12
December
2007
|
07:18 AM
America/Chicago

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Donates Thousands of Tulips to DFW International Airport

Dutch carrier celebrates new service from DFW to Amsterdam, and honors its partnership with Northwest Airlines

(DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – Dec. 12, 2007) – It may have been 39 degrees, overcast and drizzling, but it was a 'good Dutch' day to do some planting. Today a group of Dutch children and DFW Airport Ambassadors cultivated thoughts of spring in Amsterdam by planting the first of 13,000 tulip bulbs at DFW International Airport. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines donated the tulips on the tenth anniversary of its partnership with Northwest Airlines, and to commemorate KLM’s new DFW - Amsterdam service. Holland's national flower is expected to be in bloom when the inaugural flight from Amsterdam arrives at DFW on March 30, 2008. 

“When the first DFW-Amsterdam flight lands, it will bring an estimated $125 million in annual economic impact to our communities,” said Joe Lopano, executive vice president of marketing and terminal management at DFW. “Even more importantly, it will bring new trade, tourism and cultural exchange between North Texas and the Netherlands. And our own citizens will enjoy even better one stop connections via Amsterdam to Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa.” 

Members of the Holland America Club of Dallas brought some of their children to plant the first tulip bulbs. Five-year old Ashley Peereboom of Plano, 3-year old Orion Bender of Dallas and 18-month old Olessya Wulfers of Southlake planted bulbs with help from DFW Airport Ambassadors. The first bulbs were planted outside of DFW's International Terminal D and will be soon be placed in gardens at all five of the Airport's terminals. 

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