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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands, offers flights to many popular destinations in Australia. The airline has a number of available routes from Australia and provides linkages to the country with other carriers including Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Garuda, and Korean Airlines. In 2018, KLM and Qantas announced a new codeshare agreement, providing new options for customers traveling between Australia and Holland.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does KLM fly to Australia? | No, but they have a partnership with Qantas to provide one-stop flights between Amsterdam and Brisbane, Perth, etc. |
| Year KLM stopped flying to Australia | 2016 |
| Reason for stopping flights to Australia | Long routes, high operational costs, and low yield |
| Current options for flying to Australia | KLM has a number of available routes from Australia, which can be booked through Travelocity. |
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What You'll Learn
Qantas and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines' codeshare agreement
Qantas and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have a codeshare agreement, which came into effect on 31 October 2018. The agreement allows both airlines to expand their networks significantly. For KLM passengers, this means they can fly from anywhere in the world on a single ticket, with full baggage transfers, via Singapore to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth. Qantas, Australia's national carrier, will attach its QF code to KLM flights between Amsterdam and Singapore.
KLM will add its flight number to daily flights between Singapore and the four key Australian destinations. Qantas passengers can now fly nonstop from Perth to London with a 787-9. This agreement also allows KLM to develop its presence in Australia. The codeshare provides customers with more options for travelling between Australia and Europe and offers another way to get to Amsterdam via Singapore, with more opportunities to earn status credits and Qantas Points.
In April 2022, Qantas and KLM expanded their codeshare cooperation further. Qantas added its code to KLM's daily flights between Amsterdam and Bangkok, and KLM added its code to Qantas international flights between Bangkok and Sydney. KLM Frequent Flyers can earn and redeem points and status credits when travelling on the Qantas network, including flights between Amsterdam and Bangkok. Eligible customers can access the KLM Lounge in Amsterdam and Bangkok and the Qantas lounges in Sydney.
In December 2022, KLM rolled out a codeshare cooperation with Qantas Group airline JetStar Asia Airways and JetStar Airways, connecting in Singapore and Denpasar, providing a wide range of destinations in Southeast Asia. This expansion of the codeshare cooperation helps to drive tourism, economic development, and cultural exchange between the Netherlands and Australia by facilitating reciprocal leisure and business travel.
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$17.35
Why KLM ceased direct flights to Australia
KLM used to fly to Sydney and Melbourne multiple times a week before 1990. However, the airline ceased direct flights to Australia due to a variety of factors, including:
Codeshare Formula
The introduction of the codeshare formula meant that other airlines, such as EK, EY, and QR, became a significant threat to KLM and other major European airlines. These competitors offered flights to Australian destinations with only a few hours of transfer at their respective hubs. As a result, KLM could not compete with the convenience and efficiency of these alternative routes.
Long Route
The distance between Europe and Australia is considerable, and most European airlines, except British Airways, cannot operate long routes to Australia daily. KLM previously flew to Australia two to three times per week, but passengers now demand more frequent service. As a result, KLM and other European carriers found it more advantageous to code-share rather than operate their own direct flights.
Operational Costs and Low Yield
The long route to Australia also resulted in high operational costs and low yields for KLM. The time required for the aircraft to fly up and down meant that the same plane could make more profitable trips in the same time frame to other destinations.
Competition from Asian and Gulf Carriers
Asian and Gulf carriers, with their hubs located between Australia and Europe, could offer more attractive and convenient options for passengers. These carriers could provide one-stop services to various city pairs, while KLM could only offer a one-stop service to passengers travelling between Amsterdam and Sydney.
Inability to Compete on Price
KLM also faced challenges in competing on price with Gulf carriers, who could offer cheaper fares. The high fares set by IATA for the Australia route made it difficult for KLM to provide competitive pricing, leading to a decline in demand for their services.
Need for an Australian Partner
To sustain a direct non-stop flight between Amsterdam and Perth, KLM would require an Australian partner, likely Virgin Australia, due to the Etihad link. This added complexity and cost to their operations, further impacting their profitability and competitiveness in the market.
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Current KLM flights to Australia
It appears that KLM does not currently offer direct flights to Australia. However, they do offer indirect flights to Australia in partnership with other airlines.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines offers flights to 160 destinations, and with their wider partner network, they reach around 500 destinations. They offer comfortable seating, complimentary snacks or meals, and attentive service across all travel classes. Additional amenities like inflight Wi-Fi or extra legroom may be available depending on your flight and ticket.
KLM allows passengers to bring one piece of hand baggage with dimensions of up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm, including handles and wheels. You can also carry a personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. The combined weight of both items must not exceed 12 kg.
KLM offers a range of services to suit every traveller, from comfortable Premium Comfort Class to Business Class. Flying Blue, their loyalty program, rewards travellers with Miles that can be redeemed for upgrades, free flights, or exclusive experiences.
While KLM may not currently offer direct flights to Australia, they provide a global network and various amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience to countless destinations.
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Travel agencies offering deals on KLM flights to Australia
KLM, also known as the Royal Dutch Airlines, offers flights to Australia. While booking with KLM, you can select your seat in advance to ensure a comfortable journey. Depending on your ticket type, you may be able to choose a seat with extra legroom, a spot at the front of the cabin, or a window view, either during the booking process or later via the "Manage My Booking" section on the KLM website or app.
KLM offers a range of services to suit every traveller. From comfortable Premium Comfort Class to Business Class, you can explore the possibilities and book your next trip with them. Passengers flying with KLM can bring one piece of hand baggage with dimensions of up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm, including handles and wheels. You are also allowed to carry a personal item, such as a handbag or laptop bag, with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 cm. The combined weight of both items must not exceed 12 kg.
Now, let's look at some travel agencies that offer deals on KLM flights to Australia:
Travelocity
Travelocity is a popular online travel agency that offers great deals on KLM flights to Australia. They provide a flexible booking calendar to help you find the best day to fly with KLM within your schedule. They also offer free 24-hour cancellations and a wide variety of flight routes, allowing you to book your trip with confidence. Travelocity also offers a wide range of flight options at low rates, so you can find KLM flight deals to Australia and start planning your trip.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is another option for finding deals on KLM flights to Australia. They compare prices from over 1,200 airlines and travel agents to ensure you get the lowest fares and best value for your trip. They also provide information on checked baggage allowances, with Economy travellers allowed up to 23kg and Business travellers permitted up to 32kg.
In summary, while KLM doesn't have a direct presence in Australia, you can still book flights to Australia through their global network and partner airlines. Additionally, travel agencies like Travelocity and Skyscanner offer deals and convenient booking options for KLM flights to Australia.
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The history of KLM flights to Australia
KLM, or Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij, is the oldest airline in the world that still operates under its original name. The airline was founded on 7 October 1919 by eight Dutch investors and businessmen, including Albert Plesman, who was appointed its first administrator and director, and Frits Fentener van Vlissingen. Queen Wilhelmina granted the airline its "Royal" predicate before its founding, confirming the growing importance of civil aviation for the Netherlands. The first KLM flight took place on 17 May 1920, marking the start of scheduled services between London and Amsterdam.
In 1921, KLM established its own maintenance department, which would become one of the world's largest aircraft, engines, and components maintenance companies. The airline also welcomed the first Fokker aircraft to its fleet in the same year, marking the start of longstanding ties with the Dutch aircraft manufacturer. In 1924, KLM safely transported a valuable stud bull to France, marking the start of specialised animal transport services.
On 20 November 1934, KLM introduced its first full-metal aircraft, the Douglas DC-2, setting a new standard for its fleet. This aircraft won the renowned London-to-Melbourne air race in the handicap category, carrying passengers and cargo. KLM began operating flights between the Netherlands and the Caribbean in the same year, marking its first transatlantic flight.
The outbreak of World War II in September 1939 restricted KLM's operations, with flights over France and Germany prohibited, and many of its aircraft painted in orange to avoid confusion with military aircraft. European routes were limited to Scandinavia, Belgium, and the UK, with flights to Lisbon starting in April 1940. When Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, several KLM aircraft were either en route to or from the Far East or operating services in Europe. During the war, these aircraft and their crews ended up in the Australia-Dutch East Indies region, where they helped transport refugees from Japanese aggression.
After World War II, KLM continued to expand its network, connecting the Netherlands with more international destinations. The airline introduced Economy Class, making flying accessible to a larger group of people, and welcomed its first Douglas DC-8 aircraft, marking the start of the Jet Age.
KLM currently offers a wide range of flight options to Australia through partnerships with other airlines. However, the airline has ceased direct flights to Australia due to operational costs and competition from Asian and Gulf carriers, which can offer more attractive one-stop services to passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, KLM does fly to Australia. They have a number of available routes from Australia and offer deals on flights to many popular destinations in the country.
Travelocity offers a wide range of KLM flight deals to Australia. They offer free 24-hour cancellations and a flexible booking calendar to find the best day to fly within your schedule.
Yes, in 2018, KLM and Qantas entered into a codeshare agreement to create new options for customers travelling between Australia and Holland. Qantas added its code to KLM's daily flights between Singapore and Amsterdam, and KLM added its code to Qantas international flights between Singapore and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
