KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the country's lone direct link to Europe, will increase its capacity by 10% on its Amsterdam-Manila-Amsterdamroute starting this summer, compared to the same period last year. Daily flights will continue to operate via Taipei using an aircraft combination of Boeings 777-300s and 777-200s.
Apart from the increase in capacity effective end of March, KLM will introduce two new destinations with excellent connections to the Manila flights. Starting 03 April, KLM will fly daily to Manston, Kentoffering travellers an attractive tourist destination as well as a hassle-free airport in the proximity of London. Manston will be KLM's 14th destination in the UK.
Flights to Alesund begin on 04 April making it KLM's 7th destination in Norway. Alesund has a fast-growing market, including the offshore industry. It is also an interesting tourist destination.
KLM, the Philippines only direct link to Europe via Taipei, cited Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III for signing Republic Act No. 10374, otherwise known as the Common Carriers Tax Act, which rationalizes the taxes paid by international carriers in the country.
"Under the new legislation, foreign carriers are exempted from paying the three percent Common Carriers Tax (CCT) imposed on passenger traffic," KLM said in a statement.
With aforementioned capacity increase KLM aspires to take a first step towards the joint goal with the Department of Tourism of bringing more tourists to the Philippines.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded in 1919, making it the world's oldest airline still operating under its original name. In 2004, Air France and KLM merged to form AIR FRANCE KLM. The merger produced the strongest European airline group based on two powerful brands and hubs - Amsterdam
Airport Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Retaining its own identity, the group focuses on three core businesses: passenger transport, cargo and aircraft maintenance.
In the Netherlands, KLM comprises the core of the KLM Group, whichfurther includes KLM Cityhopper, transavia.com and Martinair. KLM serves all its destinations using a modern fleet and employs over 33,000 people around the world. KLM is a leader in the airline industry, offering reliable operations and customer-oriented products resulting from its policy of enthusiasm and sustainable innovation.
KLM is a member of the global SkyTeam airline alliance, offering customers an extensive worldwide network. The KLM network connects theNetherlands to every important economic region in the world and, as such, serves as a powerful driver for the economy.
SkyTeam is a global airline alliance providing customers from member airlines access to an extensive worldwide network offering more destinations, more frequencies and more connectivity. Passengers can earn and redeem Frequent Flyer Miles throughout the SkyTeam network. SkyTeam member airlines offer customers access to over 490 lounges worldwide.
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