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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines give emotional farewell to its first Boeing 737-800 as it's retired

Published on Dec 05, 2025 at 9:48 PM (UTC+4)
by Grace Donohoe

Last updated on Dec 05, 2025 at 9:48 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Emma Matthews

The Boeing 737-800 is an impressive aircraft, but the time has come for it to depart service under KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

The sad news was announced by the operators this week, after its last flight to Twente Airport in the Netherlands.

But, despite the craft no longer flying, it will still have a use.

In fact, now it will help the environment more than ever.

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KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has revealed important news

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, which rings true for this airline and its use of the Boeing 737.

Used by multiple airlines to travel to destinations all over the globe, the Boeing 737 is probably best known for its levels of fuel efficiency and impressive wing design.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines give emotional farewell to its first Boeing 737-800 as it's retired
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

However, after many years in service, KLM Royal Dutch has bade the jet farewell.

After completing the final ever journey across the Netherlands, Twente airport from Schiphol, PH-BXK was handed over to begin the next phase of its life.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines give emotional farewell to its first Boeing 737-800 as it's retired
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

Now, the Boeing 737-800 is set to be dismantled and recycled by AELS, which means it will help the environment by going to other airlines or simply being safely recycled.

It should be noted, though, that the engines and auxiliary power unit were removed by the airline’s own engineering and maintenance workers so the parts can still be used.

But what’s the bigger picture?

The Boeing 737-800 is all part of KLM’s fleet renewal mission

Yes, that’s right, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is set to give its fleet of aircraft a whole new lease of life.

The Boeing 737s currently flying across Europe are set to be ‘gradually replaced’ by a more environmentally friendly option, the Airbus A321neo.

Plus, KLM Cityhopper is planning to replace Embraer 190 models with new E195-E2s.

So, the $8,146,00,00 (€7 billion) investment in fleet renewal is exciting stuff, and you could soon be one of the first to board a brand new airplane.

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Grace started her career writing about the weird and wonderful for the international press. She's covered everything from lifestyle to sports and hard news and now finds herself pursuing her main interest - cars. She's loved cars from a young age and has a keen interest in luxury travel too.