Starting in the spring of 2015, there will be a direct flight to continental Europe from the Edmonton International Airport.
On May 5, 2015, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will offer non-stop service between the Edmonton International Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
The news comes more than a year after Air Canada announced it would be suspending direct flights to London Heathrow in the winter, citing the cost.
Mayor Don Iveson was on hand for the announcement at the Hotel Macdonald Monday, and said he believes the new addition proves airlines can make money in Edmonton.
“We’re going to focus on developing relationships with airlines that are excited to do business with us, that can provide competitive service, that can provide competitive pricing, so we’re open for business here,” Iveson said.
“It’s not just Amsterdam; it’s a leaping off point to places all around that part of the world, really.”
KLM has 120 flights to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia – and the airline said Edmonton is an untapped market.
“The speed of the economy, the energy in the city, we had to be part of it,” Jean-Noel Rault with KLM Canada said. “Breaking in the first in the market is always an advantage.”
If it all goes well, there’s hope more international destinations could be added.
“We’re still working hard to find connections to Asia as well, and there’s a few irons in the fire, without getting into specifics,” Iveson said. “Hopefully this is just the first of many announcements.”
The flights to Amsterdam will be available year-round, starting with three weekly flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday – a fourth weekly flight on Fridays will be added on June 22 for the summer months.
The route will operate with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
With files from Breanna Karstens-Smith
