Boeing and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are celebrating the delivery of the airline's first 787-9 Dreamliner. Over the coming years the 787 will play a key role in the Dutch flag carrier's fleet renewal and expansion. In addition to today's delivery, the Air France-KLM Group has 19 787-9s and six 787-10s on order and will lease 12 787s through AerCap. KLM will operate its first 787-9 on its Amsterdam – Abu Dhabi – Bahrain service.

"The KLM brand is synonymous with innovation, reliability, and outstanding customer service, which will be perfectly complemented by the addition of the 787 to the airline's fleet," said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are honored that the 787 is now proudly flying in the famous KLM blue livery and are confident the airplane will play a key role in this historic carrier's continued success."

KLM was founded in 1919, and is the oldest airline still operating under its original name. Based at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, KLM is part of the Air France-KLM Group and serves 135 destinations worldwide. Over the past half century KLM has taken delivery of more than 200 Boeing airplanes.