Willem-Alexander has officially completed his final flight aboard PH-GOV, the Dutch government’s Boeing 737-700 Business Jet (BBJ), during a journey from Venice to Amsterdam. The flight marked the end of an era for the royal pilot, who has long maintained a strong personal connection with aviation.
Known for his passion for flying, King Willem-Alexander has regularly operated government and commercial aircraft over the years while balancing royal duties. His final flight with the Boeing 737-700 comes as the Netherlands prepares to modernize its government fleet with the more fuel-efficient Airbus A321neo.
The Dutch King is now reportedly retraining to qualify on the Airbus A32neo family, allowing him to continue flying the country’s new state aircraft in the future. Aviation enthusiasts have praised the monarch’s dedication to maintaining his pilot skills despite his demanding royal responsibilities.
The transition also reflects the broader aviation industry’s shift toward newer-generation aircraft focused on improved efficiency, lower emissions, and enhanced operational performance. For many aviation followers, the King’s continued involvement in flying remains one of the most unique aspects of Europe’s modern monarchies.