WATCH ABOVE: Airliner KLM is now offering direct flights between Edmonton and Amsterdam. Lisa Wolansky was there as the first plane touched down.
EDMONTON — If you’re planning a vacation abroad, there are now more options for a European escape.
A new non-stop flight between Edmonton and Amsterdam touched down at the Edmonton International Airport on Tuesday afternoon. The inaugural KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport arrived around 3:30 p.m.
The new route will operate year-round, three times a week: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, with Friday service being added on June 22 for the summer travel season.
The route, which was announced last fall, was supposed to begin on May 5 but was pushed back two weeks due to collective bargaining with employees.
The direct flight to Amsterdam will provide passengers access to over 120 connecting destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
The airline believes Edmonton is an untapped market.
“Ever since announcing the addition of Edmonton to our worldwide network, we have experienced a very positive feedback from the market and an unwavering support from the Edmonton and Northern Alberta communities,” said Jean-Noel Rault, Air France KLM Canada vice president and general manager, earlier this year.
The new route will be flown with an Airbus A330-200 Aircraft with 30 business class eats, 35 economy comfort zone seats, and 178 economy seats.
EIA has been Canada’s fastest-growing major airport for the past 10 years and the fifth-busiest airport by passenger traffic.
READ MORE: 2014 another record year at the Edmonton International Airport
The airport saw 8.2 million passengers in 2014, breaking the previous record set in 2013.
With files by Slav Kornik, Global News
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