KLM Cargo Boeing 747-406F(ER) PH-CKC Overnight at Curaçao After Engine Delivery to Stranded KLM A330 in Bonaire
October 2nd, 2026 brought a large and unexpected visitor to Curaçao: A KLM Cargo Boeing 747-406F(ER).
PH-CKC, operated by Martinair as flight MP 6151, departed Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport (AMS/EHAM) earlier that day bound for Bonaire Flamingo International Airport (BON/TNCB). The unusual flight carried a spare engine and needed support equipment for KLM Airbus A330-203 PH-AOC which had been stranded on the small Caribbean island since September 21st, 2026.
Boeing 747s are rare visitors to the Dutch Caribbean islands these days and even more so in Bonaire, thus the aircraft arrived to massive crowds along the fence next to runway 10. 90 minutes later, with its cargo unloaded, PH-CKC made a short nighttime flight to TNCC. Light on fuel and cargo, the jet came to a stop quickly on runway 11 and exited on taxiway Delta, a rare occurrence for an aircraft this size.
PH-CKC departed Curaçao for EHAM just after 2pm on October 3rd as flight MP 6152. Without any cargo on board the freighter wasted no time getting airborne, with the main landing gear off the runway before taxiway Charlie.
Founded in 1958 as Martin’s Air Charter, the company has operated both cargo and passenger flights using several aircraft types throughout the years. KLM became the majority shareholder in 1963, buying the 51% owned by founder Martin Schröder. In December 2008, KLM became the sole shareholder.
In November 2007, Martinair ceased all short-haul passenger operations, deciding to focus on its cargo and international business. This would be followed in 2011 by the end of all Martinair passenger services with the final flight taking place on October 31st, 2011. The aircraft for this flight, Boeing 767-300(ER) PH-MCL, had the word “Bedankt” (meaning “Thank you”, in Dutch) displayed in large letters on the fuselage and carried a special passenger, founder Martin Schröder.
