Aircraft

DATE:13/01/09
SOURCE:Flight International
PICTURES: KLM celebrates 90th year with 'retro' 737

Dutch carrier KLM has become the latest airline to adopt a retro-style livery, painting a Boeing 737-800 in a historic scheme to mark the company's 90th anniversary.

Several airlines argue that they are the world's oldest, but KLM's particular claim is to be the oldest airline still operating under its original brand.

It was founded on 7 October 1919, and within five years had expanded from regional routes to serving its first intercontinental destination in Indonesia. It began transatlantic operations, to Curacao, in 1934.

KLM 737

KLM 737
 © KLM

The airline stopped services during the Second World War but resumed in September 1945 and has been operating since.

KLM's SkyTeam partner Air France has also painted a 'retro' scheme on one of its aircraft, to mark its 75th anniversary. Several other carriers - such as Lufthansa, SAS, Finnair and Iberia - have similarly used commemorative designs in their fleets.

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