ATP chooses KLM and China Southern for Beijing 2008

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and its partner China Southern Airlines yesterday signed a contract with travel organization ATP for the transportation of the Netherlands delegation to and from the Olympic Games, which will be held in the Chinese capital Beijing in August 2008.

ATP is the official travel and ticket agent of NOC*NSF, the Netherlands Olympic Committee.

Hundreds of athletes, coaches, support staff, sponsors and other delegates will be flown to various destinations on many different KLM and China Southern flights. The Games will officially begin on Friday, August 8, 2008, and the closing ceremony will take place on Sunday, August 24. The return flight to Schiphol will subsequently be operated by KLM in cooperation with China Southern.

This builds on a tradition that has seen KLM and ATP cooperating closely in arranging transportation to and from the Olympic Games in Sydney, Salt Lake City and Athens. The parties are pleased that KLM’s Chinese partner China Southern has now joined them to help make it possible to provide transportation for this major event.

“KLM is proud that ATP has once again entrusted us with this prestigious task,” said Bram Gräber,Senior Vice President & Area Manager KLM Benelux, after signing the agreement with ATP. “This shows that, as a Dutch airline, KLM continues to play an important part in transportation projects that are of national significance.”

“In light of our past experience, we are fully confident that KLM will once again offer us the tailored service and logistical support required for a mega-operation of this kind,” said John Jansen, CEO ATP, Official Supplier of NOC*NSF. “It is also a comfort to our clients that the KLM-ATP combine has the necessary experience, expertise and ambition to ensure smooth transportation to and from the Olympic Games.”

“We are pleased with the cooperation between China Southern, KLM and agent ATP,” said Ren Yongdong, general manager – China Southern Airlines in Europe. “We are proud to welcome the Dutch athletes and visitors to Beijing in 2008.”