KLM vs Air India

Air India and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are without a doubt some of the largest airlines in the world, with each serving millions of travellers each year. For regular travellers, it’s only fair to want to know the history of each and how they compare when stacked against each other.

Below is a detailed look into each airline, including its Skytrax ratings.

KLM

KLM became operational on 7th October 1919, making it one of the oldest airlines still using its original name. The KLM Group operates out of Amsterdam, its home base, and has a fleet totalling 214 state-of-the-art aircraft.
By the close of 2017, the company had generated revenue totalling 10 billion euros, which led to it hiring more than thirty-three thousand new staff in 2018.

The KLM Group

The group comprises KLM Cityhopper and KLM, both of which ferry more than thirty-four million passengers and over six hundred thousand tons of cargo each year. It serves a network made up of seventy intercontinental destinations and ninety-two European cities.
KLM is one of the partners operating in the SkyTeam Alliance, which provides its clients with access to more possibilities, including servicing 173 countries and 1,063 destinations. Transavia and Martinair are some of the KLM Group subsidiaries.
After merging with Air France in early 2004, the group has continued to pursue a concept intended to benefit Air France-KLM Group. In this concept, the two airlines are dealing with three main activities:

• Engineering and maintenance
• Cargo
• Passengers

Operating as one, the two airlines are playing a pioneering role in the air transport industry in Europe. KLM is also actively involved in driving sustainable growth at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, even as it continues to look into other markets that can improve its global reach.

Skytrax Ratings

Established in 1989, Skytrax is an international air transport organization operating out of London. In the last thirty years, the company has sought to conduct its work without favour or fear of repercussion.
The World Airline and Airport Star Rating program was introduced in 1999 and is meant to help classify airports and airlines by looking at the staff service, standards, and products.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Rating

The KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have received a four-star rating for the quality of its staff service, onboard products, and its airport.
Cabin rating covers both ground staff and cabin staff. On the other hand, product rating includes IFE cleanliness, seats, food & beverages, and amenities.

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Air India

Air India is a state-owned carrier, with its primary hubs being Mumbai and Delhi airports. It merged with Indian airlines in August 2007 and today covers a vast network constituting domestic, regional, and international flights.
Some of its renowned routes include destinations in Asia, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Air India also operates a subsidiary known as Air India Express. It became a member of the Star Alliance on 11th July 2014.

Brief History

Air India started as Tata Air Services, founded in 1932 by J.R.D. Tata. Its founder also made the first flight for the airline, in a flight that saw him carrying air mail from Karachi to Bombay.
When the second world war ended, the company became a public limited company and changed its name to Air India. A few attempts have been made to privatize the company, with the latest attempts happening between 2000-2001.
Apart from international flights, Air India operates flights to regional and Asian destinations via its two subsidiaries, Air India Express and Alliance Air.

Skytrax Ratings

Based on Skytrax’s rating standards, Air India is classified as a three-star airline. The rating results from the mixed product standards in its available aircraft. Skytrax states that some of its products are well-worn and in need of better maintenance in its rating. The Business Class also falls below the requirements set for a four-star rating for both onboard and airport experience. Air India also needs to work on its ground service offerings at its main hubs.