Why is KLM called KLM?

Come fly with us to discover stories and pictures from aviation history. KLM stands for 'Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij', literally translated as 'Royal Aviation Company'. Despite having merged with Air France in 2004, KLM is still seen as a truly Dutch icon.



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The oldest operating airline in the world is KLM, the Dutch flag carrier. The first KLM flight took place in 1920, more than 100 years ago, flying from London to Amsterdam.

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Private shareholders own 81.4% of the company with 37% held by former Air France shareholders and 21% held by former KLM shareholders. The Government of France owns the remaining 15.9%.

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For ten years, Delta and KLM have combined their strengths and passion to take transatlantic travel to new heights. Find out more about what the partnership has to offer across the Atlantic. Delta and Virgin Atlantic combined schedule offer you more choice between key business markets in the U.S. and London.

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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is Certified as a 4-Star Airline for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service. Product rating includes seats, amenities, food & beverages, IFE, cleanliness etc, and service rating is for both cabin staff and ground staff.

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KLM is a Dutch carrier. Frequent travelers give the airline an average rating of 7.4/10. This is above the general average .

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If flying direct without a transfer, I'd lean towards Air France for its comfort, superior amenities, and marginally better food compared to KLM.

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The narrow-body fleet is composed of Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft which will be replaced by the Airbus A320neo family aircraft in the mid 2024. Airbus A330, Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner widebody aircraft are used primarily on long-haul flights.

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While KLM has already raised its prices this year after fuel prices rose significantly in the spring, the airline's new chief has explained that if Schiphol doesn't work fast to improve the situation and hire new workers, more price hikes will be inevitable in the new year.

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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is Certified as a 4-Star Airline for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service.

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Delta partner flights Because Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines are both part of the SkyTeam alliance, you can use Flying Blue miles to book flights on Delta. Here are some examples of mileage redemptions on Delta-operated flights.

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At December 31, 2022, the average age of the fleet was 13.7 years, with 13.2 years for the long-haul fleet, 14.2 years for the medium-haul fleet and 13.9 years for the cargo fleet.

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KLM does not offer a first class cabin. KLM World Business Class aboard an intercontinental flight is the highest class you'll find with this airline.

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