Austin FC today announced KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the flag carrier airline of the Netherlands, as an official Club partner. The airline becomes the first official airline partner for Austin FC, and as part of launching the partnership, the Austin FC Academy plans to use KLM’s non-stop flights from Austin to Amsterdam for European-based competition this upcoming Summer.
KLM recently expanded its global service to include gate presence in Austin, and today it is announcing that due to strong demand it is expanding its Austin route to operate year-round. On March 28, 2022, the airline began operating non-stop service between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) three times a week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
KLM launched the route to connect Austin and its booming tech industry and thriving culture to Amsterdam, another tech hub with its own rich culture, to meet growing demand for travel from Americans eager to travel Europe, and Europeans eager to explore Austin. With the launch of the non-stop service, Austin is today connected to KLM’s vast global network of destinations via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
“KLM is one of the most well-known and respected airlines worldwide, and with its recent expansion in Austin, now is the perfect time for a partnership between our two organizations,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “We look forward to working together to help further our soccer objectives as KLM supports Austin FC fans as they travel around the world.”
Founded in 1919, KLM is the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name. This summer, KLM will fly to 167 destinations worldwide (96 in Europe and 71 intercontinental), offering direct services to key economic centers and tourist destinations all over the world. KLM and its subsidiary KLM Cityhopper carry 34.1 million passengers and 621,000 tons of cargo annually.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Austin FC,” said Boaz Hulsman, Head of Commercial, Air France-KLM North America. “As the first official airline partner of Austin FC, KLM looks forward to providing unmatched transatlantic connectivity and seamless travel direct from Austin to Amsterdam and beyond. With the great news we are extending service year-round, Austin FC will be able to easily travel to all their European games aboard KLM’s exemplary fleet."
