Transavia's 60th

Compiled by Kevan James

January 9, 2025

Dutch airline Transavia Holland BV, better known today simply as Transavia, was founded in October 1965 and celebrates six decades of flying this year.

No mean feat in the ultra-competitive world of air transport for any airline, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown, but even more so for a carrier that began as a charter airline.

A trio of Douglas DC-6 aircraft made up the initial fleet and French-built Caravelles arrived in 1969.

Caravelle III PH-TRO at Amsterdam Schipol in 1972 - Ruth AS — Caravelle III PH-TRO at Amsterdam Schipol in 1972 - *Ruth AS*

Boeing 737s began to join the carrier in 1974 with an early -200 and since then the airline has operated all versions up to and including the -800. The Boeing 707, Airbus A300 and Boeing 757 have also been used.

Unsurprisingly Airbus narrow-body types have featured and later this year Transavia will take delivery of an A321 painted in its 1960s/1970s colours, designed by Dutch artist Thijs Postma in 1966.

Boeing 707 PH-TVA - Pedro Aragao — Boeing 707 PH-TVA - *Pedro Aragao*

Airbus A300 PH-TVL - Eduard Marmet — Airbus A300 PH-TVL - *Eduard Marmet*

Boeing 757-200 PH-TKD - Konstanin Von Wedelstaedt — Boeing 757-200 PH-TKD - *Konstanin Von Wedelstaedt*

Today the airline is the wholly owned low-fare subsidiary of KLM, although retaining it's own branding and identity.

CEO Marcel de Nooijer said, “Celebrating our 60th anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable achievements of our team.”

“The arrival of the retro-liveried Airbus is a testament to our proud history. It is a symbol of our commitment to a quieter, more sustainable future, driven by our fleet renewal.”

Transavia’s 60th anniversary celebrations will last throughout the year and will see various events and initiatives engaging passengers, business partners, and employees.

The airline will share stories from its past, showcase its commitment to sustainability, and unveil exciting plans for the future, ensuring the airline will be around in another 60 years.

Boeing 737-800 PH-HZE - Russell Lee — Boeing 737-800 PH-HZE - *Russell Lee*

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