KLM operates the last passenger McDonnell Douglas MD-11 flight, the Douglas era ends

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam) today (November 11) operated three enthusiast flights from Amsterdam with this McDonnell Douglas MD-11. The KLM crews operated three Amsterdam enthusiast flights as flights KL 9895, KL 9897 and KL 9899. The airline issued this statement:

With three special Farewell Flights over the Netherlands, those in attendance will have one last chance to enjoy their favorite aircraft. Tickets for these flights sold out within minutes. This last MD-11 flight also marks the end of a remarkable era in civil aviation. KLM is the last airline in the world to deploy the MD-11 for passenger traffic. The partnership between Douglas and KLM lasted more than 80 years, which is unique. Since 1934, KLM is the only airline in the world to have operated every series-built aircraft type manufactured by Douglas, from DC2 to DC10. It all began in 1934 with KLM’s first DC-2, which remained in service until 1946. The legendary PH-AJU “Uiver” (Stork), which won the handicap section of the London to Melbourne race in 1934, was a DC-2. The DC-3 Dakota will be on show on the apron during the farewell event at Schiphol. KLM is the only airline to have operated the DC-5, because it was the only airline that did not cancel its order for this aircraft during the Second World War. Today, KLM bids a fond farewell to this legendary aircraft and has the honor, as a loyal customer, of marking the end of the Douglas era. Over the last few years, KLM has invested in a modern, fuel-efficient and sustainable fleet, for which the MD-11 is no longer suited. The MD-11 will be succeeded by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in 2015. The Boeing Dreamliner can carry 294 passengers, generates fuel savings of around 30%, and produces less noise and CO2 emissions. This is how KLM is contributing to a more sustainable airline industry. The Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 will deployed instead of the MD-11 until the new aircraft are delivered.

Copyright Photo: KLM. McDonnell Douglas MD-11 PH-KCB (msn 48556) wears special markings for the “end of a Douglas era” flights.

KLM aircraft slide show: n

Video: Flying the MD-11 from the cockpit.