Today KLM uk and buzz announce network changes which will see KLM uk’s feeder operation to Amsterdam, serving the global KLM Royal Dutch Airlines network, increase capacity from its central London and UK regional airports whilst its low cost sister buzz, takes over the operation of the London Stansted to Amsterdam route. The changes will come into effect from the start of the airlines’ winter schedules on 27 October 2002.

The network restructure comes as KLM uk seeks to optimise its regional network into Amsterdam and concentrate on the high yielding point to point business traffic from the central London area whilst buzz expands its European network from Stansted.

KLM uk currently flies six times daily from London Stansted Airport to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. From 27 October 2002 this aircraft capacity will be deployed to increase frequencies to Amsterdam from London City Airport, Newcastle and Manchester and to double capacity from Teesside. Flights from London City will increase from 4 to 6 times daily; Newcastle from 6 to 7 daily; and Manchester from 7 to 8 daily. Capacity from Teesside will increase 100% as KLM puts a 103 seater Fokker 100 on the route, replacing the current 50 seater Fokker 50 aircraft.

Says Tony Le Masurier, General Manager UK, KLM, ‘The network changes are designed to ensure we play to our strengths. KLM offers the biggest regional network out of the UK to a worldwide hub and it is here that we will continue to invest our efforts. London Stansted is clearly now a low cost airline base so it makes sense for buzz to expand its network from that base. As a global network operator we prefer to concentrate our focus on the two main business airports serving London which are Heathrow and London City.’

buzz will operate a 5 times daily* service from London Stansted to Amsterdam. The service will be operated as an independent low cost point-to-point service and will not feed into the KLM Royal Dutch Airlines global offering. Prices begin from £21 one way including all taxes and insurances. Seats are bookable at www.buzz.co.uk or on 0870 240 7070.

Says Tony Camacho, Commercial Director, buzz, ‘We are delighted to be able to add such a high profile destination to our network offering British and Dutch flyers a superb low cost travel option to and from London’s fastest growing airport.’

All KLM passengers booked on KLM to fly out of London Stansted Airport after 26 October 2002 will be notified and will be given the option of being rerouted or refunded. Passengers concerned about their bookings should call KLM on 08705 074074.

——-