Unique Retro-Style Transavia Airbus Landed at Schiphol

To mark Transavia’s 60th anniversary, a special aircraft arrived at Schiphol. The retro Airbus pays tribute to Transavia’s early years. In June 1966, founder John Block asked designer Thijs Postma to create a distinctive livery for the three DC-6 aircraft that made up the fleet at the time. Within 15 minutes, Postma sketched an iconic green-and-black design featuring the signature ‘T’ on the tail. By Friday, the design was finished; by Sunday, it was already painted on the aircraft.

Following its arrival, the aircraft will make a special taxi-run across the airport before parking at stand D2. The event can be clearly viewed from the Panorama Terrace by anyone who wants to witness this special moment.

Marcel de Nooijer, CEO of Transavia: “This retro Airbus proudly reflects where Transavia comes from—and where we’re headed: forward, with ambition and a focus on sustainability. For 60 years, our mission has been to make air travel accessible to everyone. Each year, over 9 million passengers travel with Transavia—often for holidays or to visit family abroad. And we will continue to do so—today, tomorrow, and in the future.”

A new generation of aircraft

This retro Airbus not only celebrates the anniversary—it also symbolizes the next step in Transavia’s fleet renewal. All Boeing 737s will gradually be replaced by quieter and more fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft. The full fleet transition will be completed by 2031. The decision to switch to Airbus was driven by its innovative technology, reduced noise levels, lower fuel consumption, and decreased CO₂ emissions.

Arrival at Schiphol

The aircraft departed from Hamburg Finkenwerder Airport at 2:00 PM and landed at Schiphol around 3:00 PM. The flight number is HV1965 – a reference to the year Transavia was founded. Designer Thijs Postma, now 92 years old, will be present to witness how his original design has been brought to life on today’s modern technology.

Faro as the first destination

The aircraft is ready for commercial operations this summer season. Tomorrow at 6:20 PM, it will depart on flight HV5357 with holidaymakers to the popular destination Faro. Later that evening, it will return to Schiphol as flight HV5358.

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