Aviodrome Aviation Museum opens new exhibition with christening of historic aircraft

Aviodrome Aviation Museum's new acquisition, a De Havilland DH.9, was christened with champagne on Thursday evening, October 10. This baptism marks the opening of the completely new exhibition of Aviodrome Aviation Museum. Accompanied by Radio2 DJ, and aircraft enthusiast, Wouter van der Goes, earlier in the evening Dirk Lips, General Director Libéma, opened the largest and most interactive permanent exhibition on 100 years of civil aviation in the Netherlands.

De Havilland DH.9

De Havilland DH.9 was a first-of-its-kind aircraft in KLM's fleet. The very special aircraft was originally a bomber, which was converted to a passenger plane. In addition to the pilot, the plane could carry two passengers and some mail. Passengers were dressed with thick leather jackets and were given a stew because of the open cockpit. Dick Jansen, KLM Corporative Archivist and one of the compilers of the bookWelcome Aboard, A Century of KLM,had the honor of christening the replica fully in keeping with tradition with champagne. The first parts arrived from the United States in November 2016, after which the construction of the DH.9 took more than two years. "Now that the DH.9 is ready, it will soon have its place in the new exhibition. This completes the permanent exhibition." said Serena van Kammen, General Manager Aviodrome.

The story behind the steel

The new exhibition is a chronological display of various highlights of 100 years of aviation history. Important developments and pioneering Dutch heroes are shown to the public in a special way. Aviodrome Aviation Museum offers new interactive experiences for young and old and tells the story behind the steel. In addition, there is more than enough depth for the real enthusiasts.

100 years of civil aviation

2019 is an important anniversary year for Dutch aviation. It is exactly 100 years since the opening of the Fokker factories. It is 100 years since the Rijksstudiedienst voor de Luchtvaart (RSL), now the Dutch Air and Space Center (NLR), was founded. And this week marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of KLM, the oldest airline in the world still operating under the same name. That is why Aviodrome has chosen this year to open a new permanent exhibition on 100 years of civil aviation.

Made possible in part by

A team of committed staff, volunteers and organizations helped to realize a wonderful exhibition in a relatively short time. The Bankgiroloterij, the Mondriaan Fund and KLM helped to make it financially possible.