SkyTeam Alliance member KLM Royal Dutch Airlines last year (2019) saw a record number of passengers, increasing its load factor by 2.7% compared to 2018. The Netherlands national flag carrier last year transported 35.1 million passengers on flights to every corner of the globe.Growth for the Amstelveen headquartered airline was especially prominent in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Simply put, almost everywhere to which the Air France–KLM group member flies.

Low-cost subsidiary Transavia added to the growth

The new growth numbers represent a passenger load factor of 89.4% for 2019, an increase of 0.3% when compared to the previous year.

When speaking about the increase in passenger numbers in a statement released on Thursday, January 9th, 2020 KLM President & CEO Pieter Elbers said:

 “Once again today, we find ourselves in a stronger position than a year ago. Offering expanded customer service, we have succeeded in strengthening our worldwide network with the addition of six new destinations. This means that we now serve a total of 171 KLM destinations from Schiphol. In cooperation with our partners, we offer 694 destinations worldwide. And once again, we were able to retain the loyalty of our customers based on the quality and attractiveness of our products and services. The KLM Group (KLM & Transavia) welcomed a record number of 44.3 million passengers on board. This constitutes an incredible milestone, for which I am most grateful to our customers and employees.”

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Transavia is KLM's low-cost airline. Photo: Transavia

Adding to the airline's growth was its low-cost subsidiary Transavia and its 88 destinations. Just like KLM, Transavia is based at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) and has its own low-cost subsidiary at Paris Orly Airport (ORY), Transavia France.

In 2019 Dutch Transavia carried 9.2 million passengers generating a growth rate of 4.4%, a similar figure to 2018.

KLM cargo suffered a decline in business

Despite the impressive passenger numbers, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines saw a decrease in cargo, with numbers declining by 3.5% in 2019. KLM Cargo attributed a decline in worldwide economic growth and the continuing trade war between the United States and China as factors in their declining cargo operations.

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KLM saw a decline in its cargo business. Photo: KLM

Offering direct flights to 165 destinations around the world, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines wants to become the most customer-focused, innovative and efficient airline in Europe.

Operating out of what is considered to be one of Europe’s best airports due to its regional flights and rail connections, Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is an innovative passenger-friendly airport that connects the Netherlands to the world.

KLM is avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace

In other KLM Royal Dutch Airlines news, the airline announced on Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 that it would not be flying over Iranian or Iraqi airspace.

Due to a high risk of military action, and the possible downing of a Ukrainian Boeing 737 from an Iranian missile, several of KLMs routes between Asia and Europe have been altered to avoid the area.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is monitoring the situation and will inform passengers of any changes if and when they happen.

With the honor of being the oldest airlines still flying using its original name, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines celebrated its centenary on the 7th of October 2019 and is looking forward to another 100 years of service.