KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) recently marked the 40th anniversary of launching scheduled passenger services to Bahrain with a private VIP gala dinner at the Regency InterContinental Hotel.

The event was held under the patronage of Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed, Minister of Transportation and acting chief executive of the Economic Development Board and Nicolaas Beets, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands.

“KLM is one of the major international airlines operating at Bahrain International Airport and the Bahrain-Amsterdam route has played a major role in strengthening connectivity between the regions and in bolstering ties and increasing economic activity,” said Acting Undersecretary of Civil Aviation Affairs Ahmed Al-Nemah.

“The Ministry of Transportation’s Civil Aviation Affairs will continue to provide full support to KLM’s operations in Bahrain as well as operations at Bahrain International Airport which include daily flight services to various worldwide destinations.”

The event was organized in conjunction with Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) and attended by distinguished guests, loyal Flying Blue members, corporate clients, and aviation and travel industry partners.

KLM services to Bahrain began on November 4, 1973 and have linked Bahrain to the rest of the world continuously ever since. Today, KLM operates daily flights from Bahrain International Airport (BIA) connecting passengers to Amsterdam and into the airline’s extensive global network. The airline serves Bahrain with commercial, station, and cargo services; and has a team of around nine staff members based in Manama.

Mohamed Yousif Al- Binfalah, chief executive officer of BAC also added, “Being in business since 1919, and connecting Bahrain to the rest of the world continuously for 40 years is a major achievement for the airline and for Bahrain International Airport.”

“We greatly value KLM’s continued business and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate KLM for being awarded the Best Airline Staff Service in Europe at the World Airline Awards 2013. We are keen on working in close partnership with all airline companies to provide an exceptional travel experience and greater connectivity to our valued passengers.”

Air France KLM is marking several key milestones in the Gulf in 2013, including the 50th anniversary of services to Kuwait, 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.

On September 12, 1919, Queen Wilhelmina awarded KLM - yet to be founded - its "Royal" designation.  Dutch Royal Airlines for the Netherlands and its Colonies (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij voor Nederland en Koloniën - KLM) was founded on October 7, 1919. – TradeArabia News Service