Strengthening relations

Direct flights between Amsterdam and Barbados will strengthen relations between the two countries, says Deputy Head of Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Cor Stouten.   

The new service from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) via St. Royal Dutch Airlines, touched down in Barbados last Saturday evening. However, this isn’t the first time Barbados is welcoming the airline, as KLM was the first commercial airline to arrive at Seawell Airport on October 19, 1938. Now, 83 years later, it has returned providing greater access and seamless connectivity to and from major European countries and regions.  

Stouten, who was at the time addressing the KLM inaugural ceremony hosted by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) at Hilton Barbados Resort yesterday, described Barbados as an important Small Island Developing State, and a well-known Caribbean destination with friendly people.

“This new direct service being introduced by KLM provides another gateway with scheduled return flights from Amsterdam to Barbados and connecting to other European countries. In addition, this will allow our two countries – Barbados and the Netherlands – to strengthen relationships by exploring other opportunities and to connect our two countries on matters like tourism, culture, business, and trade,” he pointed out.

“In this regard, the connection is important for this region. Through a special arrangement between KLM and Caribbean Airlines, it will be easier to use Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados as a hub to the Eastern and broader Caribbean.”  

KLM General Manager – Caribbean Establishment, Claude Sarre, revealed that the flights will be three times a week to Barbados, departing from Amsterdam on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and the service will run until March 31, 2022.  

The Airbus A330 is fully refurbished with a new design with 262 seats in the Economy cabin, and 30 seats in Business.  

“By having KLM aircraft landing in Barbados, you are not only having the Dutch market, but it opens the huge French market… Barbados tourism could target as well the Italian market. Italians love the Caribbean, so they will love Barbados. KLM has direct flights from all major Italian cities.”

Sarre said that within this COVID-19 environment, KLM has implemented the highest possible hygiene standards when travelling, and offers customers maximum flexibility to change, or cancel flights.

He further divulged that KLM is committed to flying responsibly by taking a leading role in cre-ating a more sustainable future for aviation.

“We are continuously investing and innovating to make our products and processes more sustainable. KLM has a Carbon Reduction Roadmap, a plan that combines the available solutions of today with innovative developments for tomorrow. In 2030, we’re aiming for

a reduction of 15% of our total CO2 footprint, compared to 2005. 

“Within KLM, we are convinced that customers will choose their airline by looking to the right value for money, with good service but as well as the involvement of the airline to preserve the earth,” he added.