KLM and LIFT Take South Africans on a Sky-High Dutch ExperienceBringing the spirit of the Netherlands to the South African skies

In a vibrant celebration of Dutch culture and premium air travel, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and South Africa’s boutique carrier LIFT teamed up to deliver an unforgettable inflight activation that left local passengers beaming with joy. The initiative, which took place on two domestic flights between Johannesburg and Cape Town, transformed a routine trip into an airborne celebration of the Netherlands.

Onboard the 9:30 AM flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town and the 4:00 PM return, unsuspecting travellers were treated to a Dutch-themed extravaganza that combined fun, culture, and world-class hospitality. Passengers took part in a lively inflight bingo game with quirky, Dutch-inspired prizes. The cabin came alive with laughter, connection, and festive energy.

Each traveller received a curated gift set that brought the Netherlands a little closer to home. These included KLM’s signature Delft Blue miniature house, stroopwafels, a Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate bar, traditional clog ornaments courtesy of the Dutch embassy, and an iconic KLM amenity kit. Adding a playful and personalised touch, artists from Palettes of Joy created mid-flight caricatures for select passengers, while all guests were handed a special 10% discount code to use on future KLM international bookings. Even the boarding passes were redesigned with a Dutch flair.

This one-of-a-kind activation wasn’t just a celebration—it was a statement. KLM and LIFT are united in their belief that travel should be more than just a journey; it should be an experience. By infusing a regular domestic route with creativity, culture, and delight, both airlines demonstrated their shared commitment to passenger satisfaction, brand innovation, and the magic of flying.

“This collaboration is all about celebrating the joy of travel, the magic of mid-air moments, and the spirit of partnership. We love treating our passengers to elevated onboard experiences — and this Dutch surprise was one for the books!”

said Haydn Henning, Brand Manager at LIFT.

“South Africa is an incredibly important market for us. This partnership with LIFT allowed us to engage local travellers in a playful, immersive way, while giving them a sneak peek of KLM’s signature charm and hospitality.”

Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France-KLM, echoed the sentiment:

KLM continues to offer daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Amsterdam, providing seamless access to over 160 global destinations. Meanwhile, LIFT connects South Africans with style and convenience across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

Ready to experience the world, the Dutch way? Visit www.klm.co.za for international bookings and www.lift.co.za for local travel that lifts your expectations.