House Beautiful

KLM's latest Delft artifact celebrates Dutch-American friendship

- STORY BY RAMSEY QUBEIN

KLM ROYAL DUTCH Airlines, the world's oldest airline still flying under its original name, marked its 106th birthday in grand yet characteristically Dutch fashion—by unveiling a tiny new Delft Blue house.

This year’s collectible, Villa Rameau, celebrates history, transatlantic friendship and the spirit of Thanksgiving all in one porcelain pour.

Since the 1950s, KLM has introduced a new Delft miniature each anniversary, gifting it to World Business Class passengers on long-haul flights. These blue and white genever-filled houses are prized by frequent flyers—so much so that collectors plan their trips around adding the latest design.