note
The Royal Dutch Airlines is the oldest continuing operating airline in the world. The first KLM flight was conducted May 17th 1920 from London Croydon to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport using Aircraft Transport and Travel Airco DH.16 aircraft. Intercontinental flights to Indonesia commenced in 1929 and to the Dutch Caribbean in 1934. During WWII airline suspended operations in Europe, although flights in the Dutch Caribbean were operated. On May 31st 1946 KLM became first continental Europes airline to link with New York after the war. In March 1960 first jet service was introduced using a DC-8 jet. In 1989 alliance with Northwest Airlines was formed and KLM purchased 20% stake in Northwest. In 1996 KLM acquired 25% stake in Kenya Airways. In 1998 KLM purchased 80% stake in Transavia. In 2003 KLM purchased remaining 20%. In 2004 Air France and KLM became one company headquartered in Paris. Both Air France and KLM retained their images after the merger.
founded - demised (age)
October 7 1919 - present (106years)
headquarters
Schiphol Airport Amsterdamsweg 55, Amstelveen
web
base airports
related operators
current /stored fleet (131)
