For years, many passengers traveling on KLM flights were unaware that the co-pilot sitting in the cockpit was actually the King of the Netherlands. King Willem-Alexander has quietly served as a guest co-pilot for KLM since the 1990s, flying under the alias “Meneer van Buren” (Mr. van Buren).
The Dutch monarch initially operated Fokker 70 aircraft for KLM Cityhopper before transitioning to the Boeing 737 following the retirement of the Fokker fleet. After completing Boeing 737 training in 2017, he continued flying the aircraft across KLM’s European network for nearly nine years, balancing his royal duties with his passion for aviation.
On March 11, 2026, King Willem-Alexander completed his final scheduled flight aboard a KLM Boeing 737. The milestone comes as KLM moves forward with its €7 billion fleet modernization program, gradually replacing older Boeing 737NG aircraft with the more fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo.
Despite ending his Boeing 737 chapter, the King has no plans to leave the cockpit. He is expected to begin training on the Airbus A321neo and continue flying for the Dutch flag carrier. Holding a valid Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), the 59-year-old monarch can continue operating commercial aircraft until the age of 65. Reflecting on his aviation career, he said he intends to keep flying as long as he is healthy, permitted, and continues to enjoy it.
