What is the world’s oldest airline?
The oldest airline in the world is KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, also known as KLM. KLM was founded on October 7, 1919 and is still in operation, making it the world’s oldest airline operating under its original name.
History of KLM
KLM was founded by Albert Plesman and a group of Dutch businessmen. The company’s first flight took place on May 17, 1920, when a KLM plane flew from London to Amsterdam. This flight marked the beginning of the company’s long-term operation, which has lasted more than a century.
KLM’s significant achievements
- First intercontinental flight: KLM started its first intercontinental flight in 1924, flying between Amsterdam and Batavia (now Jakarta, Indonesia).
- Effects of the Second World War: During the Second World War, KLM’s operations were suspended, but the company quickly resumed operations after the war and continued to expand.
- Cooperation with Air France: In 2004, KLM merged with Air France to form the Air France-KLM Group, one of the largest airline groups in the world.
Current status of KLM
Today, KLM is still a major player in international air traffic. The company offers a wide selection of routes around the world and is known for its high level of service. KLM’s head office is located at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, which is one of the busiest airports in Europe.
Sources
You can read more about KLM’s history and current status from the following sources:
