KLM, founded in 1919, is the oldest operating airline still using its original name.
Its full Dutch name is Koninklijke Luchtvaartmaatschappij, meaning Royal Aviation Company. Queen Wilhelmina granted the airline its “Royal” designation before it was formally established on October 7, 1919. Dutch businessman and aviator Albert Plesman became its first administrator and director.
KLM’s first flight took place on May 17, 1920, from Croydon Airport near London to Amsterdam. The airline survived major changes in ownership and government involvement, and it later became part of the Air France-KLM group after the 2004 merger.
The wording matters: KLM is not necessarily the airline with the oldest predecessor organization. Air France, for example, can trace parts of its history to older predecessor companies. KLM’s distinction is that it has continued operating under the original KLM name, despite changes in corporate structure and ownership.