Dutch airline KLM will operate twice daily between Amsterdam and Dublin from this winter. It last served the capital of Ireland 50 years ago.
The route will be launched on October 30 and KLM will be using an Embraer 190 twin-jet.
But why hasn’t KLM been serving such an important route itself, rather than rely, for many years, on a code-share agreement with Aer Lingus?
One suspects the answer lies in the fact that Aer Lingus is now part of rival IAG.
KLM is a serious six-freedom airline and such an airline would not want any major rival to know its business. It also means that, with its own aircraft and crew, it can take better care of its passengers.
In addition, KLM will be aware that the long-haul passenger market from Ireland is becoming increasingly competitive.
For starters, it must know that Aer Lingus is attracting some of KLM’s passengers to fly transatlantic via Dublin.
It must also be aware that the Gulf carriers are moving into Dublin and they will be capturing some of KLM’s potential market to Africa, the Middle East, Asia and so on.
As can be seen, KLM’s provisional schedules are aimed fairly and squarely at the transfer, rather than the point-to-point, market. Please note that these are provisional schedules so may be amended.
KL932 Dublin-Amsterdam 0555-0830
KL936 Dublin-Amsterdam 1315-1550
KL935 Amsterdam-Dublin 1200-1240
KL939 Amsterdam-Dublin 2120-2200
For the coming months the Aer Lingus code-share will continue. And Aer Lingus will remain on the Dublin-Amsterdam route from October 30.
Alex McWhirter
Klm.com
Aerlingus.com
