As I mentioned in my KLM 787-9 World Business Class trip report from San Francisco to Amsterdam, KLM struck me as a very egalitarian airline. Now I know it is true. The King of Holland is also a KLM pilot.
Dutch King Willem-Alexander has publically revealed his moonlight role for 21 years as a frequent “guest pilot” on KLM’s Cityhopper division. The reason for the announcement? The Fokker 70s he is trained to pilot are being retired.
Apparently, quite a few people knew that he was a pilot, but few knew he flew for KLM and almost no one know how often. Twice a month, the King revealed. As a first officer, he would never reveal his name onboard and few recognized his voice (no one pays attention to announcements anyway, the King told a Dutch newspaper).
But the 50 year old King will not retire. Instead he will be retrained on a 737 and continue to fly.
Can You Say Dream Job?
King Willem-Alexander calls this a “relaxing” hobby. It reminds me of my dream to be a pilot or FA for two days per month (in exchange for flight benefits, of course). Somehow I don’t think the king is doing it for discount travel…
I just love his resume. Line one: King. Line two: KLM pilot. I recognize the King’s position gives him a unique opportunity that most will never realize, but I admire what he has done. That’s taking your hobby seriously!
Really old new
http://www.nltimes.nl/2013/04/09/pilot-king-willem-alexander/
Cool! Thanks for sharing this one…