BRUTALLY HONEST | Graz - Amsterdam - Shanghai in ECONOMY on KLM Asia's decade-old Boeing 777-200ER!

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 6 лют 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 519

  • @keisuke5468
    @keisuke5468 8 місяців тому +686

    They kept the KLM Asia so that they can bait Simply Aviation to make a brutally honest video on it 😃🎉

    • @hac129
      @hac129 8 місяців тому +5

      A diss video LOL 😂

    • @UsmanBello
      @UsmanBello 4 місяці тому +1

      He got triggered over this. The same way I got triggered over how he pronounced the city he originated from "Graz" as it sounds more like "Gerät" or something like that. And I have noticed he likes to pronounce "Danke schön" like "Doinkeh-shen". 🤣

    • @maxvandoorn3799
      @maxvandoorn3799 21 годину тому

      ​@@UsmanBello what?

  • @keisuke5468
    @keisuke5468 8 місяців тому +681

    The employees probably don’t know themselves why KLM Asia exists and just googled it after you emailed them 😂

    • @flaneurnz
      @flaneurnz 8 місяців тому +4

      Haha😅

    • @EpicThe112
      @EpicThe112 8 місяців тому +5

      😂😂😂😂 the final destination of KL807/808 the main KLM Asia route route is MNL T1 which makes the crew being Dutch/Flemish Taiwanese and Filipino. Do KL808 back to AMS there's some going to JFK KL643 KL619/618 BOS for PVD. Although KE has the shorter layover via ICN from MNL for BOS

  • @espaciobarra
    @espaciobarra 8 місяців тому +222

    I can confirm by a fact that Latin Americans really, really like KLM (and Air France also) because it allows them to connect to the rest of the world without a hassle, mainly because transiting via AMS DOES NOT require a visa compared to doing so via the US (which only Chileans can go without lengthy formalities due to visa waivers). KL/AF networks are vast enough to allow them to go pretty much everywhere, and at reasonable prices as well!
    (Side note: the SCL-EZE fifth freedom flight is also heavily used because KLM offers fantastic full-service fares that are often cheaper than low cost airlines like JetSmart and SKY, and those are as basic as you can get...)
    Great video, David!

    • @Nadia1989
      @Nadia1989 8 місяців тому +9

      Yup. Transit at AMS is rough, but is less complicated than LHR, CDG or FRA. I wish they could add travelators between the two terminals.

    • @odzergaming
      @odzergaming 8 місяців тому +4

      you dont need a visa transiting anywhere other than US and Canada

    • @goytabr
      @goytabr 8 місяців тому +5

      @@odzergaming, that is indeed true for most Latin American nationalities at all *MAJOR* connection hubs outside the US and Canada that I can think of, but sometimes a few routes may lead them to some more unusual connecting airports that may require visas. For example, Aeromexico sometimes offers fares attractive enough to tempt passengers from Latin America to Europe to make a long detour through Mexico City, and Mexico now requires a visa for Brazilians and a few other Latin American nationalities (waived if the person has a valid visa for the US or Canada).

    • @Johan91NL
      @Johan91NL 8 місяців тому +1

      @@Nadia1989 For an airport its size Schiphols transfers are so easy. As you said compare it to same sized airports like LHR or FRA lol

    • @espaciobarra
      @espaciobarra 8 місяців тому +5

      Chileans have no issues taking advantage of US/CA hubs thanks to ESTA and eTA waivers. I've used LAX and SFO a few times already because of said lack of formalities.
      The rest of LATAM has it more complicated though. As insane as it sounds, people from there do fly to New Zealand if they need to reach Asia. Same thing goes for DXB or DOH: no formalities.
      The tradition has always been going via AMS, CDG or FRA though.

  • @ricardokim95
    @ricardokim95 8 місяців тому +53

    KLM crews have always been very kind and friendly in my flights with them. I've had better experiences with some other airlines, but overall I feel like KLM is one of the most consistent in terms of service quality.

  • @Archduke17
    @Archduke17 8 місяців тому +327

    Graz is Arnold Schwarzenegger's hometown. When departing, remember to tell airport staff "I'll be back."

    • @yaronsteinbuch3956
      @yaronsteinbuch3956 8 місяців тому +7

      😂

    • @andysorensen1737
      @andysorensen1737 8 місяців тому +19

      Alternatively, if you’re cutting it close: “RUN! GET TO THE CHOPPA!”

    • @magentilized
      @magentilized 8 місяців тому +4

      Grazer here!

    • @agreedlooki8081
      @agreedlooki8081 5 місяців тому +2

      it´s not direct graz, it´s thal, a little town near graz

  • @gert1nl
    @gert1nl 8 місяців тому +87

    I really feel the opposite from you about Schiphol. I love that it is all one terminal, that you don't have to transfer with a bus or train to go to different ones. It is also very easy to navigate, impossible to get lost.
    A walk is very welcome in between 2 flights.
    Schiphol had huge issues with security / passport lines right after covid, but those times are luckily long gone.

    • @SEN77788
      @SEN77788 8 місяців тому +8

      Полностью согласен, это тоже мой самый любимый аэропорт для пересадки и транзита в Европе, это очень удобный аэропорт

    • @dschach1996
      @dschach1996 5 місяців тому +1

      Same here, connecting via AMS is really easy.

  • @JzrCrz
    @JzrCrz 8 місяців тому +89

    Yeah, you can see both regular KLM and Asia flying both China and Taiwan today. The only possible answer I can think of is that KLM wants to keep the brand to stay on good terms with China. Currently, KLM is actually the only European airline flying to Taiwan. Maybe that plays a role in them keeping the brand to not upset China. Even though China isn't making a big of a deal about it anymore.
    Funny enough, you mentioned the fleet of KLM Asia here 12:23 consisting of 9 B777. It's actually 8 now. One of the Boeing 777-300ER (PH-BVC) has been repainted to the regular KLM livery a few months ago. Maybe they're finally starting to drop the brand.

    • @Johan91NL
      @Johan91NL 8 місяців тому

      I think that was a reason for it indeed. To keep the KLM and KLM Asia fleet seperated with the China and Taiwan conflict. With this ''new'' company they can still fly to Taiwan and China.

    • @kaffir76
      @kaffir76 7 місяців тому +1

      Excellent reply. 100% on point 🙏🙏

    • @_yying_
      @_yying_ 7 місяців тому +1

      Turkish Airlines fly to TPE as well (although that’s an Asian/European mix?

    • @vincentvanhuijstee9764
      @vincentvanhuijstee9764 7 місяців тому +1

      Flying to both China and Taiwan as the only European airline is exactly the reason why KLM Asia exists.

    • @TurboJuicee
      @TurboJuicee 7 місяців тому

      So it was PH BVC that had KLM ASIA before? I knew it, I was wondering why it had regular livery

  • @Illustriousdarnellofficial
    @Illustriousdarnellofficial 8 місяців тому +101

    15:06 The nightmare of all passengers... That crying baby.

    • @woutergijs5246
      @woutergijs5246 8 місяців тому +22

      Correction: I heard 2 and maybe a bit later N°3 joined in😅😅😅

    • @JUVI9596
      @JUVI9596 8 місяців тому +5

      You cried when you were a baby

    • @woutergijs5246
      @woutergijs5246 8 місяців тому +18

      @@JUVI9596as far as I remember, I did never cry .

    • @Namisincere
      @Namisincere 8 місяців тому +9

      It’s crazy how something so commonplace can still be annoying every time somehow

    • @JUVI9596
      @JUVI9596 8 місяців тому +4

      @@woutergijs5246 if you say so

  • @senabecool7232
    @senabecool7232 8 місяців тому +41

    KLM Asia seems more like a livery than an actual branding, since the plane at timestamp 9:26 also recently flew to non Asia routes like Guayaquil and Quito

    • @EpicThe112
      @EpicThe112 8 місяців тому +1

      You are correct also the Eastern United States Amsterdam to JFK and Boston Logan. For the KLM Asia flight to Taipei it's actually going to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport

  • @kingsharkoon
    @kingsharkoon 8 місяців тому +74

    The only thing I can really get behind regarding the livery is that it protects the "KLM Asia" brand just in case they ever need it again or want to use it for some reason. :)

    • @soonlytaing1708
      @soonlytaing1708 8 місяців тому +28

      I mean with the rising tension between China and Taiwan these days, this might be a smart move

    • @LeviRamsey
      @LeviRamsey 8 місяців тому +5

      Related: the Dutch are too cheap (or, if you prefer, too starved for resources by Paris...) to spend the money to retire KLM Asia.

    • @ljacobs357
      @ljacobs357 8 місяців тому

      That’s what I think. They are just protecting themselves from possible geopolitical problems between China and Taiwan.

    • @technl75
      @technl75 8 місяців тому +3

      I would guess that KLM is simply choosing to be prepared for China and Taiwan once again reverting to the tense situation that existed before. It’s a contingency plan. That it hasn’t happened in 20 years is no proof of a failing plan. It’s not like China and Taiwan have resolved their issues, or likely will anytime soon.

    • @19960959
      @19960959 8 місяців тому

      @@technl75As a Taiwanese, I don’t think the issue between Taiwan and China will never be solved in my lifetime.😢

  • @kawangkwok5262
    @kawangkwok5262 8 місяців тому +115

    As a Chinese, David really research on the Chinese culture on numbers, and traditional Chinese characters, I don't expect that!

    • @lzh4950
      @lzh4950 8 місяців тому +6

      86 is a lucky number in China too I heard, with '8' (八) sounding like the word for 'prosperity' (发/發) & '6' (六) sounding like the word for 'flow' (流) in Mandarin. It's also the country code for mainland China/the PRC. Maybe not a co-incidence. SIA also has its flight numbers for routes serving greater China starting with '8' e.g. SQ872 & 890 for SIN-HKG

    • @florianpelin
      @florianpelin 8 місяців тому +1

      86 is the Chinese phone code as well, no? +86

    • @Curzon1999vie
      @Curzon1999vie 8 місяців тому +4

      I think he speaks Mandarin pretty perfectly. Heard him pronounce some Chinese radish or something. He never told us when and why he learned it (so perfectly). Would be really interesting.

    • @lzh4950
      @lzh4950 8 місяців тому

      @@florianpelin Yup

    • @hockey1freak
      @hockey1freak 7 місяців тому +1

      hes not American he isn't indoctrinated to hate China. Good on him to show the respect.

  • @Planelover3000
    @Planelover3000 8 місяців тому +7

    the way he pronounced the south amercain citys was just amazing shows how much respect david shows for other places

    • @Planelover3000
      @Planelover3000 8 місяців тому +2

      OMG HE HEARTED MY COMMENT NICE

  • @Iamwatchingyou75
    @Iamwatchingyou75 8 місяців тому +74

    I'm surprised you dislike layovers in AMS. To me, the single terminal concept makes transferring a whole lot more convienient, compared to let's say CDG or FRA.

    • @upaviation787
      @upaviation787 8 місяців тому

      im at cdg rn lol bout to board a aa 787 to dfw

    • @Jamie-Fox
      @Jamie-Fox 7 місяців тому

      I disagree FRA is far more easy and quicker than AMS.

    • @Jamie-Fox
      @Jamie-Fox 7 місяців тому

      @@paulm.westerduin64 well, I do not know why you have such problems. I did not have all those you said.

    • @joshuadala3508
      @joshuadala3508 6 місяців тому

      What about istanbul

    • @joshuadala3508
      @joshuadala3508 6 місяців тому

      @@paulm.westerduin64 oh

  • @Mimi_L.
    @Mimi_L. 8 місяців тому +30

    The 'generous' legroom is to accommodate the tall Dutchies!

    • @mostlyaviationandco
      @mostlyaviationandco 8 місяців тому

      i didn't know Dutch people are generally tall

    • @goytabr
      @goytabr 8 місяців тому +1

      I'm a short man at 1.67 m or 5'6". I've never been in the Netherlands or flown on KLM, and I guess I would be considered even shorter there. But I did fly on the MD-11 in another airline and route, and as you know, KLM was the last airline to fly that type of plane in passenger service. At the time of my flight, KLM actually had a large fleet of them, and as an aviation buff, I knew that fact. And while I mostly enjoyed the MD-11 experience, I couldn't reach the luggage racks, they were too high for me (the MD-11 was the only aircraft type where this happened). I thought that there must have been some Dutch designers at McDonnell-Douglas, and that the plane being designed for tall people was probably one of the reasons why KLM liked it so much... 😂

    • @Mimi_L.
      @Mimi_L. 8 місяців тому +2

      @@goytabr the average height in the Netherlands are 183 cms (6'0) for men and 170 cms (5'7) for women.

    • @Nicky_TM
      @Nicky_TM 7 місяців тому

      @@mostlyaviationandco I’m 180cm (5’10?) as a girl and not considered that tall here 💀

    • @mostlyaviationandco
      @mostlyaviationandco 7 місяців тому

      @@Nicky_TM are you dutch?

  • @planeoldsimp272
    @planeoldsimp272 8 місяців тому +22

    I think they still keep it, simply for fun and also incase something like what happened in the 1990's happens again they will be fine

  • @alex-aviation9890
    @alex-aviation9890 8 місяців тому +42

    can we talk about how beautiful the KLM livery looks ok the 777 ?

    • @robloxlovera6362
      @robloxlovera6362 8 місяців тому +2

      I think cuz of the Delft blue color

    • @toyotauris
      @toyotauris 8 місяців тому

      My favourite KLM livery is the 787-10

    • @toyotauris
      @toyotauris 8 місяців тому

      Although 777 looks beautiful too

    • @theon9575
      @theon9575 8 місяців тому

      And the Boeing 747 'Queen of the Skies' looked splendid with this livery.
      The blue (often called "KLM Blue" here) is unique, and is as Dutch as clogs & tulips!
      Someone here commented that it reminds of blue in traditional Delft Blauw pottery. I think so too. But I live in Amsterdam, and here KLM blue is the sky colour and the gentle sunlight quality are unique in NL, even commented on by artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. When I'm overseas and missing 'home', that blue on the KLM plane at the airport touches my heart again .."Ah! Thuis! ❤️ I'm going 'home".

    • @sub2julianthekang
      @sub2julianthekang 8 місяців тому

      Any blue 777 looks good. Say the Korean air 777. It looked very nice. I just flew on one

  • @EthanPricco
    @EthanPricco 7 місяців тому +5

    I live near MSP and every now and then a KLM 777 with the KLM Asia livery shows up here. Always fun to see but I remember being so confused about it when I saw it for the first time.

  • @tyw123
    @tyw123 8 місяців тому +4

    I actually saw a KLM 777-200ER taking off from my home town of Minneapolis about a week ago now. Watching this video and seeing that plane's registration, I believe Simply Aviation flew on the same aircraft I saw.

  • @mainquehomewood
    @mainquehomewood 2 місяці тому +1

    Going from Amsterdam via Taiwan to Manila in January with KLM on their Boing 777-200. 16 hours in economy class. Looking forward to that. Thanks for the video 👌

  • @sinaasappelflap
    @sinaasappelflap 8 місяців тому +157

    I recently asked klm why there still is an Asia devision. They told me that the crown in the logo is the issue for some countries.
    It was for countries like Thailand where they are not allowed to show the crown. But these aircraft fly all over the world, also to NA for example.

    • @whyteaz1165
      @whyteaz1165 8 місяців тому +2

      lol definitely not a problem for sino, they prob just want to keep it as a tradition

    • @theon9575
      @theon9575 8 місяців тому +3

      😂 haha... likely story! It sounds good, but it doesn't figure. I wonder which countries they meant? I guess one of them could have been China but the others???
      The crown in the KLM logo is simply a reflection of the airline's name KLM, the acronym for "Koninklijk Luchtvaart Maatschappij" (or "Royal Airtravel Company" in English). Those un-named countries object to the logo but not to the "Royal" in KLM's name? Unlikely. It is similar to the English tradition of the King or Queen granting companies by Appointment the right to use "Royal" in their name. In the UK there are many, even jars of marmalade have Royal and a Crown logo. The Royal connection occurs in other airlines, such as Morocco's and Jordan's national airlines. Even in Asia, Royal Brunei Airlines and Royal Nepal etc are not bothered by these un-named countries.
      Why is KLM and the Dutch Crown singled out? British Airways which carries the Royal Mail, shamelessly shows the British Crown in the logo of the Royal Mail on the fuselage of their aeroplanes but that's not a problem. Why? 😂😱
      So I think those people at KLM were fobbing you off with a slick but unlikely & inconsistent explanation 🧐. Why would these un-named countries they told you about object only to the Dutch Crown?

    • @sinaasappelflap
      @sinaasappelflap 8 місяців тому +6

      @@whyteaz1165it was for countries like Thailand that don’t allow the display of crowns other then their royal stuff

    • @npligs24
      @npligs24 8 місяців тому +7

      Not a problem in China. Crowns and symbols resembling monarchy are okay, so long as China diplomatically recognize the corresponding country, i.e. Dutch, UK, Thailand, or even post-WW Japanese monarchs. But not from states that China doesn't recognize, namely Vatican city.

    • @theon9575
      @theon9575 8 місяців тому +7

      @@sinaasappelflapso Thailand banned Royal Brunei Airlines, and Royal Nepal Air flying in from neighbouring Nepal, and also British Airways aircraft which flagrantly display the British Crown in the Royal Mail logo on their fuselages?? I think not.
      And which other countries "like Thailand" do you mean?

  • @tonymartin9938
    @tonymartin9938 8 місяців тому +4

    It is a Dutch airline. The Dutch love apples and apple products. I grew up with apple juice and apple pastries and products like apple crumble for dessert. Still love all of these. This helps make it Dutch to me. Just wish one got the little delft bottles in economy though.

  • @Rens787
    @Rens787 8 місяців тому +5

    You said it well the Koninklijke luchtvaart maatschappij, pretty good 🇳🇱

    • @florianpelin
      @florianpelin 8 місяців тому

      Which is still hard for me to pronounce, even if my Dutch is decent

  • @mochagreen
    @mochagreen Місяць тому +1

    Schiphol is an excellent transit hub because: no visa required to transit, KLM network is fantastic. Whenever I’m coming from China there’s always a big flow of passengers to South America due to the visa free transit

    • @mochagreen
      @mochagreen Місяць тому

      And passengers with reduced mobility can request airport assistance. This is not perfect (one time a staff member just left an elderly Chinese man at the wrong gate, he spoke no English and I had to step in and help the gentleman) but at least it’s offered.

  • @larsfreeburg1535
    @larsfreeburg1535 Місяць тому

    KLM city hopper is my pick of choice for short hauls in Western Europe. I absolutely love it every time I fly with them

  • @ZahraJAnna
    @ZahraJAnna 7 місяців тому +1

    Just to add.
    - There is a service for disabled ppl. You have to reqeust and they wil take you with a smal kart from one terminal to another one (saw that last year)
    - Al the bleu and white colors are in resembalance of Delfts Blauw, a historic pottery.
    I love flying with KLM and you video gave that feeling that i always have when i get on one of there planes. Home and adventure :)

  • @Thijs-g4l
    @Thijs-g4l 8 місяців тому +6

    Interesting video. I am an extremely frequent flier on both AF and KL long haul in Y and although I admit immediately that AF J is a league above KL, KL’s Y product is a league above AF. Yes AF serves a cheap champagne but how does it taste? I believe the wine in KL is of better quality, as is their whole catering. Cute little bag from AF but the content is of low quality, stale bread and processed foods.
    Also, in general, the service is more personal on KL than AF in Y, plus I believe also that KL is more Dutch than AF is French. There are so many references to The Netherlands, for example the safety video that you refer to from AF but not KL.
    I agree that serving 2 apple items is unfortunate but the product itself is totally different.
    What airline serves hot towels in Y? It does cost a lot as you need crew to warm them up and serve which takes at least double, if not triple the time. And then they have to pick them up again. Not dfeasable in Y.
    Good job with “Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij”😊😜 But the direct translating is actually “Royal Aviation Company”

    • @seanatd3224
      @seanatd3224 8 місяців тому

      SQ serves hot towels in Y

  • @jarrettalyssaneville1122
    @jarrettalyssaneville1122 8 місяців тому +4

    All KLM flight numbers to the Far East Asia starts with 8 (809 to KUL- Jakarta), Africa with 5, North America 6, Latin America 7, Middle East 4.

  • @gulfice3766
    @gulfice3766 3 місяці тому +2

    It's for tax reasons. The KLM Asia subsidiary can still use Dutch registered plane but revenue from business ops are under the Asia subsidiary;s corporate financial statement. And Netherlands won't charge you twice if you already paid a lower tax rate in another country for a foreign registered company.

  • @tita6818
    @tita6818 8 місяців тому +4

    10:29 It seems that KLM Asia painted aircrafts were mixed with others KLM aircrafts in 2000s. I took a KLM flight AMS-GRU with B747 combi in KLM Asia paint. Also, KLM Asia B747s were sighted in Japan.

  • @clintw567
    @clintw567 8 місяців тому +1

    You‘ve pointed it right. KLM used to be such a great airline. Since AF-KLM seems to be the french have the upper hand in that regard. Back in the 2000‘s I remember as a kid I could have taken the kids meal out after arrival. And that impression is still kept. AF-KLM should balance the offers as You mentioned. „Egalite“. KLM will always be in my heart as a former little flying dutch man.

  • @MelvisVelour
    @MelvisVelour 8 місяців тому +5

    In many years of flying, I have never seen anyone use the coat hook. I was once tempted to hang a small bag from it but realized it would have been more of an annoyance to the person next to me.

  • @marco8061
    @marco8061 8 місяців тому +6

    Respect to your research on KLM Asia and the figures😃

  • @ZambiblasianOgre
    @ZambiblasianOgre 8 місяців тому +4

    Just a small clarification for the title: PH-BQK was delivered to KLM in 2005. So it is nearing two decades old now!

  • @fritskleinenhammans2388
    @fritskleinenhammans2388 8 місяців тому +4

    KLM still feels very Dutch in my opinion; cost cutting where possible, adequate but not inspiring catering. 'Doe maar normaal dan doe je al gek genoeg' is a typical Dutch saying. Act normal, because that's already silly enough.

    • @chinesekangaroo
      @chinesekangaroo 4 місяці тому

      i'm dutch and i disagree, KLM is a disaster, i can't believe it

  • @n.q163
    @n.q163 8 місяців тому +7

    I have an idea about a tripreport. I am very curious about the Corendon a350 with the adult only section. Is it worth it on a 9 hour flight from Amsterdam to Curaçao? Or is it just a gimmick.

    • @htimsid
      @htimsid 6 місяців тому +1

      Is it like OnlyFans?

    • @GBOAC
      @GBOAC 12 днів тому

      @@htimsidbelieve me you couldn’t care less about how it sounds when you’re relieved of crying baby noise for a transatlantic flight

  • @therealskazzy4721
    @therealskazzy4721 8 місяців тому +1

    I flew in KLM ASIA from Lima to Amsterdam a few years ago. Amazing flight.

  • @nonrevmax
    @nonrevmax 8 місяців тому +4

    Considering how spot on you were on the pronunciations @ 20:52 I'm fairly confident you can pronounce Edmonton right. Not once but twice if you wanna get nit picky. Not Edmont

  • @dodaz2049
    @dodaz2049 8 місяців тому +27

    New ≠ state-of-the-art
    Actually in economy class, old is usually MUCH better!!!

    • @Nadia1989
      @Nadia1989 8 місяців тому +2

      That's why BoA flights to Miami are popular. Old planes with comfy economy seats, and generous baggage allowance. 👍

    • @odzergaming
      @odzergaming 8 місяців тому +2

      Old isnt better, the ife barely works

    • @rezaalan3991
      @rezaalan3991 8 місяців тому +1

      Definitely agree in terms of seat material.

    • @dodaz2049
      @dodaz2049 19 днів тому +1

      @odzergaming Not true. And I don't care about IFE, also, you can refurbish the IFE !!!

  • @AlMarche90
    @AlMarche90 8 місяців тому +1

    After seeing this video I’m confused. What was a KLM Asia airplane doing in Mexico City? Recently I saw a plane spotting video from MEX and there was one…

  • @sgbuses
    @sgbuses 5 місяців тому

    Are these KLM Asia planes leased? If so, it might something to do with their leasing agreement.

  • @Johan91NL
    @Johan91NL 8 місяців тому +2

    I totally disagree on Schiphol Airport. It is a fantastic airport especially for its size! Compare it to a Frankfurt or a Heathrow for example. Yes, everyone get together at the central area but never ever will it be so full that you cant normally go around to do your thing.
    Outside that the distances are sometimes long, but you can always use the travelators or if you cant walk well the assistance.
    Outside that the airport is just so much fun. All kinds of shops and bars. So much planes going every moment. People from all around the world. Good viewing points. The only downside is the government trying to destroy Schiphol and making it so expensive.
    But whenever i can i will always go to Schiphol and not one lame ass small airport with 1 flight an hour.

  • @raphaelsalvador4413
    @raphaelsalvador4413 8 місяців тому +2

    8:40 you forgot Singapore, while it is multi-ethnic, it is majority Chinese-speaking. KLM's flight numbers there are KL835 and KL836

  • @fritskleinenhammans2388
    @fritskleinenhammans2388 8 місяців тому +2

    Assigned to economy comfort seats for free if requested at checkin counter? Thanks for the advice! Actually these seats also recline, the old ones all did and economy, and in comfort even further

  • @PownerMusicOfficial
    @PownerMusicOfficial 6 місяців тому

    I always love walking through schiphol. Finding your gate there is a really fun adventure if you're not in a rush.

  • @emneemne
    @emneemne 2 місяці тому +1

    Great vid! And glad that you mentioned my country - Slovenia #visitslovenia #slovenia

  • @ansgol
    @ansgol 6 місяців тому

    If you like small Liège airports (LGG) is a good option. These are charter flights for Tui Belgium, with two flights a day during the summer season. No duty free or shop ;)

  • @vasiliospantazopoulos9574
    @vasiliospantazopoulos9574 8 місяців тому +1

    I'm impressed you said "y'all" on your beer rant! 😂

    • @simply_aviation
      @simply_aviation  8 місяців тому +2

      felt like a y'all kinda moment haha

    • @vasiliospantazopoulos9574
      @vasiliospantazopoulos9574 8 місяців тому +1

      @@simply_aviation Informative and entertaining as always. Good work.

    • @dermann439
      @dermann439 8 місяців тому

      no problem with alcohol free beer but...where was the beer? All I could see was a can of Heineken

  • @Aviator_UK
    @Aviator_UK 8 місяців тому +1

    I took this flight between AMS and Shanghai and I loved every minute of it

  • @majgijoe
    @majgijoe 8 місяців тому

    I'm impressed you used the conjunction of y'all when talking about the beer. There are few locations where that is very prevalent.

  • @JerryKotecha
    @JerryKotecha 8 місяців тому

    Welcome to Shanghai!!Simple Aviation also do have fans in Shanghai😂

  • @brianking768
    @brianking768 8 місяців тому +2

    Loved the use of “y’all” at 17:06.

    • @juanone66
      @juanone66 8 місяців тому +1

      David obviously linguistically talented. This video also featured Castillilan Spanish, Dutch (or Nederlandisch for purists) and his usual flawless English.

  • @ΙωάννηςΜαλλές
    @ΙωάννηςΜαλλές 8 місяців тому

    Maybe it just doesn't make sense either, but here's my theory about why the KLM Asia brand is still in us: Is there any chance KLM has different contracts for the employees working on this particular subfleet? You know, like lower wages etc. so it simply might not be to the airline's benefit to change that. I am not only referring to the pilots, who probably also fly the standard KLM planes, but maybe the flight attendants or the ground staff at some Asian destinations. Call me crazy, but it's the best scenario I can think of.

    • @jonathanbeaumont3021
      @jonathanbeaumont3021 8 місяців тому

      Nope, KLM crew fly interchangeably on and off KLM Asia aircraft.

  • @Ouchie
    @Ouchie 8 місяців тому +19

    According to the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK), there is no KLM Asia (anymore?). There is only KLM (Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V. KVK 33014286) , KLM Cargo (KVK 33014286) and KLM Cityhopper B.V. (KVK 34035358)

    • @thofstee
      @thofstee 8 місяців тому +3

      If it's still there it's probably registered in a different country. You won't find that information at the KvK.

    • @Ouchie
      @Ouchie 8 місяців тому +4

      @@thofstee I would expect it to be registered in the Netherlands or France, but neither has any results. Doesn't seem logical to me that it is registered in a completely different country, but am no expert in that

    • @LeviRamsey
      @LeviRamsey 8 місяців тому +3

      @@Ouchie KLM Asia had at least in the past been incorporated in Taiwan.

    • @Ouchie
      @Ouchie 8 місяців тому +5

      @@LeviRamsey It is also not listed in their Subsidiaries list in their anual report 2023 (KLM-Annual-Report_2023.pdf page 230). So I think it doesn't exist anymore and just kept the name on their aircraft livery

    • @A.mortaz_
      @A.mortaz_ 8 місяців тому +5

      Its registerd in honkong

  • @sa8569
    @sa8569 8 місяців тому

    Great review as always! I recently flew KLM for the first time back in April from Kuala Lumpur to Amsterdam and I was very impressed. That flight was also my very first flight on a 787 Dreamliner :) I would certainly fly with them again in the future. On that same trip in April I also flew with Air France for the first time and was just as impressed with their long haul Economy product. Air France's newest A350's have dimmable windows which was a surprise :) Looking forward to your upcoming reviews :)

  • @robg5317
    @robg5317 8 місяців тому

    You guys need to go to Belize and take a trip or two on the awesomeness that is Tropic Air

  • @PotatoGod6969
    @PotatoGod6969 7 місяців тому

    these videos are just so good to watch when you have hours of nothing to do keep it up

  • @delta049
    @delta049 7 місяців тому

    I work at AMS and I get what you're saying that it can be a long walk to your new gate. Although I saw you were pretty unlucky with your departure gate, being at the end of the E pier. It can indeed get insanely crowded in the waiting lounges.

  • @gudfaderncc
    @gudfaderncc 8 місяців тому

    David & co, those kind of videos are SO EXCELLENT!!! ❤️

  • @MontyPythonQueen614
    @MontyPythonQueen614 8 місяців тому

    Y'all should do an airline related tier list, like a seat tier list, airline tier list, airliner plane tier list, airline food tier list etc

  • @HD-Gaming
    @HD-Gaming 8 місяців тому

    I was at the Amsterdam Airport for Planespotting and actually saw the other KLM Asia plane that you showed, which was scheduled to fly to Somewhere in the US.

  • @bowlofrice7242
    @bowlofrice7242 8 місяців тому

    Not sure about the Shanghai, Beijing and Taipei route. But the flight from AMS to HKG should be KL 887, while HKG to AMS is KL 888

  • @DeviousFink
    @DeviousFink 8 місяців тому

    I'm just gonna play 20:55 over and over again in my dreams 😍

  • @dabby
    @dabby 8 місяців тому

    I flew on a KLM Asia plane from JFK-AMS earlier this year and was confused as to how that works, glad I'm not the only one confused about KLM Asia

  • @CesardelaCruzCurril-gf8ob
    @CesardelaCruzCurril-gf8ob 8 місяців тому +1

    I live in switzerland and for business reasons I fly two to three times a month with AF -KLM to Lima and Santiago de Chile since 2008. always business class. AF is a nightmare as far as service and luggage delays and KLM is very poor with their monotonous horrible food. However , I must admit that KLM is efficient with punctuality . I recommend LATAM and or Delta.

  • @julioc4978
    @julioc4978 8 місяців тому

    Great video as always,
    I am not a fan of transiting through AMS but is beats CDG by a mile.
    AF is good, but connecting through CDG is a nightmare
    What's your favorite airport to transit?
    cheers

  • @Zentai21
    @Zentai21 8 місяців тому

    I also rode a KLM Asia 747-400 to Manila via Taipei, it was supposed to be a 777-200ER but due to the technical issues I was lucky that they chose the 747 as their substitute aircraft. Flight no. 807

  • @leszekprzystasz9834
    @leszekprzystasz9834 8 місяців тому

    What about the transfer in Frankfurt? Because the distance to be covered is certainly greater there, as I recently found out when trying to catch the return flight Cancun-Frankfurt-Poznan

  • @tnobe3
    @tnobe3 3 місяці тому

    Is that Milky Chance at 7:28 on the right hand side?

  • @gunvaldsandhaland7757
    @gunvaldsandhaland7757 8 місяців тому

    I Love When Air Craft Have Personal Air Nozzles,I Love Schiphol Its So Easy To Navigate.Great Video And Info

  • @ishanpai1791
    @ishanpai1791 8 місяців тому

    Hehe, I flew exact same aircraft in December 2022 and it was a KLM Asia Plane (Reg PH-BQH) operating from AMS-BOM. They fly sometimes these aircraft to Asia and they look almost the same as a regular KLM Aircraft. Regardless, ther service is always great & crew is always friendly.

  • @Freelancer01
    @Freelancer01 8 місяців тому

    Superb video, i have travelled to Taiwan via Amsterdam countless times and they always got me there safe which is the most important fact for me. The dutch simply know how to fly with the highest amount of butter landings in all my (many) flights i took. 😅

    • @EpicThe112
      @EpicThe112 8 місяців тому +1

      Like it be aware that flight is actually going to Manila NAIA. On the return trip Manila Taipei Amsterdam you have to deal with 6-hour connection time to the eastern US.

    • @Freelancer01
      @Freelancer01 8 місяців тому +1

      Yes it is going and coming from Manila. Got to know many Sailors from the Philippines who go home for Vacation. Ok thats a long layover for sure. I always had to hurry in AMS because the connection to Munich was only around 1,5h. There shouldnt be much of an delay to catch it. 😊

  • @autenticobauer
    @autenticobauer 8 місяців тому

    Are that Overwingbridges at Schiphol still in use??

    • @simply_aviation
      @simply_aviation  8 місяців тому

      I checked that when writing the script for this video, and unfortunately the final two are being dismantled this spring...

  • @gabb1972
    @gabb1972 8 місяців тому

    I flew last year from London to Amsterdam with KLM and then into Tokyo Narita. Cabin crew were experienced and really helpful but the seats were like cardboard so uncomfortable. The 777 was showing it's age. I totally agree with the comment about Air France as flew back from Seoul-Paris London and they were fantastic with non stop food and champers !

  • @christophermcdonald1122
    @christophermcdonald1122 7 місяців тому

    What interests me the most is the fact that one of the KLM Asia aircraft is named "Nahanni National Park"--a famous national park in the Northwest Territories of Canada, nowhere near Asia!

  • @KaranSingh5
    @KaranSingh5 8 місяців тому

    I've been on KLM Asia during my two flights SFO-AMS-DEL. Both of it being 777-200Es. But the flight from SFO-AMS was so much better than flight to Delhi. Even though both were economy. The food was so much better. And the transit at Amsterdam was also were very smooth for me since I was coming from North America. I would love to fly them in future again. Their crew was also amazing! 😍💯

  • @yilunjin8705
    @yilunjin8705 8 місяців тому

    Hi David, nice work!
    Glad that you go to my hometown of Shanghai, and your extensive research of KLM Asia (especially when the previous article by simple flying is wrong :)). Besides, I am pretty impressed by your understanding about Chinese culture such as the number 8 in the flight numbers (which I don't know previously), and your knowledge about the 88 resembling 囍, which I don't know either.
    Thank you for your nice work and efforts, and wish you had a good time in Shanghai (mega-city in your words)! By the way, I echo your thoughts on non-alcoholic heineken!

  • @MikeySeedot
    @MikeySeedot 8 місяців тому

    I see what you did at 6:29! That 777 was gonna be your next ride :D

  • @kenwang1254
    @kenwang1254 5 місяців тому

    I think the way you described the situation made it sound like both Taiwan and China refused to let an airline operate flights in both countries at the same time, but my understanding is that the issue never came from both sides but only from China. And it was never really about an airline serving both countries at the same time. It's more of an issue that China thinks Taiwan is receiving diplomatic recognition from a country if that country's flag carrier, especially those that have anything symbolizing their national flags or sovereignty in their livery, flies to Taiwan. That's why Swiss Air had to remove the white cross, British Airways and KLM had to remove the crown, and Air France had to remove the colour red in their livery. And because the restriction was only for flag carriers, KLM Asia was able to fly to China because KLM Asia by itself is not the flag carrier. Also, a lot of the state-owned airlines have been privatized, so the issue kind of got resolved in the 2000's. In addition, back in the 90's, China not only objected to foreign flag carriers operating in Taiwan but also got offended if a country let Taiwan's flag carrier, China Airlines, operate a flight to their respective countries with Taiwan's national flag displayed in the livery. China Airlines had to create a subsidiary, Mandarin Airlines, to operate flights to Vancouver, Sydney and Brisbane until China Airlines introduced the new livery that no longer shows Taiwan's national flag.

  • @wn7915
    @wn7915 7 місяців тому

    May I ask, is there always a Chinese speaking gate agent at Amsterdam Schiphol gates for flights to China?

  • @Jet.Set.Go.
    @Jet.Set.Go. 8 місяців тому

    Graz to Amsterdam route is not being continued, right?

    • @erik_griswold
      @erik_griswold 8 місяців тому

      Probably moving to their new CPH and ARN hubs.

  • @basicthunder
    @basicthunder 8 місяців тому

    maaad respect for you actually showing the take offs and landings

  • @wietsebloemsma765
    @wietsebloemsma765 8 місяців тому +1

    Heyy, KLM is slowly changing the liveries at the moment, the PH-BVC has recently been painted in the normal livery.

  • @arjenvanderende3567
    @arjenvanderende3567 6 місяців тому

    The best by klm is the staff. Always professional.

  • @TripleS24Squad
    @TripleS24Squad 8 місяців тому

    The KLM Asia aircraft with nosename "Nahanni National Park" (registered PH-BQN) is still lingering in my mind tho. I glad had a chance to photographed him in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia back in 2018

  • @irisroeleven
    @irisroeleven 8 місяців тому

    11:51 😂
    I’ve read somewhere on the internet that it’s just these liveries that are still in service, but I don’t remember where I read it and I also don’t know why these liveries are still around 🤷🏻‍♀️

  • @DavidHabnit
    @DavidHabnit 8 місяців тому +3

    I think your description of KLM economy is too bleak, though spot on! What I mean by that is that indeed it is very Dutch. Let's call it pragmatic quality. No fuss, no sparkle, just clear and pragmatic service. I know they put a little more effort into their business class, but all in all I find KLM very pleasant most of the time.
    Looking forward to seeing their new short haul Airbus fleet!

  • @ablietski
    @ablietski 7 місяців тому

    The 772's are the last planes that have been scheduled for the cabin refresh (incl. the addition of Premium Economy). They expect to finish within the coming months. It also seems you had one of the last non-refurbished aircraft.

  • @hoangminhx007
    @hoangminhx007 8 місяців тому

    Hope David can discover VietJet Air too. I hope to see David's opinion about this low cost carrier compare to some other low cost carriers

  • @mark123655
    @mark123655 8 місяців тому +1

    My understanding is it's mostly China, government ownership and flights to Taiwan (French Govt still has a large stake in Air France KLM, not sure about Dutch Govt) and KLM continues to fly to Taiwan.
    Not necessarily a strict rule and KLM crown and KLM Asia aircraft fly to both China and Taiwan these days, but at least they can claim to comply if ever asked by the Chinese Govt.
    As another example, when Qantas when Govt owned used to fly 747s painted in the Australia Asia livery to Taiwan.. Aus Govt sold out year ago and Qantas no longer serves Taiwan, albeit it's Singapore based affiliate (49% owned) Jetstar Asia does, but believe it operated under the Qantas brand after the govt fully sold out.

  • @bobbybonboni
    @bobbybonboni 8 місяців тому

    Thanks so much for explaining the reasons for using (and not using) certain numbers in flights to China! I appreciate the shared knowledge. I wonder if keeping the Asia livery has something to do with the history of kingdoms in Asia that could have triggered the removal of the crown?

  • @TheRollingBear
    @TheRollingBear 8 місяців тому +1

    great video 🧊🧊🤪🤪

  • @carlk3989
    @carlk3989 8 місяців тому +18

    I see you met with our Dutch way of working style. The rule is simple: work as less as possible, use anything that makes your work easier. It isn’t important if that makes your work low quality, wrong or etc. As long as it isn’t terrible, defend your work to death 😂😂😂 I think KLM Asia exists because it makes KLM looks a bit more global. Like “big in Asia” so to say. This is only a speculation of course. Another Dutch thing to know: do not seek too much of meaning behind things 😂

  • @RyanMiller-du7vz
    @RyanMiller-du7vz 8 місяців тому

    🚨New subscriber alert!!! I always love your brutally honest videos. Given the information about every flight you go on makes me get interested on aviation, and aircraft info. I'm kind of an religious person because I'm a Christian, or just a catholic, but in my opinion I'm originally a catholic. Anyway I hope your having a great day today and I sure hope to tell you more about what info has gotten me interested in every video.😊

  • @crsmja
    @crsmja 6 місяців тому

    1664 Blanc 0.0 is really delicious with a piece of citrus, I like mine with lemon or blood orange

  • @wewillrockyou1986
    @wewillrockyou1986 2 місяці тому

    KLM basically only offers that sandwich on their Cityhopper routes, which is particularly annoying if you have allergies because there is basically no alternative that is more than a bag of nuts or a sweet cookie. As a Dutch person, I honestly think its pretty appalling, KLM really should offer more.

  • @erik_griswold
    @erik_griswold 8 місяців тому

    I once flew a Continental Micronesia DC-10 from SFO to EWR. Maybe you could do a video on why the was a KLMuk.

  • @JelmersAviation
    @JelmersAviation 8 місяців тому

    Beautiful video man!

  • @magnustan841
    @magnustan841 8 місяців тому

    Personally, I much prefer a wet, cold refreshing towel on flights over a hot one. Excellent video as always although I think you went a bit too Karen on the KLM Asia confusion… 😂 Especially your diss of Simple Flying, I really love their work, both video and news site.

  • @Win2User
    @Win2User 8 місяців тому +1

    Can you do Malaysia Airlines' new product offerings on the 737 MAX and A330neo soon? Great video as always! :D

  • @santiago4654
    @santiago4654 8 місяців тому

    Klm is as dutch as the king. 😂 simple service with a friendly crew honestly both airfrance and klm en body their respective countries perfectly air france is a chic airline and klm is the easy going family centric airline, and as someone who lived in the Netherlands for many years I've got to say I love klm so much I would love to work for them in the future.