B747 Combis back in the air
KLM has joined with health technology company Philips and the Dutch government to create a special cargo airbridge between the Netherlands and China.
The airbridge to Asia will be launched on April 13.
To maintain this cargo airbridge for the coming six to eight weeks, Dutch flag carrier KLM will redeploy Boeing 747 Combi equipment for the service between the Netherlands and China.
This airbridge will ensure continuous availability of special cargo capacity, with two weekly flights to Beijing and three weekly flights to Shanghai. This will ensure around 250 tonnes of extra cargo capacity each way per week.
Said a KLM Cargo spokesperson: “The loss of around 90% of flights between Europe and Asia has resulted in a major shortage of cargo capacity. Meanwhile, the corona crisis has prompted an enormous need for the rapid transportation of medical equipment and other supplies between the US, Europe and China.”
The flights will supplement the current ‘skeleton schedule’ that took effect on 29 March, with two weekly flights to Beijing and two weekly flights to Shanghai, operated with Boeing 787s and 777s.
The KLM/Martinair full freighters will continue to be deployed on North Atlantic routes, which Philips will use as an airbridge between Amsterdam and distribution points in the US.
Added the KLM spokesperson: “The full freighters will also continue to operate on South Atlantic routes and to destinations in Africa. In view of the 90% decline in flights and anticipated future capacity, KLM previously decided in early March that it would phase out its remaining Boeing 747s in April 2020, instead of in the summer of 2021.
“For the benefit of this airbridge, however, KLM will now redeploy two Boeing 747 Combi aircraft to be used specifically on these two routes during the designated period.
KLM President & CEO Pieter Elbers said: “I believe it is incredibly important that KLM can be of service to broader Dutch society in this time of crisis, by way of our flexibility, creativity and cooperation with partners.”
“This is perfectly exemplified by the initiative from Philips to join hands with KLM in seeking a solution for freeing up cargo capacity between Europe and China for essential medical supplies.”
Philips CEO Frans van Houten said: “Philips and KLM have been key partners for more than 100 years. I am very pleased that we have now joined hands once more, in this time of need, to create this important airbridge with China.
“In combination with the existing airbridge to the US, we can now more rapidly transport essential medical equipment and supplies between the US, Europe and China, thereby ensuring that healthcare professionals can be more rapidly assisted in their battle against the coronavirus.”
