KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: The World's Oldest Airline Still in Operation

The fleet

On long-haul it operates Boeing 777s in the -200 and -300 versions, as well as the more recent Boeing 787-9 and 787-10; on short and medium-haul it uses Boeing 737s, while the thinner regional links are handled by its subsidiary KLM Cityhopper.

History and positioning

As a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, KLM has built over the decades one of Europe's most efficient hubs for intercontinental connections, exploiting Schiphol's position as a crossing point between North America, Asia and Africa.

Routes and network

The intercontinental network reaches destinations in North and South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, alongside a dense European network served directly or via Cityhopper, for a total number of connections among the broadest on the continent.

What passengers say

• The efficiency of ground operations at Schiphol and the average punctuality on long-haul are often praised.
• The Flying Blue loyalty program is generally well rated for how easy it is to earn and use miles across SkyTeam carriers.

• Among the most recurring complaints are customer service waiting times when making last-minute changes.
• Some passengers report a perceived difference in product between the business cabin on the newer 787s and the less up-to-date one on part of the 777 fleet.

It is the soundest choice for anyone who wants a well-connected European hub for continuing on an intercontinental flight, especially within the SkyTeam alliance. It is not the right airline for anyone seeking the absolute lowest fare on intra-European routes, where the low-cost carriers remain cheaper. A practical tip: if your connection at Schiphol is between a KLM intercontinental flight and a Cityhopper flight, allow at least an hour and three quarters, because the gates of the two brands are often in opposite wings of the terminal.