KLM Takes Delivery of Its First Airbus Jet Since 2014

The airline is pivoting its narrowbody fleet strategy away from Boeing.

KLM takes delivery of its first A321neo (Photo: KLM)

[ Aircraft Orders and Deliveries ]August 27, 2024 2:26 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

KLM took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the airline’s narrowbody fleet renewal effort. The Dutch flag carrier plans to begin service with the new aircraft in mid-September.

The A321neo, equipped with new engines that offer improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise emissions, is expected to contribute to KLM’s sustainability goals. The aircraft will begin serving several European destinations, including Berlin, Stockholm, and Copenhagen.

“I’ve been looking forward to this with great anticipation,” said Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM, in a press release. “The arrival of the first A321neo marks the start of replacing our Boeing 737 fleet. The A321neo produces less noise and CO2 and therefore contributes significantly to a cleaner, quieter future. It also offers more comfort. I am looking forward to see how our passengers will experience the new aircraft.”

KLM takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo (Photo: KLM)

The airline’s wholly-owned low-cost subsidiary Transavia took delivery of its first A321neo in December 2023. According to planespotters.net data, KLM itself has not taken delivery of a new Airbus aircraft in nearly 10 years with the most recent being an A330-300 in December 2014.

In addition to its environmental benefits, KLM’s A321neo fleet features enhanced onboard amenities, including wider seats, larger tray tables, and more spacious luggage bins. Passengers will also have access to USB-C ports and a holder for their mobile devices.

KLM has chosen to name its A321neo aircraft after butterflies, reflecting the carrier’s fleet transformation. The first four aircraft will be named Swallowtail, Peach Blossom, Common Brimstone, and Clouded Magpie.

Over the next several years, KLM says it will be investing seven billion euros in its fleet renewal program. This investment will see the airline replace its older Boeing 737-800s with Airbus A320 and A321neo series aircraft on European routes. For intercontinental flights, KLM will be adding new Boeing 787-10s and Airbus A350s.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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