Transavia has established itself as a significant player in the European low-cost airline market, offering affordable flights to popular leisure destinations across Europe and North Africa. As a wholly owned subsidiary of KLM and part of the Air France-KLM group, Transavia combines the reliability of a major airline group with the agility and pricing strategy of a budget carrier.
History
Transavia’s story began in 1966 when American entrepreneur Chalmers “Slick” Goodlin and Captain Pete Holmes launched a new charter airline in the Netherlands. After obtaining the necessary operating licenses, Transavia Holland completed its first commercial flight on November 16, 1966, flying from Amsterdam to Naples and back with the Dutch Ballet Orchestra and Dutch Dance Theatre on board.
The airline expanded quickly, adding Sud Caravelle twin-jet airliners to its fleet in 1969. By 1976, just ten years after its founding, Transavia had captured 45% of the Dutch holiday market, becoming a major competitor to Martinair. In 1986, the company rebranded as Transavia Airlines and made history by becoming the first airline to take advantage of the open skies agreement between the UK and Dutch governments, launching scheduled service between Amsterdam and London Gatwick.
KLM acquired an 80% stake in Transavia in 1991, and the airline formally became part of the Air France-KLM group in 2004 following the merger of the two national carriers. Transavia France was established in 2006 as a sister company, extending the brand’s reach into the French market. The airline briefly operated as transavia.com to emphasize its online booking capabilities before returning to the simpler Transavia name with a refreshed visual identity in 2015.
Quick Facts
- Founded: November 14, 1966
- Headquarters: TransPort Building, Schiphol East, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
- Parent Company: KLM (part of Air France-KLM group)
- Business Model: Low-cost carrier
- IATA/ICAO Codes: HV/TRA
- Callsign: TRANSAVIA
- Employees: Approximately 2,000
- Annual Passengers: Over 10 million (pre-pandemic)
- Sister Company: Transavia France
- Website: transavia.com
Fleet
Transavia has traditionally operated a Boeing fleet, with the 737 series as its primary aircraft. However, the airline is currently in a significant transition phase as it modernizes its fleet.
The current fleet consists of:
- Boeing 737-800: The backbone of Transavia’s operations, configured to seat 189 passengers in a single-class layout.
- Boeing 737-700: A smaller number of these aircraft serve routes with lower demand, seating approximately 149 passengers.
- Airbus A321neo: Representing a significant shift in fleet strategy, Transavia received its first A321neo in December 2023. These modern aircraft offer seating for up to 232 passengers with improved fuel efficiency and range.
A major fleet transformation began in December 2021 when Air France-KLM placed an order for 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft with 60 additional options. This marked Transavia’s transition from Boeing to more fuel-efficient Airbus aircraft. By April 2025, nine Airbus A321neo aircraft had joined the fleet, with more deliveries scheduled as the airline gradually phases out older Boeing models.
Hubs and Network
Transavia operates from three main bases in the Netherlands:
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS): Main hub and headquarters
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM): Strategic secondary base
- Eindhoven Airport (EIN): Important base in the southern Netherlands
The airline serves more than 100 destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, primarily focusing on leisure routes to popular vacation spots such as:
- Spain: Barcelona, Ibiza, Malaga, and the Canary Islands
- Italy: Rome, Milan, Venice, Sicily, and Sardinia
- Greece: Athens, Crete, Rhodes, and numerous Greek islands
- Portugal: Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Madeira
- Morocco: Marrakech, Agadir, and other North African destinations
- Turkey: Istanbul, Antalya, and other Turkish resort areas
In total, Transavia operates approximately 150 routes across its network, with a clear focus on destinations with strong leisure demand, particularly sunny Mediterranean locations popular with Dutch and European holidaymakers.
Contact Information
Customer Service (Netherlands):
- Phone: +31 (0)20 406 0406
- International: Check local numbers on website for specific countries
- Online Contact Form: Available through the website
Head Office: Transavia Airlines C.V. TransPort Building Schiphol Boulevard 105 1118 BG Schiphol Netherlands
Social Media:
- Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram: @transavia
- LinkedIn: @transavia
Business Inquiries:
- Email: business@transavia.com
Group Bookings:
- Email: groups@transavia.com
- Phone: +31 (0)20 406 0440
Future of Transavia
Transavia is undergoing a significant strategic evolution that will shape its operations in the coming years:
Fleet Renewal
The most notable change is Transavia’s fleet transformation from Boeing to Airbus aircraft. This renewal brings multiple benefits:
- Increased Capacity: The A321neo offers up to 232 seats compared to the 189-seat Boeing 737-800
- Improved Efficiency: New generation aircraft provide approximately 15% lower fuel consumption
- Extended Range: Enhanced capabilities allow Transavia to consider new, longer routes
By the summer of 2025, Transavia aims to have phased out a significant portion of its older Boeing fleet in favor of new Airbus aircraft.
Network Expansion
With its modernized fleet, Transavia plans to:
- Add New Destinations: The increased range of the A321neo opens possibilities for routes deeper into Eastern Europe, North Africa, and potentially the Middle East
- Increase Frequencies: More frequent connections on popular routes
- Extend Seasonal Service: Some currently seasonal destinations may become year-round
While continuing to focus on leisure destinations in the Mediterranean region, the airline is also evaluating opportunities to strengthen its presence on certain city pairs with business travel potential.
Sustainability Initiatives
Environmental responsibility has become increasingly central to Transavia’s strategy:
- Fleet Modernization: New Airbus aircraft will significantly reduce CO2 emissions per passenger
- Operational Efficiency: Optimized flight planning and other measures to reduce fuel consumption
- Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Gradual increase in the use of sustainable aviation fuels
- Weight Reduction: Efforts to reduce onboard weight through lighter materials and digitalization
Transavia is aligning with the Air France-KLM group’s sustainability roadmap and the industry’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Digital Transformation
Transavia continues to invest in digital technology to enhance customer experience:
- Mobile Application: Improved app for seamless booking, check-in, and travel management
- Personalization: More targeted offerings based on customer preferences
- Expanded Services: Additional offerings through Transavia Holidays including accommodations, car rentals, and activities at destinations
As the airline industry recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Transavia is well-positioned for growth with its modernized fleet, established brand, and the backing of the Air France-KLM group. The coming years will likely see this Dutch carrier strengthen its position in the competitive European low-cost airline market while expanding its footprint across a wider range of destinations.
Keyword: TopAirlines