KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is to operate new services out of Liverpool John Lennon Airport for the first time in 70 years, in a move which will increase Liverpool’s “global connectivity.”

From March 29, 2009, KLM will launch a new three times a day service between Amsterdam and Liverpool.

In turn that will connect those using JLA to more than 100 worldwide destinations on KLM’s own intercontinental network and with over 650 destinations across KLM’s Skyteam partner networks.

Passengers will be able to buy through-tickets from Liverpool to the vast range of new destinations, changing at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.

Flights on 80-passenger services will depart Liverpool at 6.15am, 10.30am and 8.30pm.

KLM first flew services from Liverpool to Amsterdam in 1934 but once WII began flights were discontinued until now.

The company’s research showed a growing demand from businesses in the North West of the UK for expansion to Liverpool as well as from the large student population.

Pieter Elbers, senior vice president network at KLM: “We are delighted to be renewing our partnership with Liverpool after such a long absence.

“By adding Liverpool to our network today, KLM has further strengthened its position in the UK market, one of the most important markets in the extensive network of KLM.”

The new services will connect JLA to KLM’s hub at Schiphol, an airport which is consistently voted one of Europe’s best business airports.

Neil Pakey, deputy CEO of the Peel Airports Group, owners of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, said:“The announcement of KLM to commence flights to the Schiphol hub in Amsterdam, is a lasting legacy for Liverpool's Capital of Culture year, providing global connectivity for the Liverpool City Region.

“KLM's flights will make doing business with international markets in Liverpool much more straight forward and attractive, and for people looking to experience new destinations and cultures, across Asia, Africa or the Americas, then KLM's offer at John Lennon Airport will deliver this for Liverpool for the first time.”

Lorraine Rogers, chief executive of investment and tourism body The Mersey Partnership, said the route adds an exciting new dimension to Liverpool City Region’s connectivity to the rest of the world.

“It will be a significant driver for further growth across our business sectors including tourism, and once again positions Liverpool at the centre of worldwide connections.

“Delivering this hub connection for Liverpool City Region has been both an Airport and a TMP priority for three years and we are delighted that agreement has been reached with a carrier of the calibre, reputation and experience of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines