Dutch KLM to start servicing Khartoum, Addis Ababa

AMSTERDAM, Nov 12, 2004 (Dow Jones) — KLM Royal Dutch Airlines NV, part of Air France-KLM SA (3112.FR) said Friday it will begin operating services to Khartoum in Sudan and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia at the start of the 2005 summer schedule.

Effective March 31, 2005, Flight KL555 Amsterdam-Khartoum-Addis Ababa-Amsterdam will be operated twice weekly with Boeing 767-300 ER equipment, departing from Schiphol on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:30 hrs.

The two countries have a combined population of 100 million and a wealth of natural resources, including oil, gas and various metals. Agriculture is also a key industry, with flowers and vegetables as major export articles. Both of these East African countries are currently undergoing rapid economic growth of around 10% a year.

KLM expects that the services to Khartoum and Addis Ababa will not only be attractive to the local market, but also to passengers transfering at Schiphol Airport from the United States, Great Britain and Scandinavia.

The introduction of these new services is part of the ongoing process of network harmonization between KLM and Air France, in which KLM, together with Kenya Airways, will strive to strengthen its leading position in East Africa wherever possible. Neither of the new destinations are served by Air France.

Company website: http://www.klm.com