King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands is a part-time KLM co-pilot
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has been working as a co-pilot for KLM, the Dutch national airline, since the mid-1990s. He flies at least twice a month to maintain his flying license, though he does not fly frequently. Initially, he flew as a co-pilot on the Fokker 70 aircraft. After the Fokker 70s were retired, he transitioned to flying the Boeing 737. Currently, as KLM phases out its Boeing 737 fleet and introduces the Airbus A321neo, King Willem-Alexander is undergoing conversion training for the new aircraft. This role was kept largely private until 2017, when the King revealed his co-pilot duties in an interview. He has mentioned that he is rarely recognized in his KLM uniform and cap, although passengers might occasionally recognize his voice during onboard announcements. Despite being over 58 years old, the retirement age for KLM pilots, he continues to fly, a privilege attributed to his position as monarch. Passengers flying with KLM might unknowingly have the King of the Netherlands in the right-hand seat of the cockpit if the captain's welcome does not include the pilot's name.
The revelation of King Willem-Alexander's continued role as a part-time co-pilot for KLM, even past the official retirement age for pilots, highlights a unique intersection of royal duty and professional aviation. This practice, maintained discreetly for years, offers a perspective on how public figures can engage in specialized professions while fulfilling sovereign responsibilities. The King's commitment to maintaining his flying license suggests a dedication to the craft and a desire to remain active in a field he has pursued since before ascending the throne. This situation prompts consideration of how individuals in positions of immense privilege can maintain tangible professional skills and whether such dual roles, while potentially enriching for the individual, could raise questions about equity or the perception of special treatment within regulated industries like commercial aviation. The airline's accommodation of his continued service, particularly during fleet transitions, underscores a complex relationship between the monarchy and a key national institution.
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