KLM is the world's oldest commercial airline still operating under its original name.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded on 7 October 1919 in the Netherlands. Queen Wilhelmina granted it a royal charter, reflected by the initials KLM, which stand for Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij.
The airline began scheduled passenger and mail services in May 1920, initially linking London and Amsterdam. Unlike many older airlines, KLM retained its original name throughout its history, including after major changes in ownership and its 2004 merger with Air France.
A common mix-up is confusing the oldest airline with the oldest continuously operating airline under its founding name. Several early carriers were founded before KLM but later ceased operating, merged, or changed names. KLM's survival under its original identity is the key qualification behind this distinction.