The first KLM DC-9 jetliner was greeted by officials including the Netherlands Charge d'Affaires P. J. Van Hattum and representatives from various local organisations. After a brief inspection and a VIP cocktail reception, the aircraft, piloted by Capt A. Rodriguez, departed for Miami at 11:15 a.m. The DC-9, featuring advanced amenities like an auxiliary power unit for faster airport turnaround times, will regularly service routes to destinations, including Miami, Curacao, and Caracas.

Published Saturday, June 17, 1967

KLM using new type of jetliner on its Caribbean service

The first KLM DC-9 arrived at the Palisadoes International Airport at 10:45 a.m. yesterday on KLM’s Flight 973 from Curacao.

To see the aircraft, piloted by Capt A. Rodriguez, on its arrival at the airport yesterday, was the Netherlands Charge d’Affaires, P. J. Van Hattum, representatives of the Civil Aviation Department, the Jamaica, Tourist Board, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and members of the local press and radio.

In the greeting party with Mr Van Hattum were John Blair, deputy director of civil aviation in Jamaica; Harry Knowles of the Jamaica Tourist Board; A.C.M. Oostdam of the Advertising and Sales Promotion Department of KLM in Holland, who flew here on Tuesday to await the arrival of the DC-9; Maria T. Atteck, KLM’s district manager in Kingston; and William McIntosh, manager of the Palisadoes Airport.

Cocktail party

Mr Van Hattum and other members of the greeting party inspected the aircraft then later were entertained at a cocktail party in the VIP lounge at the airport.

The Douglas DC-9 aircraft left Palisadoes Airport at 11.15 a.m. yesterday on a direct flight to Miami.

According to a KLM press release, the Douglas DC-9 jetliner will operate regular flights to Liam northbound and Curacao, Aruba, Caracas, Port-of-Spain, Georgetown, and Paramaribo southbound.

The release adds that the DC-9 is a twin-engined jet with three engines. The third engine, called the auxiliary power unit, enables the captain to start the main jets without outside help, and it drives a generator that works the air conditioning unit, providing the passengers with perfect temperature conditions while on the ground. Because of these features, the turnaround times at airports are much faster.

The DC-9 aircraft carries over 1,000lb of freight and cruises at a speed of 560 miles per hour.

Although the aircraft can accommodate over 80 passengers, KLM has chosen for the Caribbean routes more comfortable seating arrangements of eight royal first class and 65 economy class seats.

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