Parts of the DH-9, KLM's first aircraft, arrived at Aviation Theme Park Aviodrome

All the way from the United States, a container with very special contents arrived today at Aviation Theme Park Aviodrome. Inside the container are newly built wings and tail parts and an original undercarriage of the DH-9. This type was the first passenger aircraft owned by KLM.

The parts that arrived at Aviodrome were built in the United States by the Cradle of Aviation Museum on behalf of the Stichting Replicabouw DH-9. Aviodrome recently took over this project and will complete the aircraft over the next two years. Once the fuselage of the aircraft is built, all parts will be assembled and the DH-9 will be complete.

Converted bomber
"This is a really special aircraft, a converted bomber in which two passengers and some mail could fly along. With thick leather jackets on, because of the open cockpit. This model symbolizes the transition from World War I to the beginning of civil aviation. And of course it is very special for us to present the real beginning of KLM with this aircraft," says Raymond Oostergo, Aviodrome collection manager. "From 2019, the DH-9 will be an important part of the new exhibition at Aviodrome during the anniversary year, which includes 100 years of KLM."

Photo above: the DH-9 at Schiphol Airport (1921). (credit: KLM/MAI)