KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has partnered with Thalys to buy seats aboard the Thalys high-speed train for transfer passengers travelling between Schiphol and Brussels.
The airline said that this will allow KLM to operate one less flight between Amsterdam and Brussels every day.
The aim of the venture is to increase the number of transfer passengers travelling by rail between Brussels and Schiphol.
Almost all passengers on this route transfer to and from KLM flights at Schiphol.
The venture is “an important first step” in KLM’s implementation of the Dutch government’s Action Plan for Rail and Air Services (Actieagenda Trein en Luchtvaart).
The plan was jointly released at the end of 2020 by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in consultation with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, ProRail, KLM and NS Dutch Railways.
It stipulates actions and measures ensuring that international rail travel becomes a logical alternative to supplement airline services on routes shorter than 700 kilometres.
For some time now, KLM has offered transfer passengers the option of boarding a Thalys high-speed train instead of a flight on the Brussels-Schiphol leg of their journey (or vice versa).
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, 20 to 25% of these passengers (some 36,000 customers) chose this option.
This trial is aimed at improving the customer experience and offering passengers a more sustainable travel option.
KLM is also working with NS Dutch Railways and other European railway companies to explore the options of additional high-speed, comfortable rail services.
For more information please visit KLM.com.
Subscribe now and follow Travel Pursuit UK on our travel social media for all must-see travel updates published daily in UK’s brand new, travel trade publication.
