Airline profile · Europe

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

NetherlandsFull-service carrierSkyTeam memberSince 1919

KLIATA code
KLMICAO code

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (IATA KL, ICAO KLM) is the Dutch flag carrier and the oldest airline still flying under its original name, founded on 7 October 1919. Part of Air France-KLM and a SkyTeam member, it flies from Amsterdam Schiphol to 164 destinations in 64 countries in winter 2026-27.

Founded
1919
Headquarters
Amstelveen, Netherlands
Country
Netherlands
Main hubs
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Airline type
Full-service carrier
Alliance
SkyTeam
Loyalty
Flying Blue
Parent
Air France-KLM
Ownership
Part of the Air France-KLM Group since the 2004 merger with Air France. The Dutch state bought 14% of Air France-KLM shares in 2019.
Callsign
KLM
Website
klm.com

How travel agents book KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

GDS distribution

KLM content is sold through the GDSs. No current Air France-KLM GDS surcharge amount or date was verified for this profile.

NDC

No public NDC programme details verified at time of writing.

Direct channels

Direct channels include klm.com and the KLM app. Air France-KLM's 2025 partnership with Amadeus covers native offer and order retailing under IATA's ONE Order standard.

On ReservationHub

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History of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM was founded on 7 October 1919, which makes it the oldest airline in the world still operating under its own name. Over the following decades it built a worldwide network from the Netherlands, with Amsterdam Schiphol as its home hub, and it celebrated its 105th anniversary in 2024.

In 2003 Air France and KLM announced a merger, and the public exchange offer launched in April 2004 created the Air France-KLM Group. KLM kept its own brand, operating certificate and Schiphol hub, and joined SkyTeam in September 2004 after regulators approved the merger. The shared Flying Blue programme followed in 2005.

The KLM group also includes KLM Cityhopper for regional flying, Transavia Netherlands and Martinair Cargo. Fleet renewal is moving quickly: the A321neo entered service in September 2024, the 28th and final Boeing 787 Dreamliner arrived in January 2026, and the first Airbus A350-900 flew its first passenger service, Amsterdam to Toronto, on 30 October 2026. KLM has also faced cost pressure at Schiphol and announced measures to improve performance in 2024.

Milestones

  1. 1919Founded on 7 October.
  2. 2004Merged with Air France to form Air France-KLM; joined SkyTeam in September.
  3. 2005Flying Blue launched as the shared loyalty programme.
  4. 2024First Airbus A321neo entered service.
  5. 2026Took its 28th and final Boeing 787 in January.
  6. 2026First Airbus A350-900 passenger flight, Amsterdam to Toronto, on 30 October.

Fleet

Airbus A321neo Airbus A330-200/300 Airbus A350-900 Boeing 737-700/800/900 Boeing 777-200ER Boeing 777-300ER Boeing 787-9 Boeing 787-10 Embraer 175/190/195-E2 (KLM Cityhopper)

Aircraft types in service as of 2025

At 31 December 2025 the KLM fleet stood at 122 aircraft, plus 62 KLM Cityhopper regional jets and 4 Martinair freighters, according to Air France-KLM. The Dreamliner fleet was completed in January 2026 at 13 787-9s and 15 787-10s. The A321neo is replacing the Boeing 737, and the A350-900 began flying in October 2026, starting the replacement of older wide-bodies.

Network and hubs

KLM runs a hub-and-spoke network from Amsterdam Schiphol. For winter 2026-27 (from 25 October 2026) it scheduled 164 destinations in 64 countries: 93 in Europe and 71 intercontinental. Summer 2026 also had 164 destinations.

Schiphol and Paris-Charles de Gaulle act as twin hubs for Air France-KLM, and the transatlantic joint venture with Delta and Virgin Atlantic coordinates North Atlantic flying. KLM Cityhopper flies much of the European feed with Embraer jets.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: frequently asked questions

What are KLM's IATA and ICAO codes?

KLM's IATA code is KL and its ICAO code is KLM, which is also its radio callsign. Its ticket prefix in the IATA register is 074. KLM Cityhopper, the regional subsidiary, has its own IATA code (WA), but its flights are usually sold under the KL code.

Is KLM the oldest airline in the world?

KLM describes itself as the oldest airline in the world still flying under its original name. It was founded on 7 October 1919. Some other airlines trace older roots through predecessor companies, but they have changed names or merged since.

What is KLM's hub airport?

KLM's hub is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Its European and intercontinental flights connect there, and KLM Cityhopper feeds the network from regional cities. Within Air France-KLM, many itineraries can also route through Paris-Charles de Gaulle instead.

Is KLM part of SkyTeam?

Yes. KLM joined SkyTeam in September 2004, after regulators approved its merger with Air France, a SkyTeam founding member. KLM's loyalty programme is Flying Blue, which it shares with Air France and uses across SkyTeam partner airlines.

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Sources

  1. KLM Newsroom — KLM offers more capacity, greater comfort and a renewed fleet this winter
  2. KLM Newsroom — KLM completes Dreamliner fleet with arrival of Krokus
  3. KLM Newsroom — KLM's first Airbus A350 flight to Toronto
  4. KLM Newsroom — KLM's first Airbus A321neo flight is a fact
  5. KLM Newsroom — KLM announces summer schedule with over 160 destinations
  6. Air France-KLM — Group
  7. Air France-KLM — Fleet
  8. SkyTeam — History
  9. IATA — Airline members list
  10. FAA — JO 7340.2 Contractions, ICAO aircraft operator designators

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