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Martinair – Flight and Travel Information

Martinair is a low-cost carrier based in the Netherlands, which uses Amsterdam's world famous Schiphol Airport as its principle hub.

Operating both scheduled and charter flights, Martinair boasts a long and proud history of passenger service stretching back over fifty years.

The airline was founded in 1958, by the Dutch aviation pioneer Martin Schroeder. Initially the airline had a staff of five, operating a single aircraft and flying passengers on round trips above Amsterdam.

Martinair, which at that time was known as Martin's Air Charters, or MAC, operated occasional charter flights to other Dutch cities and soon found itself flying internationally as well, operating its first overseas service to Palma in Majorca.

The airline entered the 60s continuing its ad-hoc business model, flying passengers and cargo around Europe for tour operators.

It also embarked on a number of humanitarian missions, ferrying Tibetan refugees to the safety of Switzerland and carrying food air to famine-struck Biafra.

As the decade went on, Martinair purchased its first jet aircraft, including DC-8s and DC-9s and the company, in its own words "literally took-off".

Soon the airline was flying the Dutch Royal Family and international football teams around Europe and when it was granted landing rights for the US at the end of the decade Martinair began carrying passengers across the Atlantic as well.

During the 1970s Martinair continued to grow organically, again answering calls from those in need by offering Red Cross flights for the disadvantaged and sponsoring the Red Cross' boat.

The young airline also changed its name from MAC to Martinair, as it moved to get rid of the last of its propeller-powered airplanes.

Martinair acquired newer and more efficient jets throughout the 80s and 90s, with the Boeing 767 in particular offering the airline the ability to operate flights to the Caribbean and a Boeing 747 cargo being purchased to cope with the rising demand for air freight.

In 1998 the airline said goodbye to its founder and principal shareholder, as Martin Schroeder withdrew from active service after 40 years of watching his brainchild grow and expand.

But while Mr Schroeder's direct involvement stopped there, Martinair continued to grow and it celebrated its 50th birthday last year.

Today, Martinair is known for its good value airfares and operates scheduled flights to the far East, the Caribbean, Central America, the US and Canada via Amsterdam.

More than two million passengers each year take advantage of the cheap flights from its Schiphol hub in the Netherlands to sunny destinations.

Martinair prides itself on friendly and personal service during its flights, with courteous, well-trained staff, as well as providing the latest movies and excellent food on board to enhance the customer experience.

It is also offers a great package to keep kids occupied during the entire flight, featuring a free toy or game, access to the fun programmes on the Children's Channel on the in-flight radio and a children's meal plan including favourites such as macaroni cheese and mini pancakes.

Aiming to offer great value for money and cheap airfares as well as a high standard of service, it is not surprising that Martinair appeals to a wide range of people.

The company's fleet consists of 19 wide-bodied aircraft, including Boeing 747s, Boeing 767s, MD-11s and Airbus 320s, which are professionally maintained at Martinair's Amsterdam base.

As well as its passenger flights, Martinair operates a successful cargo business and is the 15th largest cargo carrier in the world.

The service on board Martinair offers all-inclusive convenience and clarity before you step aboard. Martinair hope you'll enjoy the delicious, complete, and complementary meals.

Those with a preference for vegetarian meals can order ahead of the flight. All-inclusive means complementary wine and beer as an aperitif and during dinner as well as free coffee, tea and soft drinks throughout the flight.

This is certainly a far cry from the single thermos flasks and sandwiches enjoyed by the passengers on Martinair's first international flight to Majorca.

But just as air travel and levels of passenger service have developed immeasurably over the past 50 years, so has Martinair. The airline has moved with the times and its boldly painted red and white striped aircraft are still a symbol of airline excellence to this day.

If you want the very cheapest airfares that Martinair can offer, be sure to book through Major Travel.