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KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM

Posted By: jupiter

KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/19/2016 03:23 PM

Very sad to report that KLM will end 747 service to SXM at the end of this month in favor of Airbus 330, about half the size.
The replacement service will operate 3 X /week, Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays arriving SXM 17:15 and returning directly to AMS (no more Curacao stopover).
KLM will operate daily 747's AMS/CUR/AMS.
Now I have to figure out what to do with all the spare time that I will have!
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/19/2016 03:34 PM

Yes, that is a very sad thing, reported here a while ago. I believe the last 747 will be on the 28th of this month. I'm sure that Sunset will be totally crazy that day, but anyone on island should try to find someplace to see the last flight land or take off..
Posted By: fabila

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/19/2016 05:22 PM

We arrive on 10/28 but will not be staying at BSV for a few days so will pick up our car and get out of Beacon Hill. Sadly I don't think we'll drive back to see it land and not sure we can get anyplace else to see it land. Oh well.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/19/2016 05:42 PM

Louise--I THINK it lands in the morning sometime around 11, so perhaps if you arrive early, it might still be on the tarmac when you land?
Posted By: PelicanPirate

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/20/2016 03:30 AM

Hopefully KLM pilots will and people on ground will make a farewell video. The old airport in Hong Kong was called Kai Tak, home of a very sporty approach for 747's. it was called the Kai Tak heart attack. Many videos were made by pilots prior to airport closure.

This is different, but I think it would be worth KLM hiring a film crew on the ground and having a cockpit camera and psyching them up with some music.

It will be the sad end of an era. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: boucharda

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/20/2016 11:19 AM

Had to repost my pic from a few years ago...soon to be just a memory

[Linked Image]
Posted By: PatT

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/20/2016 06:06 PM

RIP

[Linked Image]
Posted By: jmbcomms

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/20/2016 06:08 PM

KLM will likely switch to a 787 when they have their full 787 fleet.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/20/2016 11:39 PM

REALLY nice pic, Pat!!
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/21/2016 02:17 PM

One of the last few KLM 747's will be landing today, in about a half hour, due to land at 10:51. Check out the Maho cam this morning...
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/21/2016 02:50 PM

Saw the aproach and landing. NICE
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/21/2016 02:54 PM

...kinda misty-eyed, seeing it. I will really miss seeing big blue!!

[Linked Image]
Posted By: jeepers

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/21/2016 03:22 PM

We have been going to st.martin since 1998. Saw air France landing lots but didn't make it for KLM. I thought OK in January that will be a must. Then I heard this! Disappointed for sure. Thought about writing the Dutch govt. Lol. Are they now sending 2 planes? One to Curacao & 1 to st Martin?
Next Friday when KLM 785 comes in across the bay don't you just want to hear the air traffic controller yell "Here they come"!!! or the pilot say "Here we come"!!! I know I do & maybe an apology would be nice for not being there in January <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/21/2016 03:54 PM

Getting ready to taxi to take off again!
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: KLM Ending 747 Service to SXM - 10/21/2016 04:06 PM

Wow, anyone else see the idiot with the Canadian flag? Surprised he didn't lose control of it and spear someone...
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