New Dutch carrier to take off

Oil business and Muslim pilgrims targeted by Amsterdam Airline

AMSTERDAM – New Dutch carrier Amsterdam Airlines plans to focus on flights for third parties, both in the charter market and in scheduled luxury services.

Co-initiator and investor Matthijs Boertien says that there is a growing need for higher level travel accommodation service, especially in the top market segment. His company is also negotiating with large travel organizations to operate vacation flights for them.

Amsterdam Airlines is starting with a fleet of up to four Airbus A320 aircraft. The first flight is expected to take off this spring.

Among other things, the company will operate exclusively first or business class aircraft between Schiphol and oil destinations in the Middle East. It will also offer flights to Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the annual pilgrimage for Muslims. A Saudi Arabian sheikh is one of the investors in Amsterdam Airlines.