Open Jaw's Nina Slawek (2nd from left) poses with KLM's Vesna Pirovic; Karan Deswal, Director, Stations & Christina Wendland-Steward, Deputy Station Manager
First Officer, Nina, gets to sit jumpseat
The crowd awaits the incoming aircraft
Giveaways are always popular
Last Monday morning, in response to, “Did you have a good weekend?” I was in the unique position of being able to respond, “Why yes, actually. My private chauffeured KLM Airbus picked me up and whisked me to the Pearson Airport street party.”
Pearson Airport puts on a yearly do to allow the public access to airline staff, sercurity personnel and enormous maintenance equipment that keeps the airport running through rain, sleet or snow.
My promised whisk to the event was more like an exciting slow tug, with me and the KLM YYZ crew the only passengers in the plane. As the aircraft took its position, the greeting by the throngs was spectacular. I waved my best regal wave, but all eyes and lenses were on the big blue bird. Airplane paparazzi have no interest in groupies.
The shiny new airport fire trucks on display, the gigantic excavators, and even the de-icing liquid demo were abandoned in favour of KLM. Line ups at their booth were so disruptive, the stand had to be moved to a position outside the main tent. Giveaways were snapped up faster than you can say “Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij.”
Please note, although I worked for the blue team in the good old days, I am not in the least bit biased ...well, perhaps a little. On occasion, the KLM Pantone Blue #299 still flows through my veins. What can I say? They let me sit in the jump seat.
Now that's a nose!
