Well,
In follow up of the Copa joining SkyTeam I decided to bring this topic up again after a long time.
As some of you know, it has been discussed several times what will happen to the mini hub KL has in Bonaire. Some rumours were floating around at the time that KL might be moving to either Curacao or Aruba. Eventually when the winter timetable for 2006/2007 was released KL decided to stay in Bonaire for now. Now my question is what are the latest developments regarding KL and there Caribbean operations?
KL will switch to the smaller MD11 on their Caribbean routes (AUA, CUR, BON, SXM). Their MD11 has recently or still is undergoing a cabin upgrade (new WBC and PTV's?).
Strong rumors in the local media here in Curacao as well as media in Holland are that KL is interested in investing in Dutch Antilles Express (DAE) which is managed by Mr. Pallandt, a former KLC manager. DAE has strong connections with KL what I see. DAE has already taken delivery of their first Fokker 100 and a second aircraft will arrive in mid-February. This might also point to closer co-operation with KL as they also operate a large fleet of Fokkers. A new hangar will be built by DAE to maintain their aircraft (3 ATR42's and 2 Fokker 100s).
With Copa joining SkyTeam can we see them flying to Curacao if KL will use Curacao as their new hub? Our airport management has recently reported an increase in transfer traffic of 33% compared to the previous year. I am interested where these transfer passengers connect to. Or can we see KL fly to PTY for connections on Copa's route network? Which one would be more attractive? Can both Copa or KL feed each other? What about AF?
So, in nutshell: what is the latest development or rumor about KL and their Caribbean operations and what can we expect in the coming years?
A388
Moderators: jsumali2, richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
RE: KLM Caribbean Hub In Curacao, Any Update?
| Quoting A388 (Thread starter): So, in nutshell: what is the latest development or rumor about KL and their Caribbean operations and what can we expect in the coming years? |
As the daily AMS BON LIM flight flight is about to become a 6 weekly nonstop AMS LIM flight, BON will be left with a 6 times weekly AMS BON GYE UIO operation (up from the current 5). On the day where there is no UIO departure, BON will receive a once weekly flight tagged to AUA. Also SXM will be linked to AUA, twice weekly, whereas CUR will be served by a daily dedicated terminator service. All 18 weekly services (7 AMS CUR, 6 AMS BON GYE UIO, 2 AMS AUA, 2 AMS SXM AMS, 1 AMS BON AUA) will be operated with reconfigured MD11 aircraft.
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- 2travel2know
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RE: KLM Caribbean Hub In Curacao, Any Update?
Sounds interesting, but I would think CM may like KL to fly AMS-PTY (or AF CDG-PTY) and connect with their SkyTeam hub better instead of a CM PTY-CUR E190 service to connect with KL flights in CUR (or AF in FDM).
Regardless of that, there's potential for a E190 service to AUA, CUR and SXM from CM PTY hub.
Regardless of that, there's potential for a E190 service to AUA, CUR and SXM from CM PTY hub.
I don't work for COPA Airlines!
RE: KLM Caribbean Hub In Curacao, Any Update?
| Quoting HB-IWC (Reply 1): As the daily AMS BON LIM flight flight is about to become a 6 weekly nonstop AMS LIM flight, BON will be left with a 6 times weekly AMS BON GYE UIO operation (up from the current 5). On the day where there is no UIO departure, BON will receive a once weekly flight tagged to AUA. Also SXM will be linked to AUA, twice weekly, whereas CUR will be served by a daily dedicated terminator service. All 18 weekly services (7 AMS CUR, 6 AMS BON GYE UIO, 2 AMS AUA, 2 AMS SXM AMS, 1 AMS BON AUA) will be operated with reconfigured MD11 aircraft. |
Hi HB-IWC, as usual thank you for your explanation. I was counting on your update
I take it that KL will base its decision on their Caribbean mix on the market conditions and competition from other airlines such as MP and OR? I remember reading a few months ago that KL is a bit cautious the coming year because of increased competition on the AMS-CUR route, hence their decision to re-introduce the (reconfigured) MD11 on CUR flights?
A388
RE: KLM Caribbean Hub In Curacao, Any Update?
| Quoting BALAX (Reply 4): I thought AUA and SXM were gonna be flown as a triangle route. |
Someone mentioned that in the previous threads but it was misinterpreted. The routes flown are as mentioned by HB-IWC. A triangular route wouldn't make much sense in this case as the route will not be that attractive. Just my opinion.
A388
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- zschocheimages
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RE: KLM Caribbean Hub In Curacao, Any Update?
What are the current flights out of Curacao?
Why fly with 2 engines when you can have 3?
RE: KLM Caribbean Hub In Curacao, Any Update?
Is the AMS-SXM-AUA on a B747 still? if it is, hence the triangular flight. Fully loaded B747 couldn't take off from SXM nonstop to AMS.
RE: KLM Caribbean Hub In Curacao, Any Update?
| Quoting BALAX (Reply 9): Is the AMS-SXM-AUA on a B747 still? if it is, hence the triangular flight. Fully loaded B747 couldn't take off from SXM nonstop to AMS. |
All 18 weekly Caribbean flights, including AMS SXM AUA will be operated with the reconfigured MD11. No more 747s in the region, unless you consider MEX and PBM to be the region.
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- lamedianaranja
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RE: KLM Caribbean Hub In Curacao, Any Update?
| Quoting HB-IWC (Reply 11): AMS SXM AUA will be operated with the reconfigured MD11 |
Beautiful new photos of the blue MD11 over Maho Beach
I'm sure looking forward to that!I wish that all skies were orange and blue!!
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