KLM welcomed its first flight operated by all-new Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Colombo on 1November with a ceremonial Water Cannon salute.

On board were KLM VIPs andAmbassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka and MaldivesJoanne Doornewaard. The General Manager of Air France – KLM Indian Subcontinent greeted the delegation in vibrant orange scarves, officially welcoming them and other passengers to Colombo.

Further to commemorate this special day and welcome passengers on their first flight from Colombo to Amsterdam, KLM check-in counters at the airport were decorated with balloons, flowers and welcome messages. Passengers were also presented with a token of welcome gift for this first flight.

From left: Anil Bandara – CEO Mack Air Pvt Ltd (GSA for KLM in Sri Lanka), Rayhan Wanniappa – Deputy Director (Air Transport & Legal Affairs) CAASL, Joanne Doornewaard – Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands to Sri Lanka, Max Smits – General Manager Indian Subcontinent and Welmer Blom – Snr. VP Air France – KLM MEGI Region.

Before departure, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place in the presence of WelmerBlom, Senior Vice President, Air France – KLM, MEGI region (Middle East, Gulf and Indian Subcontinent), Max Smits, General Manager Air France–KLM, Indian Subcontinent, Ambassador Doornewaard, Anil Bandara – CEO Mack Air Pvt Ltd (GSA for KLM in Sri Lanka) and Rayhan Wanniappa – Deputy Director (Air Transport and Legal Affairs) CAASL.

Throughout the winter season, KLM will operate a twice-weekly service on the route operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departing from Colombo on Tuesdays and Saturdays and returning from Schiphol on Mondays and Fridays.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has 30 seats in World Business Class, 48 seats in Economy Comfort and 216 seats in Economy Class.

The KLM Dreamliner offers high levels of comfort in air travel and a new in-flight experience for passengers. In World Business Class, passengers will enjoy 2.07 m long full flat beds, full privacy, extra storage and direct access to the aisle. Passengers travelling in Economy Class will appreciate the new seats, which offer 40% more recline.

All passengers will have access to a power socket for recharging mobile devices, electronically dimmable windows, seat chat, state-of-the-art inflight entertainment system and onboard Wi-Fi.