KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) today (September 26) marked 50 years of scheduled passenger services to Kuwait, which began in September 1963 at the start of the ‘jet age’.

The airline linked Kuwait to the rest of the world almost continuously ever since, a statement said.

A special commemorative flight arrived at Kuwait International Airport from Amsterdam and which carried the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kuwait, Nicolaas Beets and a delegation of VIPs.

KLM will continue the celebrations by hosting a private VIP Gala Dinner at the Radisson Blu Hotel, attended by distinguished guests, loyal Flying Blue and corporate clients, aviation and travel industry representatives, on September 26.

Today, KLM operates daily flights from Kuwait International Airport connecting passengers to Amsterdam and into the airline’s extensive global network. The airline serves Kuwait with commercial, station and cargo services and has a team of around 20 staff based in Kuwait.

“KLM is very proud to be celebrating this long association with the State of Kuwait – one of our first destinations in the Arabian Gulf - extending to half a century of almost continuous service,” said Frederic Gossot, general manager Gulf Saudi Arabia Iran and Pakistan, Air France KLM.

Air France KLM will mark several key milestones in the gulf in 2013, including the 40th anniversary of services to Bahrain, 30th anniversary of services to Riyadh; and also the 80th anniversary of the foundation of Air France.

Founded in 1919, KLM is the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name.

Since May 2004, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have become the largest European airline group: one group, two airlines. The Group operates the leading long-haul network on departure from Europe. – TradeArabia News Service