KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) is getting ready to celebrate 95 years of flying on October 7. The airline has issued this video (below) and new logo.

As part of this upcoming celebration, KLM is bringing its iconic Douglas DC-3 PH-PBA to Humberside. KLM issued this statement today:

KLM steps back in time as its iconic DC-3 aircraft arrives at Humberside Airport.   The DC-3 flew in from Amsterdam three days ago and is currently on a tour of the East Coast, with its third stop being Humberside Airport, having previously stopped at Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley airports.

A select group of passengers will experience the golden age of travel in a series of short flights showing a bird’s eye view of the East Coast. Built in 1944, the DC-3 is the first ever commercial aircraft and passengers from Humberside will be traveling in the same style and luxury as passengers in the pioneering age of aviation. Flying the DC-3 meant that KLM led the way in modern European aviation, offering customers comfort on board and reliable flights in Europe, the Far East and beyond.

The DC-3 aircraft, PH-PBA (above) was in service with the 8th Air Force during the Second World War. After the war the aircraft was acquired by his Royal Highness Prince Bernhard, Prince of the Netherlands and later became the first official aircraft of the Dutch government.

After retirement in 1975 the aircraft became part of the collection of the Aviodrome Museum. It was put back in service in 1998 and it has been flying ever since. In 2010 she received her current historic KLM color scheme and was christened ‘Princes Amalia’, after Prince Bernhard’s great grandchild, the current heiress to the Dutch throne.

Warner Rootliep, General Manager UK and Ireland Air France KLM said: “We are offering a once in a lifetime opportunity for passengers to experience aviation at its vintage best.  The DC-3 is such an iconic aircraft and it is a historic moment to welcome it to Humberside. Our regional bases are incredibly important to KLM and it is fantastic to be able to showcase our heritage to the local community.”

After the Humberside flights the DC-3 will continue its tour of the East Coast calling at Norwich on June 28 before she leaves the UK to return to Amsterdam.

Copyright Photo: Ton Jochems/AirlinersGallery.com. Douglas C-47A-DK (DC-3A-456) PH-PBA (msn 19434) sits at the AMS base in the 1959 livery.

KLM: 

Video: On October 7, 2014, KLM will celebrate its 95th anniversary. Every year on this day the airline stops to reflect on KLM’s illustrious past and looks to the future. The next special anniversary awaiting us in 2019 is our centenary — KLM 100 Years. KLM 95 Years is a special moment and therefore worthy of celebration.