We're proud - but not perfect. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed once again the critical nature of our work. We brought Dutch citizens home and transported PPE and vaccinations that saved lives. Unfortunately, as a company, we also suffered considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This led to fewer colleagues, fewer destinations and other difficult, but necessary, choices. We are now recovering, welcoming new colleagues, and stabilising our operations. But the truth is: we're not there yet. We're working very hard to get there, but some problems require a little more time

This is certainly being felt even more at E&M now that many parts are not in stock or available and the right staff are harder to recruit. There is still a lot of work to do, which is why our operation, our people and safety are our top priority.

Flying has a future.

KLM colleagues are not the kind of people who only bask in the glow of their proud history, or only worry about the here and now. We're always looking to move forward as a company, and we are keen to build a bright future. We have a great responsibility to make things not only better for our people, but also for the environment we inhabit. Simply operating fewer flights or suspending air travel altogether is not the solution, air travel is a crucial means of transport. But we have to do things better.

Improving for all of us.

Step by step, we are leading the industry in operating cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient flights. New aircraft emit lower emissions. New aircraft generate less noise. New aviation fuels are less polluting, and operational measures to reduce CO₂ also contribute to our goals. Both the big and small steps that we take today and tomorrow will ensure that we can achieve major and unique breakthroughs in the future. For example, we are taking steps to reduce fuel consumption by flying more efficiently and replacing fuel with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). A new fleet, less weight on board and electrification of ground equipment also contribute to this endeavour. This has many advantages, but it will also benefit our people in the operation. Applying predictive maintenance has already been a step forward by and for us, reducing unplanned downtime and repair costs, while improving the reliability of flight schedules and the passage of passengers. This is the only way we can keep connecting people in the future, the only way to ensure that our children and grandchildren can continue to explore the globe and encounter other worlds.

Innovation requires a solid foundation.

If we intend to rely on our full strength in the next 100 years, we must continue to lead the way and pioneer. We will only achieve this with a solid foundation, making a stable operation our top priority, to offer our customers the service they expect from us. In the meantime, each and every day we take a step closer to the future. We do this not only for KLM, but also for our international customer base of more than 200 customers worldwide. With a better and renewed KLM for our people, our customers, and our network.

Let's journey together towards our 200-year milestone. If we as KLM colleagues continue to work together and take pride in our work, we will gradually improve. We will ensure safe and smooth operations. We will fly cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft. It means continuing to connect people, transport essential goods and discover stunning destinations.

This is the only way we can demonstrate to society that a healthy aviation industry is crucial to our collective future.

Fly, improve, innovate. We are KLM.