KLM to introduce 'South African Experience' on board

In September and October, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will introduce the 'South African Experience' on board all its intercontinental flights departing from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. This Food & Wine Festival is KLM's sixth such celebration of culinary and cultural aspects of a specific country.

KLM will serve a specially selected menu in World Business Class featuring South African wines. In-flight entertainment will also take on a South African mood. Passengers can choose from a variety of South African music and films, and KLM's in-flight magazine Holland Herald will devote extra attention to the country.

Following on the success of KLM's previous Food & Wine Festivals and the country's increasing attractiveness as a vacation destination, South Africa was a clear choice for the next festival. The country is famed for its expansive vineyards and its gastronomic culture. The cuisine attributes its popularity to the great melting pot of cultures that makes up the country's profile and finds its way into everyday cooking.

The South African wines served on board KLM flights have been provided by Great Grapes Wine, a specialized importer of quality wines from South Africa and other countries. Working closely with the chef at Catherina's, one of the country's most famous restaurants, located on the Steenberg Estate in Constantia Valley, and with the gastronomic advisor at Great Grapes Wine, KLM has put together a menu designed to reflect South Africa's varied and creative cuisine and culture.

In previous years, festivals including food and entertainment have focused on Canada, California, Italy, Australia, and Spain.

KLM Non-Stop to Johannesburg and Cape Town

With the start of its 2003/2004 winter schedule on October 26, KLM will operate non-stop flights daily to Johannesburg and 5 times a week to Cape Town. From December 29 until the start of the 2004 summer schedule, KLM will increase its frequency to Cape Town from 5 to 7 flights a week. These flights will make use of KLM's new Boeing 777.