1936>
Increasingly popular
Flights to the Dutch East Indies were becoming increasingly popular. The flight was expensive: a one-way ticket cost 1,350 guilders, but KLM offered a ten per cent discount on return tickets which had been booked in advance.
The price of a ticket included accommodation and meals en route, and all tips. Passengers had to pay for their own drinks ar the hotel, with the exception of mineral water and beer served at meals.
The journey took approximately six days. Passengers received the following flight information: 'Stops will be made occasionally to take on fuel; during these stops passengers may partake of breakfast, lunch or refreshments.
Each passenger has a spacious, adjustable, easy chair. There is a toilet with washing facilities at the back of the aircraft. The wellventilated cabin will e adequately heated when flying over colder regions. In accordance with international regulations, smoking in the aircraft is prohibited.'
The airline evidently had faith in the advantages of air travel and, more specifically, in itself: 'Those who know the advantages of air travel, have a distinct preference for KLM. A preference which should not only be ascribed to the complete comfort we offer, bot also to the reliability of our service.'
The flight to the Orient
In 1936, the DC-2 was succeeded by the DC-3, which is not only the best-selling and most successful passenger aircraft to date, but also one of the best and most versatile. |
KLM services were flown by DC,3s for almost thirty years. Many smaller airlines still use this aircraft for certain services, particularly in remote areas. |
