Edmonton Region gains new European gateway: Skies Get Bluer with KLM to Amsterdam
EDMONTON (November 3, 2014) — Starting May 5, 2015, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will offer non-stop air service between Edmonton International Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Year-round service will commence operation with three times a week service on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, with a fourth Friday flight to be added on June 22 for the summer. The new route will operate with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft with 30 Business Class seats, 35 Economy Comfort Zone Seats, and 178 Economy seats. The aircraft will also offer wide-body cargo shipping opportunities.
“Adding Edmonton to the worldwide KLM network will enable us to further increase our presence in Canada as we now offer a second destination in the Province of Alberta,” declared Pieter Elbers, KLM President and CEO.
“KLM’s new non-stop flight to Amsterdam gives our passengers access to another outstanding European gateway with connections to over 120 destinations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. KLM is an outstanding world-class airline, renowned for great service and great international destinations, and we’re very pleased to be added to that fantastic network,” says Tom Ruth, President and CEO of Edmonton International Airport.
“Canada and the Netherlands have a long history of friendship and trade. The new air service will make it easier than ever for Netherlanders and international visitors to explore all Alberta has to offer: our spectacular natural beauty, our vibrant arts and culture scene, and our supportive business environment. Thank you to our partners in helping us open air access to the province, a key priority in Alberta’s Tourism Framework,” says Maureen Kubinec, Alberta Minister of Culture and Tourism.
“Edmonton’s new Amsterdam service recognizes significant demand from Edmonton and western Canada. This success is a tribute to our community working together to demonstrate the growth of our region, and earn additional air service options for business, visitors and many others. To KLM and its partners, welcome to Edmonton – Canada’s fastest-growing city!” says Don Iveson, Mayor, City of Edmonton.
“This is a very positive announcement for the Edmonton business community. The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is a strong advocate for access to markets which includes having direct flights to other continents. KLM’s commitment to Edmonton opens up a diverse and established market with new opportunities for Edmonton business,” says James Cumming, President and CEO of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.
“KLM’s new service from Edmonton to Amsterdam enhances access to continental Europe for the entire Edmonton Region, and that means new business opportunities will emerge. Our city’s growth and economic performance has caught the attention of many leading European companies, and KLM’s decision is a wonderful example of how those companies are investing here with confidence,” says Brad Ferguson, President and CEO, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation.
“We are proud with KLM’s announcement that it will grow its network at the airport with four weekly flights to Edmonton. Via Schiphol, the Netherlands are connected with 323 direct destinations for passengers as well as cargo in 99 countries. The expansion of the destinations network of KLM with flights to Edmonton strengthens our connectivity, and provides the business market with direct access to this important destination which serves as gateway to the North of Canada,” says Maarten de Groof, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Schiphol Amsterdam Airport:
KLM is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, a group of twenty airlines including Air France, Delta Airlines, Alitalia, and China Airlines. KLM also offers Flying Blue, a program that allows passengers to earn credits for flights, hotels, vehicle rentals and more.
About Edmonton International Airport
EIA is Canada’s fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic and the largest major Canadian airport by land area. International travel is currently EIA’s fastest-growing passenger segment, increasing by fifteen percent over the past twelve months. EIA is Canada’s fastest-growing major airport over the last ten years, serving seven million passengers in 2013, and offering non-stop connections to more than sixty destinations across Canada, the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. For more information, visit www.flyeia.com.
About KLM
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded on October 7, 1919 to serve the Netherlands and its colonies. KLM is today the oldest airline still operating under its original name. KLM has been part of the AIR FRANCE KLM group since the merger in 2004. www.klm.ca