KLM celebrates 106 years and celebrates ties to the U.S. with a new Delft Blue lodge

On the day of his 106th anniversary, KLM celebrated the occasion with the traditional ceramic miniature Delft Blue, this time inspired by Villa Rameau by Leiden. The building, located next to Pieterskerk Church, has a strong symbolic value: it was here that the Pilgrim Fathers lived for twelve years before leaving for America aboard the Mayflower 1620.

A bridge 106 years long

The choice is not random. With this new "little house," KLM commemorates more than a century of transatlantic connections between the Netherlands and the United States. From the departure of the Pilgrims to the current joint venture with Delta Air Lines, the link between the two sides of the Atlantic has remained firm, evolving over time.

The company currently operates Direct flights to 15 destinations in the United States, continuing a historic partnership that dates back to the first transatlantic links.

For KLM, which remains the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name, "Little House No. 106" is a tribute to the value of connection and the ability to endure even in the most difficult times.

Villa Rameau: a symbol of resilience

The building chosen for the new model is not only a piece of colonial history. Over time, Villa Rameau also played an important role in the Dutch resistance during the Second World War, becoming a place-symbol of the city of Leiden.

Today it hosts the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, and its story weaves together themes dear to the Dutch company: perseverance, openness to the world and shared memory among peoples.

The tradition of KLM miniatures

From 1952, KLM gives passengers of the World Business Class at intercontinental flights A Delft Blue porcelain miniature filled with Dutch Bols gin. These are. replicas of historic Dutch buildings or places associated with the company, which have become over time one of the most iconic gadgets in civil aviation.

The delivery takes place on board, just before landing: a crew member goes through the rows offering passengers a chance to choose their favorite cottage from those available. Each flight has a different selection so that collectors can also find missing or rare models.

Those who receive a duplicate can go to the Crown Lounge 52 at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, where you can exchange your own miniature with another from the collection, keeping the tradition of "bartering among travelers" alive.

From 1994, the number of cottages coincides with the age of the company and each year, the October 7, foundation day, a new model is unveiled. For enthusiasts there is also theofficial "KLM Houses" app, which allows cataloging one's collection, discover the history of each miniature e keep track of missing pieces.

La Villa Rameau of Leiden thus enters the collection as house no.106, a tribute to 106 years of flight, history and connections between continents.