Especially for fans
That the very last commercial Fokker flight will depart from London is no coincidence. Soon after the first passenger flights took place on 17 May 1920, two Fokkers joined the KLM fleet as the first passenger aircraft to be owned by KLM: these Fokker IIs bore the registration numbers H-NABC and H-NABD. The first operational flight with a Fokker II was on 30 September 1920 to London. The arrival of the Fokker 70 from London on 28 October will complete the circle.

KLM will be devoting much social media attention to the departing Fokkers in the run up to 28 October.

Modernising the fleet
KLM Cityhopper began replacing its Fokker fleet with the modern E-Jet, Embraer 190 and Embraer 175+ in 2008. These new aircraft are facilitating further expansion of the existing network, higher flight frequencies, and lower costs. This wide-ranging modernisation means KLM Cityhopper can contribute to a more efficient and environmentally friendly operation in which quality and passenger comfort are top priorities.

Foto: Arnoud Raeven

Since 1934, KLM is the only airline in the world to have operated every series-built aircraft type manufactured by Douglas, from DC2 to DC10. It all began in 1934 with KLM’s first DC-2, which remained in service until 1946. The legendary PH-AJU “Uiver” (Stork), which won the handicap section of the London to Melbourne race in 1934, was a DC-2. The DC-3 Dakota will be on show on the apron during the farewell event at Schiphol. KLM is the only airline to have operated the DC-5, because it was the only airline that did not cancel its order for this aircraft during the Second World War.

Today, KLM bids a fond farewell to this legendary aircraft and has the honour, as a loyal customer, of marking the end of the Douglas era. Over the last few years, KLM has invested in a modern, fuel-efficient and sustainable fleet, for which the MD-11 is no longer suited. The MD-11 will be succeeded by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 2015. The Boeing Dreamliner can carry 294 passengers, generates fuel savings of around 30%, and produces less noise and CO2 emissions. This is how KLM is contributing to a more sustainable airline industry. The Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 will deployed instead of the MD-11 until the new aircraft are delivered.

The twelve photos awarded the most votes will soon be decorating the twelve months in the KLM Fan Calendar.

The KLM Fan Calendar will be available for sale at the KLM webshop