The Buzz Operation

G BSNR BAe 146 – 300. Dusseldorf July 2001

Buzz was formed as a sub brand to KLMUK to compete with other low cost airlines such as Easyjet, Go Fly and Ryanair. Buzz commenced operations on the 04th January 2000. Photo Paul Spijkers.

G UKHP BAe 146 – 300. Marseille February 2001

Buzz started with eight BAe 146 aircraft transferred from KLMUK many of the routes were also transferred to Buzz, but the feeder routes into Amsterdam were retained by KLMUK, and they were later transferred to KLM City hopper. Photo Eduard Marmet.

G UKID BAe 146 – 300. Dusseldorf July 2002

Buzz unlike other low cost operators flew from London Stansted to the main city airports like Dusseldorf and Frankfurt, trying to attract the high yield business traffic. Despite contrary industry predictions KLMs no-frills venture proved successful with revenue up by 50% in the six months to September 2001, bucking the worldwide downturn following the US September 11 tragedy. Photo Paul Spijkers.

G BTTP BAe 146 – 300. Dusseldorf May 2002

Although buzz seemed well placed to capitalise on the promising 2001 results, after three years of continuing losses KLM lost patience and on the 31st of January 2003 KLM announced its intention to sell Buzz to Ryanair, this was complete by 10 April 2003, Ryanair took over all the leased Boeing 737s and the four sub leased BAe 146 aircraft from KLM. Photo Udo Haafke.

G BZZE Boeing 737 – 3Q8. Prestwick February 2004

Buzz operated a total of ten Boeing 737 – 300 aircraft. The aircraft pictured here is operating a Stansted Prestwick flight, getting away from the original Buzz intention of operating to the main line airports. Photo Alastair T. Gardiner.

G BZZF Boeing 737 – 3Q8 Frankfurt February 2003

In the September of 2004 Ryanair decided to close the Buzz Stansted operation and flying ceased on 31st October 2004. Photo Sven Pipjorke.