

KLM also operates a daily service to Kuwait, four times a week in combination with Bahrain and three times a week in combination with Muscat.

Caribbean and Suriname

KLM is operating daily services to Curaçao this summer. During the high season, in July and August, there will be as many as 10 flights a week to the island. There will also be a daily service to the islands of Aruba and Bonaire.

Paramaribo will be served by six weekly flights and KLM will also operate three weekly services to Port of Spain and Sint Maarten.

South America

KLM is operating services to 10 destinations in South America this summer, including daily services to Sao Paulo (Brazil), Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Panama City (Panama). Flights to Costa Rica will operate according to the winter schedule until mid May, with three weekly flights to San José in combination with Liberia (Costa Rica).

Africa

Passengers will be able to fly KLM to 10 African destinations this summer. Tropical Zanzibar will be served by two weekly flights in combination with Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. And daily services will operate to Nairobi, Cape Town and Johannesburg.

KLM offers passengers more Thalys seats to and from Brussels

KLM has purchased additional seats on four Thalys trains for transfer passengers travelling between Amsterdam and Brussels this summer. The extra seats form part of KLM’s efforts to scale down its four daily flights still operated between Amsterdam and Brussels. The extended air/rail product will be available from 26 March.

This capacity expansion follows the KLM-Thalys pilot project (July to October 2022), when the airline replaced one of its daily flights between Amsterdam and Brussels with a rail service. Starting 26 March, passengers transferring between Amsterdam and Brussels will enjoy more opportunities to travel by rail instead of air on this route, with the integrated air/rail product being offered on five different trains.

Action Plan for Rail and Air Services

KLM is a staunch advocate of the Dutch Action Plan for Rail and Air Services, aimed at improving international train travel as an alternative to flying at six priority destinations (Brussels, Paris, London, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Berlin). The Action Plan was drawn up in late 2020 by Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Dutch rail network operator ProRail, KLM and NS Dutch Railways. KLM’s approach to sustainability focuses on reducing emissions and noise impact, and the ongoing development of its air/rail product forms part of these efforts.

Evaluation of pilot

During the 2022 pilot, customer surveys showed that several improvements were needed such as easier transfers for air/rail passengers at Schiphol, assists for rail customers with luggage, and communication with customers – especially non-European passengers, who are often unfamiliar with Thalys. These obstacles must be removed before KLM can permanently replace flights to and from Brussels with rail capacity. To accomplish this, KLM will need all of its Action Plan partners to cooperate. After all, it has no control over the trains, the railway platforms or the airport.

Boet Kreiken, Executive Vice President Customer Experience KLM said:  "We’re proud to be expanding this air/rail product. We remain fully committed to ensuring a smooth customer journey, making the train an ever-better alternative to air on short‑haul routes in Europe. We’re working closely with our partners to achieve the necessary improvements for our customers."

KLM plans to increase frequencies to Greater China from 26 March, 2023

From the start of the Summer schedule 2023 on 26 March, KLM is planning to increase the frequency of flights to Greater China in response to the lifting of travel restrictions by the Chinese government. The planned increase is subject to government approval.

KLM will operate a service three times a week from Amsterdam to Hong Kong. Starting with six non-stop flights to both Beijing and Shanghai, we are planning to increase this to daily services in May. Beijing hereby returns to our network.

The increased number of flights from 26 March, 2023, marks the next step in the resumption of routes from and via Amsterdam to Greater China. The Chinese market is important to the KLM network, because of the level of demand from business travellers.

The planned schedules for the summer schedule are as follows:

Amsterdam - Hong Kong               Tues./Thurs./Sat.

Hong Kong – Amsterdam              Wed./Fri./Sun.

Amsterdam – Beijing                      daily

Beijing – Amsterdam                      daily

Amsterdam – Shanghai                  daily

Shanghai – Amsterdam                 daily      

Detailed flight times, days and fares may be consulted on KLM.com or in the KLM app

All flight schedules mentioned herein are subject to changes in travel restrictions and governmental authorizations.

KLM appoints Zita Schellekens as SVP Sustainability & Strategy

KLM has appointed Zita Schellekens as Senior Vice President (SVP) for Sustainability & Strategy, effective 1 March 2023. This is a new position on KLM's Executive Committee. Previously Schellekens spent two and a half years as Sustainability Director at DSM. In that time, she joined forces with former DSM CEO Feike Sijbesma to invest in innovative, sustainable start-ups. She is also a member of the Royal Schiphol Group's Sustainability Advisory Board. Prior to her position at DSM, Schellekens' responsibilities as Director of Corporate Affairs at HEINEKEN included sustainability, public affairs and communications at various locations in Asia, Africa and the Netherlands.

.n her new role, Schellekens is responsible for the Transformation and Sustainability teams, founded to further accelerate the company's sustainability efforts. She reports directly to KLM CEO Marjan Rintel.

Marjan Rintel - CEO KLM said: "The Dutch want to carry on flying and we see travel increasing globally. KLM intends to make it possible to fly responsibly, because this is the only way we can take KLM safely into the future. That means investing in a good product for customers, making smart use of technology, and setting ambitious sustainability goals. Zita's drive and decisiveness and her wealth of experience in tackling complex sustainability issues at major companies all make her the ideal candidate to lead the way in improving KLM’s sustainability. We were already on the right track and I look forward to what we will achieve together in the time ahead."

Zita Schellekens - upcoming SVP Sustainability & Strategy, commented "I am committing myself to a tremendous mission: the sustainable transformation of KLM. It's a huge and challenging mission, and one that is absolutely necessary. In my new position, strategy, transformation and sustainability converge. That means focusing on accelerating the transition to sustainability, exploiting every innovative solution available, and setting up smart public-private partnerships. I am convinced that my new role will allow me to make a significant contribution to achieving KLM's ambitions and to helping the industry undergo the necessary change."

A look behind the scenes at KLM's Premium Comfort Class

KLM's Intern on a Mission 

Get an inside look at the creation of KLM's new premium comfort class with the latest edition of Intern on a Mission! Follow Kirsten as she discovers the story behind this brand-new luxurious travel experience.

Want to experience more behind-the-scenes action?   More editions of Intern on a Mission on YouTube

KLM started equipping aircraft with the new Premium Comfort Class in the second half of 2022. By January 2024, the transformation will be complete on all Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft flying to intercontinental destinations the airline expects.

Premium Comfort seats are currently available on routes to Atlanta, Kilimanjaro, Dar Es Salaam, Los Angeles, New York, Panama City and Toronto, among others. In addition, new destinations to which you can also fly in Premium Comfort Class are added regularly. 

Enjoy SkyPriority & Privacy

The Premium Comfort experience starts before you even take off with SkyPriority – included when travelling in Premium Comfort Class – offering you priority at the airport. You will also have more legroom and privacy on board for optimal rest. Your quiet cabin is shared with just 21 to 28 other passengers. Sit back and relax in your comfortable seat!

Amenities & Entertainment

Settle in and enjoy our onboard amenities and excellent service, from a high-quality blanket to noise-cancelling headphones, everything is made with care and durable thought. Plus, you are entitled to two pieces of checked baggage, there is Wi-Fi, you will receive an amenity kit, and you can watch popular movies on the 13" entertainment screen. 

Premium meals

During your flight, you can enjoy premium meals and drinks for as long as the journey lasts. You will be served a wide range of snacks and vegetarian, meat or fish dishes. Combine your preferred dish with our soft drinks, selected wines or liqueurs. Fancy a dessert? Have some ice cream, fresh fruit or a cocktail. For coffee lovers, we offer Espresso Martini.

More room

Up to 17 cm more legroom than a standard Economy Class seat

Up to 20 cm recline

48 to 50 cm of space between armrests

Movable leg- and footrest

In-seat power

Personal entertainment system of 13 inch

KLM Group’s CO2 emission reduction targets for 2030 approved by SBTi

KLM is committed to reducing its environmental impact as part of a transparent and responsible sustainability policy. An important part of this relates to its commitment to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 3 emissions by 30% per revenue tonne kilometre (RTK) by 2030 compared to 2019. Together with Air France-KLM and Air France, this target was submitted and recently approved by SBTi’s Target Validation Team. SBTi has determined that it complies with the well-below 2°C trajectory set for the airline industry, as determined by the Paris Agreement signed in 2015.

“

The Air France-KLM Group designed a coherent approach developed within the Group’s Destination Sustainability strategy with the ambition of CO₂ emission reduction based on three main pillars. The SBTi targets approval is a key element for the Group to ensure that Air France-KLM decarbonization strategy is coherent with scientific objectives. 

Ben Smith, CEO Air France-KLM Group

„

“

Together with Air France-KLM and Air France, KLM has strong ambitions when it comes to making aviation more sustainable and balancing the development of our network with the environment. This requires major and fundamental decisions regarding our fleet, operations and our fuel use. The Science Based Targets and the associated CO₂ reduction trajectory provide clarity and at the same time entail major challenges. To make them feasible and possible, we work closely with each other and with our sector partners to come up with technical solutions and innovations that support the energy transition in aviation. 

Marjan Rintel, CEO KLM

„