KLM Asia

[viking767]

Saw a KLM B-777 in GIG last Thursday night with KLM Air Asia logo on the tail.
Is that a KLM subsidiary or the regular KLM? it was KLM flt 706 to AMS.

[viking767]

I posted this in the regular forum and it was apparently moved to this one where I doubt I will be able to get an answer.
Why was it moved?

[SOPS]

It's regular KLM, but used to fly into Tiawan, so as not to upset the Chinese. Back when Qantas had a proper international network, they had a Qantas Asia branded aircraft as well, for the same reason.

[edi_local]

British Airways had the same scenario (British Asia Ariways)
As did Swissair (Swissair Asia)
And JAL (Japan Asia Airlines)

[viking767]

Thanks for the replies.

[Mike Tee]

What does GIG mean ?.

[jubilee]

GIG, I think it is the airport code for Rio Brazil.

J

[Piltdown Man]

The KLM Asia is a 100% KLM subsidiary based in Taiwan. It operates where the standard crown on the KLM tail might be deemed as offensive or where two separate companies have to provide a service. Ahem... However, every other aspect of the branding is identical.

PM

[A30yoyo]

Presumably in the South America area because KLM haven't bothered repainting it?
Photos: Boeing 747-406M Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/KLM-Asia/Boeing-747-406M/2252640/L/&sid=93f9f4422b4e2a8a8dfe5df4c4960767)

[philbky]

The formation of KLM Asia and its scheme has nothing to do with sensitivities about the Dutch crown appearing in the standard KLM scheme. As with all other airlines, the Chinese impose restrictions if you fly to Taiwan so, KLM, British, Swissair, Qantas, Air France and JAL all set up Taiwan based companies to operate to Taiwan using individual aircraft from their main fleets with new titles and modified schemes on the tail. The aircraft remained on the registers of the main companys' countries and as most of the European airlines only served Taiwan two or three times a week, the aircraft were/are rotated on other routes. For instance while British Asia Airways has been wound up as BA no longer serves Taiwan, when it did the aircraft used regularly appeared on the Heathrow to Miami service when it wasn't heading to or from Taiwan. KLM and Air France have always operated their Asia aircraft in a similar manner.

[Tinwacker]

KLM B777-300ER Asia seen recently in Jakarta, next time I will note the registration and let you all know.... not sure if it's one aircraft or a number of them operating as KLM Asia..

TW

[jackieofalltrades]

I've flown on KLM Asia livery B747 to YYZ several times. I guess, (and stress guess) it's used trans-Atlantic when other 'standard' KLM widebodies are in for scheduled maintenance.

[Peter47]

Presumably KLM can fly an KLM Asia aircraft anywhere other than mainland China or do things occasionally go awry? I've certainly seen a British Asia Airlines at JFK. I don't think that its feasible to repaint a jet every time it changes route.


I've often wondered why the ruling doesn't apply to US carriers and regional Asian carriers such as Singapore Airlines.