New jet bolsters KLM's capacity
1 February 2006



KLM Royal Dutch Airlines started operating the new A330-200 aircraft in Bahrain last night. It replaces the Boeing 767s, and increases the seat capacity on the sector by 15 per cent.

Transportation Ministry's Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) organised a reception last night at Bahrain International Airport to welcome the new aircraft.

The ceremony was attended by top CAA and Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) officials, senior officials of KLM and its general sales agents House of Travels, headed by chairman Ebrahim Amin, and the airline's top 10 travel agents.

KLM's Dubai-based general manager for Gulf, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Iran, Richard Oliver said the airline is delighted to receive the new state-of-the-art A330 to its Middle East route.

"We decided to use Bahrain and Abu Dhabi as its first destinations," he noted. "KLM has been operating to Bahrain for 32 years, and the decision to use the brand new aircraft on this sector reflects the continuation of our commitment to the country." Mr Oliver said the capacity is now being increased by 15pc. "There is sufficient demand for us out of Bahrain and into the country," he added.

Commercial manager in Bahrain Denzil D'Silva said the new aircraft offered 30 seats on the World Business Class and 221 on the Economy Class. This is against 30 and 190 seats respectively on the Boeing 767s. "We are getting an extra 31 seats with the introduction of the new aircraft," said Mr D'Silva. "We recently conducted a survey among our passengers and all of them wanted a better product on the Bahrain sector. We are now meeting their demand. "KLM operates daily flights between Bahrain and Amsterdam , four of them non-stop and three via Abu Dhabi."

Passenger benefits of the new aircraft include a more spacious cabin, offering enhanced service and greater comfort. Every seat has a personal video on demand system in addition to an interactive entertainment system and e-mail and text messaging to any address or mobile telephone anywhere in the world. There is also a telephone for every seat. The A330 offers enhances baggage space in both classes, said Mr D'Silva.

KLM hosted a dinner reception last night at Moevenpick Hotel, marking the arrival of the new aircraft.

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