The world’s oldest airline that is still operational is not Air India, but KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which was established in 1919 in the Netherlands. The airline was founded by eight businessmen just a year after World War I ended and has been in operation for over a century. Despite facing numerous challenges, including the devastation of World War II, the rise of the jet plane era, and financial instability, KLM has managed to weather the storms and continues to operate to this day.
KLM offers scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 150 destinations worldwide and is a partner in the SkyTeam Alliance, which provides passengers with even more travel options. The airline has undergone significant changes over the years, including being acquired by Air France to form the Air France KLM Group. In 2024, KLM plans to fly to 156 destinations, including 92 in Europe and 64 intercontinental routes.
KLM is not the only airline with a rich history, as other airlines such as British Airlines and Qantas were also established around the same time. Air India, which was founded in 1932 as Air Tata, is also one of the oldest airlines in the world and has been in operation for over 90 years. Today, Air India serves over 100 international destinations and is one of the leading airlines in the world.
The history of aviation is fascinating, and the story of KLM and other oldest airlines is a testament to the industry’s resilience and adaptability. From the early days of aviation to the modern era of commercial air travel, these airlines have played a significant role in shaping the industry into what it is today. Whether you are an aerophile or just someone who loves to travel, the story of KLM and other oldest airlines is certainly worth exploring.