The winter of COIVD-19 will be soon amongst us, as well as airlines – who now have to adapt their operations for the autumn/winter 2020 season.
KLM is like any other airline, as they set out their plans for next month or so.
A brace of KLM Boeing 737s operating short-haul services from Amsterdam Schiphol – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
With travel warnings from countries – prompting what the airline calls “Code Orange” (essential travel only) for UK, Spain, parts of France and other countries, the planned upscaling of KLM’s European network in September has been put on hold.
The quarantine rules in the United Kingdom have had a particularly marked impact on KLM’s network. As such, KLM will keep close tabs on the developing situation concerning travel warnings issued by the authorities in the Netherlands and elsewhere.
The airline plans to operate 55% of its capacity in November – compared to numbers in 2020.
It plans to m is to offer a wide range of destinations, whilst considering growth by either increasing capacity by adding frequencies, or by using larger aircraft.
Summer Network review
KLM did well in the summer, with it almost able to serve its entire European network, with capacity at about 60% of Summer 2019. The airline’s intercontinental network was served to 80% of its destinations, again at 60% of capacity. A third of those routes were cargo-only. Some of the routes will return to cargo and passengers once governmental travel regulations allow travel.
KLM Loves Slot Waivers
Unsurprisingly, KLM is in love with the European Commission, who have announced a slot waiver earlier this week. For KLM, it will allow them to adjust to the changing market conditions as a result of COVID-19, even during the winter season. With the market moving as it is – it will allow the airline to flex capacity and frequencies as needed.
For now
With winter coming and COVID-19 cases increasing in certain countries, airlines are going to have to hunker down and plan for a rough season ahead.
With 55% of capacity, there are going to be further cuts – so it is worth checking your booking before you travel for additional changes to your journey.
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