Austin FC has announced a significant partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, marking the Netherlands’ flag carrier as the club’s first official airline partner. This collaboration promises to enhance the global connectivity of Austin FC, particularly for its Academy teams, leveraging KLM’s extensive network and direct flights from Austin to Amsterdam.
This partnership arrives as KLM expands its commitment to Austin, confirming its route between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) will now operate year-round due to robust demand. Launched initially on March 28, 2022, with three weekly flights, this service directly links Austin’s thriving tech and cultural scene with Amsterdam, a major European tech hub and cultural center. The route caters to the increasing desire for travel between the U.S. and Europe, offering seamless access to KLM’s vast global network via Schiphol Airport.
Andy Loughnane, President of Austin FC, emphasized the strategic importance of this alliance. “KLM is a globally recognized and respected airline, and their growing presence in Austin makes this the ideal moment for our organizations to partner,” Loughnane stated. “We anticipate a fruitful collaboration that supports our soccer ambitions as KLM facilitates travel for Austin FC fans worldwide.” The immediate benefit for the Austin FC Academy is clear, with plans already in motion to utilize KLM’s direct Austin-Amsterdam flights for upcoming European competitions this summer.
Boaz Hulsman, Head of Commercial, Air France-KLM North America, echoed the enthusiasm for the partnership. “KLM is excited to become the first official airline partner of Austin FC,” Hulsman commented. “We are dedicated to providing unparalleled transatlantic connections and smooth travel from Austin to Amsterdam and beyond. With our service now extended year-round, Austin FC and its supporters can rely on KLM’s exceptional service for all their European travel needs.”
Established in 1919, KLM stands as the world’s oldest airline still operating under its original name, a testament to its enduring legacy and reliability. KLM’s extensive summer schedule includes flights to 167 destinations globally, encompassing 96 European and 71 intercontinental locations, connecting key business and leisure destinations worldwide. Together with its subsidiary KLM Cityhopper, the airline group annually transports over 34 million passengers and 621,000 tons of cargo, highlighting its significant global footprint.
This partnership between Austin FC and Royal Dutch Airlines Partners not only signifies a milestone for the soccer club but also underscores Austin’s growing international prominence and its appeal to global industry leaders like KLM. For Austin FC fans and the broader Austin community, this collaboration opens up exciting new possibilities for international travel and engagement.
