KLM Lands in Lusaka

Posted 24/11/2011

Dutch national carrier KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has confirmed it will launch a three times weekly service between Amsterdam and the Zambian capital Lusaka during summer 2012.  The airline plans to use a 243-seat Airbus A330-200 on the service offering space for 30 World Business Class and 213 Economy passengers.  The new service will commence on May 15, 2012 and will improve connectivity between Europe and the African country.

In the past year an estimated 85,000 O&D passengers travelled between Europe and Zambia, with the only direct flight currently being offered by British Airways from its London Heathrow base on a three times weekly basis.  The arrival of KLM on the route will provide a new routing opportunity for passengers, especially those aligned to the SkyTeam alliance of which KLM is a member.

From February next year Emirates Airline will also serve Lusaka direct from Dubai, as a stop on its new flight to the Zimbabwe capital Harare.  The Middle Eastern carrier is likely to pick up a large proportion of the Europe – Zambia traffic due to its extensive network across Europe and attractive connection at its Dubai International Airport hub.

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