KLM

MD-11

THE END OF AN ERA

A tribute in pictures to one of the most loved airliners in history: the KLM MD11.

KLM MD-11

DIVAS

October 26th 2014 marked the last last ever Passenger flight with a KLM MD-11. It was also the last Pax flight in the world with a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 altogether. This flight also ended KLM’s 80-year relationship with McDonnell Douglas. I have been a massive fan of the Douglas tri-holers as long as I can remember. This photo report is a tribute to one of the most remarkable and most loved airliner that was ever built and highlights its operational use with KLM and the final days of MD-11 passenger operations at KLM.

This report is a very literal interpretation of an actual photo book I made back in 2015 after the MD-11 had been decommissioned.  But I never finished the book. And a photo book on your table can never be shared with as many people compared to when you share it online. So there it is, hope you enjoy it. All photos in this report have been taken by me. 

80 YEAR KLM – DOUGLAS HISTORY 

FROM THE DC-2 TO THE MD-11

In 1934 KLM ordered the DC-2 to test to see if metal fuselage aircraft would perform as expected. After the success that PH-AJU “Uiver” in the 1934 Melbourne Air Race, KLM ordered 15 DC-2. Quickly followed by the DC-3. The Dakota would prove essential  in expanding the worldwide network before 1940 and rebuilding the route network after  WWII. After that KLM remained a loyal Douglas customer, ordering every aircraft that Dougla offered from the DC-4 to the DC-10.

Breaking this trend in 1984 KLM switched to Boeing. In that year KLM ordered 10 Boeing 737 for its European route network at the cost of the MD-80. The swansong for the Douglas-KLM relation came when the MD-11 replaced the ageing DC-10 in 1993. Ultimately serving the KLM route network until 2014, the MD-11 ended an 80 year cooperation between Douglas and KLM.

CONTENT

OPERATIONS

Various scenes from the 90’s until 2014 from the operational life of the MD-11

2  TAKE A BOW

The memorable last two days of KLM MD-11 operations as observed from Amsterdam Airport

DISPLAY

A report from the Open Days of the Royal Netherlands Air Force in June 2014 at Volkel AFB

4  HOMAGE

A farewell fitting to the status of the ladies: three farewell flights on a day filled with emotions.

GODSPEED

The last KLM MD-11 leaving  Dutch soil. Farewell. Godspeed

DIVAS

Portraits of all the Divas that have graced the skies for KLM. From Amy to Ingrid.

CONTENT

1 OPERATIONS

The operational life of the MD-11

2 TAKE A BOW

The last two days of KLM MD-11 operations

3 DISPLAY

Report from the 2014 Air Show at Volkel AFB

4 HOMAGE

The Farewell Flights on 11 November 2014 

5 GODSPEED

The last KLM MD11 leaving  Dutch soil

6 DIVAS

Portraits of all the Divas

1 OPERATIONS

Various scenes from the operational life of the KLM MD-11 from the 90’s until 2014 

Morning rush during dawn at Schiphol. The intercontinental flights flights jointly arrive with the European Boeing 737 night stoppers. PH-KCI is being unloaded at gate D003.

PH-KCI  |  “Mother Teresa”   |  Amsterdam  |  21-10-11

A KLM MD-11 IN YOUR HOME

PRINT YOUR PERSONAL MD-11 PHOTO

Most of the pictures you see in this story can be ordered as professionally printed wall decor. Go to the KLM gallery in the webshop to choose your favourite photo and have it printed on photo paper, canvas, acrylic or alu dibond. Some photos are also available as Hahnemühle fine art print. All of them professionally printed, signed of by BOSCHH

Go to WEBSHOP

REINVENTING THE DC-10

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is a wide-body, tri-jet airliner developed from the DC-10. Launched on December 30, 1986, the MD-11 featured several advancements over its predecessor, including a stretched fuselage, winglets, and more efficient engines.

The first prototype of the MD-11 was assembled in 1988, with its maiden flight occurring on January 10, 1990. The MD-11 received FAA certification later that year and entered service with Finnair on December 20, 1990.

UNIQUE SHAPE

There are few airliners that have such a distinctive design as the MD-11 with her third engine high in the tail. The original design of the DC-10 was robust and aggressive in its appearance, Douglas made no attempts to hide the third engine in the tail. Unlike the DC-10 competitor -the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar- which had a more clean and flowing tail engine cover.

The MD-11 kept the same tail shape, unfortunately losing the massive horizontal stabilizers of the DC-10, that resembled the tail of a whale. The MD-11 also converted the stubby, robust design of the DC-10 into a more elegant appearance with its longer wings and longer fuselage.

A summer morning arrival from across the Transatlantic. The remarkable shape of the MD-11 could be recognized miles away.
PH-KCA  |  “Amy Johnson”   |  Amsterdam  |  06-06-03

Head on view of a KLM MD-11

Busy cockpit as “Annie Romein” returns to Amsterdam after completing a flight from across the Atlantic
PH-KCF  |  “Annie Romein”   |  Amsterdam  |  14-02-09

KLM MD-11 WALL ART

PROFESSIONALLY PRINTED

Most of the pictures you see in this story can be ordered as professionally printed wall decor. Some photos are also available as Hahnemühle fine art print. All of them professionally quality, signed off by BOSCHH. 

Go to the KLM gallery in the webshop to choose your favourite photo and have it printed on photo paper, canvas, acrylic or alu dibond.

 

Go to WEBSHOP

THE MD-11 IN KLM SERVICE

The Dutch Airline ordered 10 MD-11 to replace their ageing fleet of 5 DC-10 aircraft. They received the MD-11 into its fleet in 1993. As a loyal General Electric customer KLM choose the GE CF6-80C2 for the MD-11, to maintain commonality with the Boeing 747-400 which had the same engines. KLM configured their MD-11 with 294 seats. Initially with 24 in World Business Class and 270 in Economy. But as the concept of Premium Economy became popular in the airline industry, the MD-11 were retrofitted with 24 business class, 38 premium economy and 223 normal economy. KLM flew the MD-11 primarily to Central Africa, the Caribbean destinations as well as to the United States and Canada.

PH-KCA “Amy jonhnson” Crossing the Hoofdvaart after landing on the Polderbaan. 
PH-KCA  |  “Amy Johnson”   |  Amsterdam  |  14-08-14

MD-11’s had the ability to pull all of the water out of the sky. Amazing condensation at one of my most epic morning sessions at the Kaagbaan during sunrise
PH-KC*  |  Amsterdam |  16-05-04

PH-KCE

PH-KCE “Audrey Hepburn” lining up on the Polderbaan in October 2004.
PH-KCE  |  “Audrey Hepburn”   |  Amsterdam  |  09-10-04

THE SHORT LIFESPAN OF THE MD-11

Designed for long-haul flights, the MD-11 could carry up to 298 passengers in a three-class configuration and had a range of up to 7,130 nautical miles. It was powered by either General Electric CF6-80C2 or Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines. Despite its innovations, the MD-11 struggled to meet performance expectations, particularly in terms of range and fuel efficiency. Production of the MD-11 continued until 2000, with a total of 200 units built.

The aircraft was used by various airlines for both passenger and cargo services. But once it had appeared on the market, the arrival of the more efficient twin engined Boeing 777 and A330. basically marked the days of the MD-11. Twin engine efficiency is the industry standard now. The number of active MD-11 is still decreasing, as cargo operators also choose for twin engined aircraft like the Boeing 777F and the Airbus A350F. Notable operators included American Airlines, Swissair, Japan Airlines, FedEx and of course KLM. KLM was in fact the last airline that operated the MD-11 for passenger services.

Despite the fact that the chracteristic tail engine is hidden by the clouds, this is unmistakenly an MD-11 banking. “Audrey Hepburn” as KL672 turning final for the Polderbaan.
PH-KCE  |  “Audrey Hepburn”  |  Amsterdam |  20-08-14

Various memories from over the years of the KLM MD-11 at Schiphol

PH-KCB KLM MD-11 at Schiphol

During the farewell flights on 11 November 2014 “Maria Montessori” acted as static show aircraft. After my flight in the morning this shot was too good to let go
PH-KCB |  “Maria Montessori”  |  Amsterdam |  11-11-14

PROFESSIONALLY PRINTED

AVIATION WALL DECOR 

Most of the pictures you see in this story can be ordered as professionally printed wall decor. Go to the KLM gallery in the webshop to choose your favourite photo and have it printed on photo paper, canvas, acrylic or alu dibond.

Some photos are also available as Hahnemühle fine art print. All of them professionally printed, signed of by BOSCHH

Go to WEBSHOP

2 TAKE A BOW

The memorable last two days of KLM MD-11 operations as observed from Amsterdam Airport

Take off the last scheduled MD-11 passenger flight by KLM PH-KCE

The final scheduled passenger flight with an MD-11 departs Amsterdam as KLM 671 on 25 October 2014 from the Kaagbaan, with hundreds present to whitness the event.
PH-KCE  |  “Audrey Hepburn”   |  Amsterdam  |  25-10-14

Some impressions from the last departure and last arrival of KL671/672 to and from Montreal
PH-KCE  |  “Audrey Hepburn”   |  Amsterdam  |  25-10-04 & 26-10-14

Last arrival of a KLM MD-11 schedulded passenger flight on 26 October 2014.

A water salute marks the final arrival of “Audrey Hepburn in Amsterdam. The panorama terrace had especially been opened for the occassion
PH-KCE  |  “Audrey Hepburn”   |  Amsterdam  |  09-10-04

3 DISPLAY

A report from the Open Days of the Royal Netherlands Air Force in June 2014 at Volkel AFB

3 DISPLAY

A report from the Open Days of the Royal Netherlands Air Force in June 2014 at Volkel AFB

MD-11 DISPLAY

 LUCHTMACHTDAGEN 2014

In June 2014, the KLM MD-11 made a rare appearance at the Royal Netherlands Air Force Open Days held at Gilze Rijen Air Base. This event, known as Luchtmachtdagen, showcased various aircraft and military equipment. The MD-11’s presence was a highlight for many aviation enthusiasts. KLM invited 50 children to experience a special flight over the Netherlands during the event. This gesture not only provided a memorable experience for the children but also was a highlight of the air show.

KLM MD-11 during the Koninklijke Luchtmaxcht Open Dagen in June 2014

A fly-by together with the KDC-10 of the RNLAF. Unfortunately nowhere close enough to get them in one shot.
PH-KCE  |  “Audrey Hepburn”   |  Gilze-Rijen  |  26-06-14

The angled nosewheel of the MD-11 can be very well observed from this angle
PH-KCE  |  “Audrey Hepburn”   |  Amsterdam  |  26-06-14

4 HOMAGE

A fitting goodbye: three farewell flights on a day filled with emotions.

Silence before the storm. During sunrise on the morning of 11 November PH-KCD and PH-KCB and PH-DDZ stand together at Schiphol Romeo apron, waiting for the Farewell flights to start.
PH-KCB  | “Maria Montessori  |  Amsterdam  |  11-11-14

THE KLM MD-11

FAREWELL FLIGHTS

On November 11, 2014, KLM operated three special farewell flights for the MD-11. Flight numbers KL9895, KL9897 and KL9899, respectively took off at 1030, 1300 and 1530. These flights, which took off from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, were a final opportunity for fans to experience theMD-11 one final last time. All flights were fully booked within minutes, demonstrating the MD-11’s popularity among aviation enthusiasts. The atmosphere on board was filled with nostalgia and celebration. Many passengers writing their farewell notes with markers on the overhead luggage bins. On the second flight people have even been dancing. Passengers received commemorative items, including a “Farewell MD-11” book about the history of the MD-11. The farewell flights were a fitting tribute to the aircraft’s long service with KLM.

YOUR OWN MD-11 MEMORY

PROFESSIONALLY PRINTED

Most of the pictures you see in this story can be ordered as professionally printed wall decor. Go to the KLM gallery in the webshop to choose your favourite photo and have it printed on photo paper, canvas, acrylic or alu dibond. Some photos are also available as Hahnemühle fine art print. All of them professionally printed, signed of by BOSCHH

Go to WEBSHOP
Last ever passenger flight with an MD-11, by PH-KCE of KLM

The very last flight of the MD-11 with passengers aboard. “Florence” has the honour.
PH-KCD  |  “Florence Nightingale”   |  Amsterdam  |  11-11-14

ROUTING OVER THE NETHERLANDS

Each flight followed a circular route over the Netherlands. Lasting an hour, the flying altitude was kept between 2000 feet and 7000 feet to allow good views for the passengers. The flight routing went from Amsterdam to Rotterdam. East towards Gorinchem and after that north to Lelystad. After this the flight set back course to a Amsterdam.

Despite the fact that the chracteristic tail engine is hidden by the clouds, this is unmistakenly an MD-11 banking. “Audrey Hepburn” as KL672 turning final for the Polderbaan.
PH-KCE  |  “Audrey Hepburn”  |  Amsterdam |  20-08-14

5 GODSPEED

The last KLM MD11 leaving Dutch soil. Farewell. Godspeed

THE FINAL KLM MD-11

DEPARTURE FROM AMS

11 January 2015. This was -as they say- “it.” The final departure of a KLM MD-11 from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. This marked the end of the MD-11’s life with KLM. PH-KCD “Florence Nightingale” was flown by captain Charley Valette to Mojave. There the plane would be stored and eventually scrapped. A fate that all her sisters have undergone by now as well. A sad moment for KLM staff and aviation enthusiasts. Many gathered at the airport to witness the historic event.

6 DIVAS

Portraits of all the Divas that have graced the skies for KLM. From Amy to Ingrid.

PH-KCA

Amy Johnson

Type

First Flight

WFU

MSN/LN

Remarks

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (P)

7 December 1993

August 2014

48555/557

Scrapped 2016

PH-KCB

Maria Montessori

Type

First Flight

WFU

MSN/LN

Remarks

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (P)

1 March 1994

October 2014

48556/561

Scrapped 2016

PH-KCC

Marie Curie

Type

Delivery Date

Last Flilght

MSN/LN

Remarks

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (P)

24 June 1994

October 2013

48557/569

Scrapped 2014

PH-KCD

Florence Nightingale

Type

Delivery Date

WFU

MSN/LN

Remarks

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (P)

16 September 1994

October 2014

48558/573

Scrapped 2014

PH-KCE

Audrey Hepburn

Type

Delivery Date

WFU

MSN/LN

Remarks

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (P)

18 November 1994

October 2014

48559/575

Last MD-11 to leave KLM fleet. Scrapped 2015

PH-KCF

Annie Romein

Type

Delivery Date

WFU

MSN/LN

Remarks

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (P)

17 December 1994

October 2012

48560/578

Scrapped 2014

PH-KCG

Maria Callas

Type

Delivery Date

WFU

MSN/LN

Remarks

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (P)

12 May 1995

November 2012

48556/561

Scrapped 2015

PH-KCH

Anna Pavlova

Type

Delivery Date

WFU

MSN/LN

Remarks

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (P)

31 August 1995

July 2012

48562/591

Scrapped 2013

PH-KCI

Mother Teresa

Type

Delivery Date

WFU

MSN/LN

Remarks

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (P)

31 August 1998

October 2012

48563/593

Scrapped 2015

PH-KCK

Ingrid Bergman

Type

Delivery Date

WFU

MSN/LN

Remarks

McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (P)

25 April 1997

October 2013

48564/612

Scrapped 2014

MD-11 AIRCRAFT ART 

IN YOUR OWN HOME

Most of the pictures you see in this story can be ordered as professionally printed wall decor. Go to the KLM gallery in the webshop to choose your favourite photo and have it printed on photo paper, canvas, acrylic or alu dibond.

Some photos are also available as Hahnemühle fine art print. All of them professionally printed, signed of by BOSCHH

Go to WEBSHOP

KLM MD-11

THE BOOKS

Stichting Farewell MD-11, published two amazing photo books about the KLM MD-11. Two books describe the entire history of the MD-11 in KLM service. 

Both books are part of a series of many Dutch Aircraft types that have been put out of service in recent years. Such as Fokker 70 &100 and the Boeing 747. My photos are featured in most books, such as the “Martinair MD-11 Aviation Legend” and “End of Flight plan”, a book about the last flights of the KLM MD-11. You can still order most of these books, for example at the Aviation Hobby Shop. Profits of the sale of these books go to Wings of Support. Here you can find more info on Wings of Support.

Pleas also check out my other stories such as: Axalp Fliegerschiessen Airshow,  the GLV V training Area and the KLM Boeing 747.