Regardless of the guidelines of the RIVM, which form the basis of all decisions taken by the Dutch government, KLM will make the use of mouth masks mandatory for its passengers. The company will deviate from the recommendations of the RIVM and make the use of mouth masks on board mandatory from 11 May.
KLM does not want to discuss the effectiveness or risks of the measures. Anyone who is not sufficiently protected will receive a face mask from KLM. If that stock is used up, a traveler will be refused on the flight because passengers will have to provide their own face protection. The airline has begun to further increase the number of destinations flown and expects to operate approximately 15% of its flights during the month of May.
large parking lot of aircraft
Schiphol currently still has 5 percent of passengers and Schiphol as a whole has turned into a large parking lot for aircraft. The company can continue for a few more weeks, but KLM cannot survive without additional support measures. When asked why KLM is going to be rescued while many other companies are also in need or falling over, Minister Hoekstra was brief and indicated that KLM is a vital company for the Dutch economy.
Airline KLM would have toppled without aid so one support package of the Dutch government was necessary due to the coronavirus. This was announced by Finance Minister Hoekstra at a press conference. The aid will consist of guarantees and loans.
we must save our blue pride
Minister Hoekstra of Finance and Minister Van Nieuwenhuizen of Infrastructure came with news about support for the KLM-Air France aviation combination during an extra press conference on Friday evening. Revenues at KLM have dropped while costs continue to be sky-high. The cabinet is of the opinion that it should give between two and four billion euros in aid to KLM, but the exact amounts have not yet been fully specified.
The support is important for the continued existence of KLM and to prevent a domino effect in the event of the collapse of KLM for Schiphol, loaders and unloaders and distribution centers. Air France receives seven billion in aid from the French state. Hoekstra hinted that Air-France needs the support more than KLM.
Also read: Government support for KLM - Air France combination
