KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) recently co-hosted a reception at the Netherlands’ pavilion at Expo 2020 attended by senior leaders from within the local Netherlands’ diplomatic and business community and the members of Dutch Sustainability group (DSG).

Pieter Elbers, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)also visited the regional headquarters of Air France KLM at Dubai Airport Free Zone(Dafza), spent time with his team based in Dubai and signed the first NDC contract in the Middle East region with SATGURU group.*

In addition, he visited Dubai Cargo Village, met with Air France KLM Cargo team and some VIP clients. Elbers signed another 2 SAF contracts- Sustainable Aviation Fuel- with Freight Care Aviation Services Limited and Expo Airline Management.

In appreciation of KLM’s 50 years of operation to Dubai and the continuous local support received throughout these years, Pieter Elbers also had the honour of meeting  Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports and some very high level decision makers in the airline industry and Dutch diplomats.

Welcoming guests to the reception at the Netherlands pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, Elbers, KLM President & CEO, said: “The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of KLM’s first passenger service to Dubai. All the more reason to visit Dubai as the UAE continues to celebrate its ‘Year of the 50th’ and hosts the Expo 2020 Dubai.

“There is a strong and growing relationship between the UAE and the Netherlands, supported by KLM and reflected in the Netherlands pavilion. Dubai and the UAE are global hubs for international business, aviation and hospitality and I have been deeply impressed by the scale and quality of the Expo. The event is a very ambitious showcase for innovation and sustainability and this is a global mission that KLM fully shares and supports, including here in the Middle East.”

KLM started operating services to Dubai on April 5, 1972 with a once-a-week connection via Athens and Dhahran, operating an extended Douglas DC-8 jet aircraft. – TradeArabia News Service