Europa KLM Dutch Royal Airlines

Charming 20th century pictorial map of Europe, courtesy of KLM.

The oldest operating airline in the world today, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was established in 1919 after being awarded the ‘Royal’ title by Queen Wilhelmina. International service began in 1924 with trips to Batavia in the Dutch East Indies and quickly expanded to locations around Europe until the outbreak of World War II. Postwar operations saw the first transatlantic service to New York established in 1946, though subsequent financial difficulties would see the Dutch government nationalize the majority of the airline during the mid-1950s.

This eye-catching map was issued after that tumultuous period, shortly before the airline entered the Jet Age. Numerous illustrated vignettes, designed by an artist named Jeesink (see signature, lower left), highlight the geographic features, recreational opportunities, and local communities of destinations across Europe.

KLM airport locations are prominently marked with flags and the entire image is surrounded by a border of medallions highlighting the subsidiaries and numerous destinations served by the company. The decorative compass rose in the upper right contains astrological symbols and the KLM logo. It was redesigned about 1958 – useful in helping to date the map.

Source: KLM Corporate History; KLM Through the Years;