KLM annual figures 2020
"The year 2020 was an incredibly tough year for KLM and the KLM staff. The relentless COVID pandemic brought KLM's network to a virtual standstill in April and led to unprecedented losses and debt accumulation. We have had to recalibrate many of our ambitions and constantly adjust our plans. Given the strategic importance of the KLM network for the Netherlands, the government has supported us in the form of loans and guarantees on credit facilities. The NOW scheme has also helped us a lot.
Nevertheless, it is with a heavy heart that we had to say goodbye to more than 2020 hardworking and dedicated colleagues in 5.000. They were part of the blue KLM family. At the same time, KLM is proud that we were able to make an important contribution in 2020 by repatriating 250.000 Dutch citizens and fellow Europeans on the one hand and by bringing so many essential medical supplies to the Netherlands with (extra) cargo flights on the other. The KLM response to the COVID pandemic testified to our resilience, creativity and agility.
The consequences of this pandemic are clearly reflected in the figures for 2020. KLM's turnover fell by 54% to €5 billion. While our anniversary year still had a record of no less than 35 million customers, in 2020 that was only 11 million customers who traveled with KLM. KLM's total operating profit amounted to a loss of € 1.2 billion, despite the fact that the cargo division managed to improve its margins as a result of the strong increase in demand for cargo capacity. KLM's financial results show how serious the situation is. Thanks to the support of the Dutch government, KLM has been able to maintain its financial liquidity. I know I speak for everyone at KLM when I say that we are very grateful to the government, and through it to Dutch society.
In turn, KLM employees have contributed by agreeing to the far-reaching conditions for this financial lifeline from the government and banks. The world of aviation will look very different for a longer period of time, with less traffic and pressure on the income. This year also got off to a much lesser start than we had initially anticipated. Despite that, and looking at the second half of 2021, I feel cautious optimism and hope. People will start flying again and slowly but surely KLM will be able to fly the global network again with all the options for its customers. KLM not only has the ambition to survive, but also to remain an important and responsible player in aviation after the crisis.
To achieve this, a restructuring plan has been drawn up, entitled 'From more to better'. The restructuring plan is agile, based on different market and recovery scenarios, and will allow us to be flexible and create opportunities in customer experience, digitization, sustainability and technology. With the help of our loyal customers and committed employees, KLM will weather this storm and get better again, continuing to fulfill the important social and economic role for Dutch society in the future. We will continue to emphatically pursue our ambitions and pioneering role in the field of sustainability and innovation. The Netherlands can continue to count on our full commitment and contribution when it comes to achieving these ambitions.”
Pieter Elbers – KLM President & CEO