KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has unveiled an updated orange-colored Boeing 777-300 in a nod to the airline’s proud Dutch heritage that now also features elements of the Dutch national flag.
The aircraft used as the canvas for the revised scheme is one of the airline’s 31-strong fleet of Boeing 777-300s, registered PH-BVA and named “Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe.” The aircraft is also known by its nickname, “Orange Pride.”
The modified color scheme is a refresh over the original orange pride scheme that was first revealed in 2016. Along the side of the aircraft’s fuselage, the familiar KLM blue remains combined with bright orange. However, as a new addition to the original Orange Pride scheme, the transition between the two predominant colors features a broad new sweep that comprises the main aspects of the Dutch flag, namely a sash of navy and red.
According to the airline, the combination emphasizes KLM’s Dutch roots and the carrier’s pride in the national colors of the Netherlands.
The introduction of the special aircraft was initially prompted by a social media post that KLM published on King’s Day 2015. In that post, KLM social media followers were presented with an impression of an orange aircraft, along with the question, “Should we color orange next year on King’s Day?”. Following the airline receiving 30,000 likes and 2,500 positive responses, the original scheme was unveiled in June 2016 before its latest refresh and modification, carried out in Malta in November 2023.
KLM will deploy its new Orange Pride Boeing 777 on routine flights across its network. The airline also advises that it will be deployed wherever possible at events that offer opportunities to promote the Netherlands.
335 liters of paint were used to spray the aircraft orange, transitioning into the national flag colors and then into KLM’s distinctive blue. According to the airline, it took a team of 35 people four days to spray on the orange livery.
The process of updating the livery into its revised design took less time than the original Orange Pride scheme. KLM said that the multiple layers of paint required to produce the ombré effect between the orange and blue on the previous incarnation were eradicated with the new sash being applied instead.
PH-BVA is a Boeing 777-306ER and was first delivered from Boeing to KLM in February 2008, making the aircraft 15.8 years old. The aircraft is currently configured in a three-class configuration featuring 35 business class seats, 24 in premium economy and 322 in economy.