1939>

Maintain standard of service

It was 1939 and the world was in turmoil. War was declared and flying became an unpredictable business for KLM: routes were closed and reopened, flights were re-routed and airports were shut down.

After guns had opened fire on a number of KLM aircraft, the airline thought it wise to change their exterior: the aircraft were spray-painted orange from nose to tail and the word 'Holland' was painted on the fuselage in large letters.

In spite of the constantly changing circumstances, KLM made every attempt to maintain its standard of service and reliability on the few remaining flights.

A Poster was even designed inviting day-trippers to visit Schiphol by train.

This poster above made use of a technique which was becoming more and more popular: photography. Initially, KLM had made little use of photos, but had commissioned designers who depicted the 'Flying Dutchman' theme from a variety of angles.

In the tense wartime situation in European skies all KLM aircraft still operating had 'Holland' painted in large letters on their fuselage to identify them as neutralFokker Aircraftfactory in the old ELTA buildings. In 1939 the employees were trained for air-raid siren

In the tense wartime situation in European skies all KLM aircraft still operating had 'Holland' painted in large letters on their fuselage to identify them as neutral

 

KLM in a turmoil world

As the 1930s drew to a close, the era of the 'great flights' came to an end. Aviation had matured and mankind had broken many barriers by air.

Flights across the Channel, to the Far East and the North Pole,

 

over mountains, deserts and oceans had all been undertaken within a period spanning little more than thirty years

KLM and its aircraft were among the heroes of this pioneering age.