KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has been a key player in the airline industry for more than 100 years. Today, this Dutch airline is regarded as one of the top carriers in the world, connecting passengers globally from its hub in the Netherlands.
Ready for takeoff? Let’s depart into the world of this leading Dutch airline. In no particular order, here are 40 ultimate facts about KLM, covering topics such as its history and current operations.
Table of Contents
KLM overview
1. National flag carrier
KLM is the national flag of the Netherlands. It has been the nation’s flag carrier for several decades.
Over the years, the airline has been instrumental in connecting the Netherlands to the rest of the world.
2. What does KLM stand for?
KLM stands for Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij.
This translates to Royal Dutch Aviation Company in English.
3. When was KLM created?
KLM was established on October 7, 1919, making it 105 years old.
Its long-standing presence in the aviation industry makes KLM the oldest active commercial airline in the world.
4. The airline’s main hub
KLM’s key hub is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the city of Amsterdam.
Notably, the airport is the world’s third busiest in terms of international traffic, with 61,882,546 million passengers passing through in 2023.
5. Does KLM have any other hubs in the Netherlands?
As of October 2024, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is KLM’s only hub in the Netherlands.
6. Largest airline in the Netherlands
In terms of fleet size, passengers carried, and destinations served, KLM is the largest carrier in the Netherlands.
7. A member of SkyTeam
KLM has been a member of the SkyTeam alliance since September 2004.
The alliance, which was created in June 2000, also includes airlines such as Air France, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic.
8. Who owns KLM?
KLM is owned by the Air France-KLM Group.
The holding group was created in 2004 following the merger between Air France and KLM.
9. KLM’s head office
KLM’s headquarters is located at P.O. Box 7700, 1117 ZL Schiphol, The Netherlands.
The airline also has a visiting address, which is located at Amsterdamseweg 55, 1182 GP Amstelveen, The Netherlands.
10. The airline’s current CEO
Marjan Rintel is the current President and CEO of KLM.
Rintel previously worked for the airline from 1999 to 2014, returning in July 2022 to become President and CEO.
Fleet and destinations
11. How many aircraft are in KLM’s fleet?
According to Air Fleets, KLM has 112 active aircraft in its fleet.
12. The aircraft in KLM’s fleet
KLM’s fleet includes models such as the Airbus A321 Neo, A330-200, and A330-300, as well as various Boeing aircraft including the 737-700, 737-800, 737-900, 747-400 (cargo only), 777-200, 777-300, and the 787-9 and 787-10.
13. KLM’s route network
As of October 2024, KLM serves destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America.
According to Air Service One, KLM has operated flights to 61 countries in 2024.
14. Does KLM still fly the Boeing 747?
KLM’s last passenger service using a Boeing 747 aircraft occurred on March 15, 2024.
The airline still has three Boeing 747 aircraft in its fleet, which is used by its cargo division.
15. Naming its aircraft
KLM has a unique tradition where it names its aircraft after Dutch cities and famous people, making each plane part of a larger cultural narrative.
For instance, KLM’s Boeing 737-700s are named after various birds, including the Golden Oriole and the Pelican.
Travel classes and services
16. How many travel classes does KLM have?
KLM offers three travel classes: Economy Class, Premium Comfort, and Business Class.
The availability of these classes can depend on the destination and aircraft.
17. KLM’s Business Class
KLM provides Business Class options on both short-haul and long-haul flights.
On short-haul routes, the seating is arranged in a 3-3 configuration with the middle seat left vacant for added comfort. For long-haul flights, passengers enjoy lie-flat beds and a range of premium amenities.
18. Premium Comfort
KLM’s Premium Comfort, which is available on the airline’s long-haul services, offers a tranquil cabin with just 21 to 28 seats, positioned between Economy Class and Business Class.
The seats in Premium Comfort provide 18 cm of additional legroom, up to 20 cm of recline, and 48 to 50 cm of space between armrests.
19. SkyPriority
Similar to Air France, KLM offers passengers in premium classes access to SkyPriority services, ensuring expedited check-in, security, and boarding.
Lounges and in-flight experience
20. KLM’s lounges at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
According to the airline’s lounge guide, KLM provides two lounges at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol: The Schengen Crown Lounge (for passengers flying within Europe) and the Non-Schengen Crown Lounge.
The airline also has Crown Lounges at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and Toronto Pearson International Airport in Toronto.
21. Onboard connectivity
WiFi is available on various KLM’s short-haul and long-haul flights.
The airline offers various WiFI passes, but passengers can use messaging apps free of charge.
22. In-flight entertainment
KLM offers a seatback entertainment system on all of its long-haul flights.
The system offers a wide selection of films, TV shows, and games.
23. Dining options
Meals are served based on flight duration and class. Passengers in Business Class enjoy gourmet meals with a selection of beverages, while Economy passengers have meal options tailored to the length of the flight.
KLM’s frequent flyer program
24. Flying Blue
KLM’s loyalty program is called Flying Blue, which is a joint venture with Air France and several other partner airlines.
25. Flying Blue’s tier levels
Flying Blue features four membership tiers: Explorer, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each tier provides progressively greater benefits, including bonus Miles, priority boarding, and access to lounges.
26. Collecting and spending Miles
Members accumulate Miles according to the distance flown and the fare class chosen. These Miles can be used for flights, upgrades, and a range of other rewards.
Historical milestones and fun facts
27. KLM’s inaugural flight
KLM’s first flight took to the skies on May 17, 1920, with a scheduled service between Amsterdam and London.
The airline operated the service using a leased De Havilland DH-16 aircraft.
28. First full-metal aircraft
In 1934, KLM introduced the Douglas DC-2 – its first full-metal aircraft.
The plane was initially introduced to service by the now-defucnt Trans World Airlines.
29. Million passenger milestone
1959 saw KLM carry more than a million passengers annually for the first time in its history.
30. Pioneering the loyalty program
In 1992, KLM became the first airline in mainland Europe to introduce a frequent flyer program.
The loyalty program was initially called the Flying Dutchman.
31. 100th anniversary
2019 saw KLM celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Furthermore, the airline set a new record for passenger numbers that year, transporting over 35 million people.
32. Miniature Delft Blue houses
If you’re travelling in Business Class with KLM, you’ll receive a miniature Delft Blue house as a gift.
These charming houses, inspired by traditional Dutch architecture, are filled with Dutch gin.
Subsidiaries and partnerships
33. KLM subsidiary airlines
As of October 2024, KLM has several subsidiary airlines, including KLM Cityhopper, KLM Asia, Martinair, and Transavia.
KLM Cityhopper is a regional airline, KLM Asia is registered in Taiwan, Martinair is a cargo airline, and Transavia is a low-cost airline.
34. Codeshare agreements
In addition to various airlines in the SkyTeam alliance, KLM has codeshare agreements with airlines such as IndiGo and Qantas.
A codeshare agreement is a partnership between two or more airlines that allows them to sell seats on each other’s flights.
35. Joint ventures
KLM currently has a Transatlantic joint venture partnership with Air France, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic. Furthermore, it also collaborates with Air France and China Southern Airlines in a joint venture that connects Europe and Asia.
Awards, certifications, and safety
36. What is KLM’s IATA code?
KLM’s official IATA code is KL.
IATA – the International Air Transport Association – is the trade association for carriers around the globe.
37. Skytrax’s rating for KLM
As of October 2024, KLM is certified as a four-star airline by Skytrax.
Skytrax is a leading international air transport rating organisation.
38. Award-winning airline
Over the years, KLM has won several awards, including the APEX World Class Award 2024, which the airline won for the third consecutive year in September 2023.
39. European safety standards
KLM adheres to strict safety regulations established by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
40. What is KLM’s safety record like?
KLM has been involved in several fatal incidents over the years, most notably the Tenerife airport disaster in 1977, which saw a KLM Boeing 747 collide with a Pan Am 747 on the runway at Los Rodeos Airport (now Tenerife North–Ciudad de La Laguna Airport). This remains the deadliest accident in aviation history.
