These days, any operations control center worth of that name has software that can determine what are the prime candidates for cancellations if such actions become necessary. The airline can set up its own parameters in this software.

Obviously expected loads for the entire flight pair to be operated plays a major role. Further, there is the availability of alternative travel arrangements for stranded passengers and priority cargo. The relative amount of premium traffic may also play a role. Then there are crew related issues and a number of operational factors pertaining to the stabilizing of irregular operations in the shortest possible amount of time.

As to the KLM Longhaul Operation, likely candidates for cancellation are:

For the B747 network:

PVG - KLM operates twice daily flights there, loads have not been overwhelming and in case the combined loads do not fit one aircraft, a substitution to a full pax 747 is possible. On top of that, AF has twice daily flights to PVG.

ICN - loads, for sure in winter, are lower that average. Also, ICN is not a high yielding destination and AF/KE operate twice daily CDG ICN flights.

HKG - loads are sometimes low and AF operates twice daily CDG HKG, one of which is never full.

ORD - KLM's weakest North American destination. Flights rarely go out full.


For the MD11 network:

JRO/DAR - loads have been pretty low of late and KLM can route passengers through its twice daily AMS NBO flights.