**The Captivating Past of KLM Asia**
To put it briefly, the presence of KLM Asia branding on certain KLM aircraft stems from the prolonged dispute between the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China (mainland China). KLM Asia was established in 1995 as a fully owned subsidiary of KLM, registered in Taiwan.
At that time, the People’s Republic of China enforced significant sanctions on countries that recognized Taiwan. One of these sanctions prohibited airlines flying to Taiwan from also servicing mainland China, and flights to Taiwan had to circumvent the airspace of mainland China.
Yet, a loophole existed, permitting airlines to create wholly owned subsidiaries for flights to Taiwan, provided those aircraft did not also operate to mainland China. Accordingly, KLM established KLM Asia—allowing those KLM Asia planes to operate flights to Taiwan and other destinations excluding mainland China, while the standard KLM planes were free to fly to mainland China.
From the perspective of passenger experience, these planes were consistently the same as other KLM aircraft, featuring identical seats, service, crews, and more. The distinction was merely a technicality.
KLM wasn’t alone in this endeavor during that period; airlines such as Air France and Swissair also formed subsidiaries. However, these subsidiaries no longer exist, either because the airlines ceased flying to Taiwan or because they went out of business. KLM remains the sole European airline with such a subsidiary.
**Is KLM Asia Relevant Today?**
Although tensions between the Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China remain high in many respects, significant aviation restrictions have been lifted. Nowadays, airlines can operate flights between Taiwan and mainland China without complications, which means subsidiaries are no longer necessary to serve both regions.
Despite this, KLM still maintains nine Boeing 777s with KLM Asia branding, operating on routes worldwide. Currently, KLM conducts 4-5 weekly flights between Amsterdam and Taipei, marking the extent of their service to Taiwan.
Honestly, I’m uncertain about the rationale behind KLM retaining its KLM Asia subsidiary today, since it doesn’t serve much purpose anymore. Is its continuation due to the effort it would take to dissolve it? Is it to showcase the airline’s extensive network to Asia? Or perhaps it’s preserved in case similar restrictions re-emerge in the future? I like to think that OMAAT readers have a wealth of knowledge, so I’m eager to hear if anyone has insights on this matter.
**In Conclusion**
KLM operates several long-haul aircraft featuring KLM Asia branding. This initiative began in the 1990s when KLM created a subsidiary in Taiwan due to the ban by the People’s Republic of China on airlines that also served the Republic of China. The straightforward solution was to establish a subsidiary for Taiwan flights while utilizing “mainline” aircraft for mainland China services.
Although those restrictions have been lifted, KLM still operates some 777s with the KLM Asia branding. These aircraft fly globally and are identical to other KLM planes in every aspect, from interiors to crews to services.
**Have you flown on one of these KLM Asia aircraft?**