KLM President Elbers: The reopening of the US is a turning point for KLM

The reopening of the United States for vaccinated travelers from the European Union is a watershed for airline KLM. CEO Peter Elbers said in an interview with De Telegraaf that this would allow the airline’s occupancy rate to return to 70 to 80 percent.

According to Elbers, the government’s quarantine obligation on Americans has cost KLM money and “caused a lot of confusion among clients.” On flights to Asia and South America, Elbers also says he’s seeing movement again. “The world is slowly opening up again.”

From November 1, vaccinated Europeans as well as Britons can take long-haul flights to the United States again. The United States is one of the most important markets for the airline. Since the reopening was announced, airline Air France-KLM has already noticed an increase in demand for flights to the United States, especially ahead of the Christmas period.

Traveling to the United States is currently virtually impossible for people who do not have a US passport or residence permit. But the strict travel policies introduced at the start of the coronavirus pandemic are being relaxed by the White House. Travelers will soon have to test them and wear a mouth covering after arrival.