KLM Celebrates 105 Years with Special Delft Blue House
KLM, the flag carrier of the Netherlands, proudly marked its 105th anniversary in the air on October 7, 2024. Officially known as Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (Royal Dutch Airlines), KLM was founded in 1919 and is recognized as the world’s oldest commercial airline still in operation. The airline made history with its inaugural flight from Amsterdam to London, utilizing a De Havilland DH-9B converted bomber aircraft.
In keeping with an annual tradition, KLM celebrated its milestone by unveiling a new Delft Blue House, a coveted collectible given to passengers. These iconic blue and white pottery houses have become cherished mementos for KLM’s frequent flyers. Since the 1950s, KLM has gifted these miniature houses, filled with Bols Jenever liqueur, to World Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights. Each house represents notable buildings with historical significance in the Netherlands and beyond, with a new design introduced every year on October 7.
This year’s Delft Blue House design commemorates the “Het huis aan de drie grachten” (the House on Three Canals) in Amsterdam. This national monument sits at the intersection of three of the city’s main canals: the Grimburgwal, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, and Oudezijds Achterburgwal. Originally constructed in 1610, the building showcases the Dutch Renaissance style and has undergone significant renovations, notably in 1909. During this restoration, architect Jan de Meyer aimed to return the canal house to its 17th-century glory after it had seen multiple renovations and ownership changes since 1687.
The recent renovation introduced new window frames, stepped gables, and a sandstone door frame at the entrance. The interior was meticulously restored as well, replacing oak draught doors and marble floors. For many years, the building served as a bookshop and publishing house.
At the festive unveiling ceremony in Amsterdam, Marjan Rintel, President and CEO of KLM, presented the first Delft Blue House to Arthur van Dijk, the King’s Commissioner in North Holland. During her speech, Rintel reflected on the significance of the 105th anniversary, particularly in light of the airline’s ongoing cost-cutting and restructuring efforts aimed at enhancing efficiency and profitability.
“The unveiling of a new KLM house on our anniversary is always a special moment,” Rintel stated. “We are celebrating this anniversary in a challenging time for our company. However, throughout our 105-year history, we have often faced headwinds, and KLM has consistently demonstrated creativity and resilience in overcoming them.”
Rintel emphasized that the airline’s goal remains a “healthy and future-proof KLM,” highlighting that recent measures are laying the groundwork for a robust future, ensuring that KLM continues to connect the Netherlands with the world for another 105 years.
As KLM commemorates this historic milestone, it reflects on its legacy and commitment to providing exceptional air travel while navigating the challenges of the modern aviation industry.
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