As hinted at a couple of years ago, KLM has confirmed it will be launching its service to Austin, Texas.
The new route will start on 28th March 2022. KLM will operate a direct service between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) three times a week. The planned operation is as follows:
KL667 DEPART AMS 12:40 ARRIVE AUS 16:10 KL669 DEPART AUS 18:00 ARRIVE AMS 10:25+1 Commences 28th March 2022 Operates Monday, Thursday, and Saturday Booked Equipment: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Flights will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring World Business Class flatbeds seats with direct aisle access, HD entertainment, and onboard Wi-Fi. The state-of-the-art aircraft incorporates many innovations to enhance passenger well-being and sustainability including:
Austin is the 19th North American destination to be served by KLM. This route was originally scheduled to start in May 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline also serves Houston-Intercontinental.
Passengers flying from Austin can connect to over 60 destinations across Europe, Africa, and India via Amsterdam Schiphol.
In Quotes
Eric Caron, SVP and General Manager of North America for Air France-KLM said
“We are excited to expand our service and inaugurate the first scheduled service between Austin and Amsterdam. We look forward to connecting Austin to our global network via Schiphol and providing Europeans direct access to the dynamic city of Austin with its vibrant culture and robust tech industry,”
Jaqueline Yaft, Chief Executive Officer of AUS added
“After originally welcoming KLM to Austin in 2019, AUS is excited to finally launch nonstop service to Amsterdam,”
“Offering direct service to European cities is a huge priority for AUS and this is a milestone we’ve been eager to meet since May of 2020.”
Building out more North America coverage
North America remains an important destination for European airlines, with the passenger flows it brings, as well as onward traffic. In May, Virgin Atlantic will also join KLM at Austin Airport. Combined with Delta and Delta Connection connectivity, it should provide options to travellers, as well as folk who are heading to the region for business or entertainment.
Austin already enjoys coverage from Europe by British Airways and Lufthansa.
It’ll be interesting to see if Austin has room for four European carriers in the long term.
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Lately it seems like every airline in the US has been adding new service to Austin (even Allegiant) and now KLM joins Virgin Atlantic in adding transatlantic service to compete with BA and LH.
Austin is a great place, but I really question whether it can support all this service.