In September 2023, Air France-KLM executed a notable action in its long-term plan for fleet renewal by placing an additional order for up to 90 Airbus A350s, which includes 50 firm orders and 40 options. This move signifies a strategic change for KLM, which had previously concentrated its wide-body fleet renewal efforts on Boeing 787s, while Air France had already been utilizing Airbus A350s.
KLM is anticipated to take delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 in August 2026, aiming to have all 22 aircraft received by 2030. The first commercial flight is planned for September 2026, operating on the Amsterdam to Toronto route. These planes will mainly replace KLM’s Airbus A330s and, eventually, a portion of Boeing 777s.
The A350s will offer a total of 331 seats divided among three cabins: 34 business class seats, 26 premium economy seats, 33 extra legroom economy seats, and 238 standard economy seats. This setup indicates a capacity boost compared to the aircraft they are set to replace, in line with Schiphol’s slot management by deploying higher capacity aircraft.
KLM’s A350s will feature a fresh naming theme inspired by renowned Dutch artworks, with the first aircraft titled “The Night Watch” in homage to Rembrandt’s painting. Nonetheless, there is a delay in the certification of the World Business Class seats due to updated regulatory interpretations, impacting the availability of these seats on the first two aircraft.
Despite this obstacle, KLM’s A350s are projected to deliver a modernized travel experience, with business class seats akin to those on Air France’s A350s. The airline remains upfront about the certification challenge and is working diligently to address it swiftly. This fleet renewal signifies a crucial advancement for KLM, bolstering its long-haul capabilities and enhancing the passenger experience.