Tag Archives: msn 30454

KLM operates the last Boeing 747 revenue flight after 49 years of service

Type Retired: March 29, 2020 (flight KL686 MEX-AMS with PH-BFT) - Best Seller

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines today (March 29) operated the last Boeing 747 revenue flight.

The last revenue flight, flight KL686 from Mexico City to Amsterdam, was operated with 747-400 PH-BFT. The flight is due to arrive at AMS at 1537 (3:37 pm) CET local time today according to flightaware.com.

Airline Color Scheme - Introduced 1971 - Best Seller

 

Above Copyright Photo: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 747-206B PH-BUC (msn 19924) MEX (Christian Volpati). Image: 906730.

KLM introduced the first Boeing 747-200B in 1971. The first 747-200B (PH-BUA), named “The Mississippi”, was delivered on January 16, 1971. On February 14, 1971, the 353-seat PH-BUA operated its first commercial flight to New York. KLM was the first airline to put the higher-gross-weight Boeing 747-200B, powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines, into service in February 1971.

"Sir Frank Whittle", delivered on September 30, 1983

Above Copyright Photo: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 747-306 N4548M (PH-BUU) (msn 23056) ATH (Richard Vandervord). Image: 949049.

On October 16, 1975 the first Boeing 747-300B Combi joined the KLM fleet, marking an important milestone for KLMโ€™s cargo operations. In the preceding years, overcapacity was a problem in the air cargo market and this new arrival ensured greater flexibility, improving KLMโ€™s competitive edge.

The coronavirus crisis and slowdown in travel has allowed KLM to early retire the Boeing 747-400 fleet.

Martinair will continue to operate Boeing 747-400F freighters for KLM.

Above Photo: The Boeing 747 was the queen of the KLM long-haul fleet. This 1991 photo shows the 747s gathering at the AM hub (KLM).

Top Copyright Photo: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 747-406 PH-BFT (msn 28459) (100 Years) AMS (Ton Jochems). Image: 949485.

KLM aircraft slide show:

KLM to operate the last Boeing 747 revenue flight on Sunday

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 747-406 PH-BFW (msn 30454) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 945006.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is preparing to end an era on Sunday, March 29, 2020. The carrier is ready to operate the last Boeing 747 revenue flight.

Flight KL 686 from Mexico City is due to touch down at the Amsterdam base at 1510 (3:10 pm) local time on March 29. This will be the last Boeing 747 revenue flight.

The aircraft assigned at this time is PH-BFT.

Copyright Photo: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 747-406 PH-BFW (msn 30454) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 945006.

KLM aircraft slide show:

KLM introduces wireless entertainment on its Boeing 747-400s

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 747-406 PH-BFW (msn 30454) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 946148.

KLM has made this announcement:

As of April 1, 2019, passengers flying on KLM Royal Dutch Airlinesโ€™ Boeing 747-400s can stream a selection of inflight entertainment offerings directly to their own mobile devices.

KLMโ€™s wireless entertainment system offers passengers a choice of more than two hundred films and TV series. Using a server on the aircraft, passengers can stream content to their laptops, smartphones, or tablets free of charge. KLMโ€™s partner AirFi is providing the accessible, innovative system.

KLM plans to replace its Boeing 747-400s with more efficient and economical twin-engine aircraft over the years to come. Despite the change, KLM will continue to invest in an improved entertainment experience for its passengers. This extra entertainment platform, alongside the current built-in system, is just one such example.

The new system is only available on KLMโ€™s Boeing 747-400s. On the other long-haul flights, KLM is investing in Wi-Fi which will provide its own content streaming.

Top Copyright Photo: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Boeing 747-406 PH-BFW (msn 30454) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 946148.

KLM aircraft slide show:

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