KLM has announced it will be adding new destinations to its intercontinental network for its winter schedule between 31 October 2021 and 26 March 2022.
The European carrier is set on an expansion strategy that is focused on where recovery will be quickest, offering customers the broadest possible choice of destinations. The new routes include the Kenyan beach destination of Mombasa which will be served twice a week and will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Mombasa will be combined with Nairobi on the return journey to Amsterdam
Network strategy
During the Covid-19 pandemic, KLM has done everything possible to maintain its network of destinations in order to continue carrying cargo and enabling passengers to travel when necessary – of course, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by both the Dutch government and local authorities. KLM will continue to work closely with the Dutch government to uphold effective and proportionate measures tailored to the situation in the Netherlands and abroad.
This strategy has served KLM well throughout the Covid-19 crisis. With the general situation and outlook now improving, network expansion is back on the agenda, especially within and to regions where recovery will be quickest.
The aim is to offer KLM’s customers the biggest network possible. Network planning must be flexible, enabling KLM to respond quickly to market opportunities. With this expansion, the network of destinations will almost reach its pre-Covid-19 level, only utilising less capacity, and fewer frequencies and aircraft. Once demand increases, we will operate more flights and/or deploy larger aircraft.
For KLM, this represents the next, significant step towards rebuilding its network for the benefit of our customers. As many as 99 destinations in Europe will be served during summer and, with this latest expansion, KLM’s intercontinental network will also be significantly strengthened for winter. – KLM CEO Pieter Elbers
