KLM on Friday took delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, a type it will use to replace part of its current intercontinental fleet.
The aircraft, which arrived via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, is nicknamed “The Night Watch,” after a famous Rembrandt painting. It is the first A350 allocated to KLM from a 50-unit order placed by parent company Air France-KLM in 2023. The conglomerate plans to divide the jets between KLM and Air France based on operational needs and has not said exactly how many each carrier will get.
At KLM, the A350 will gradually replace the A330 and Boeing 777.
“This is an important milestone for KLM and for the Netherlands,” Marjan Rintel, president and CEO of KLM, said in a news release. “Fleet renewal is one of the most effective ways we can make our operations cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient. We already have 17 A321neos flying on our European routes, and with the arrival of the A350, we’re taking the next step in renewing our intercontinental fleet.”
“Night Watch” will enter service in a few weeks with a flight to Toronto, the carrier said. Flights to Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and Zanzibar will follow.
KLM’s A350s seat 331 passengers in a three-class layout, with 34 Business Class suites, 26 Premium Comfort seats, and 271 Economy seats. Its “Airspace” cabin offers larger luggage capacity, ambient lighting, and high-speed satellite internet service.
KLM said it is investing €7 billion, or $7.8 billion, in its fleet renewal, which is largely built around the A350, the A350F, Embraer’s E2 fleet, and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
