KLM’s First Airbus A350 Arrives at Schiphol
KLM’s first Airbus A350-900 landed at Schiphol today, marking the next step in the renewal of its intercontinental fleet. The A350 is cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient, while offering passengers greater comfort during their journey. In a few weeks, the aircraft will make its first flight with Toronto as its first destination. Flights to Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi, and Zanzibar will follow.
Marjan Rintel, President & CEO of KLM: “We’re delighted to welcome our first A350 to Schiphol. This is an important milestone for KLM and for the Netherlands. 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. That means more comfort for our passengers, while also reducing our impact on our surroundings.”
Dutch Masterpieces Inspire Aircraft Names
For more than a century, KLM has connected the Netherlands with the rest of the world The airline has chosen well-known Dutch works of art as the inspiration for the names of its Airbus A350 aircraft. The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn is an iconic work of art and perhaps the Netherlands’ best-known masterpiece, attracting visitors from around the world to the Rijksmuseum. The first A350 carries a name that is deeply rooted in Dutch culture and instantly recognizable around the world. The second aircraft will be named Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Quieter and More Comfortable
Over the coming years, the Airbus A350 will replace part of KLM’s current intercontinental fleet. The aircraft uses approximately 25% less fuel than previous-generation aircraft. Its noise footprint is also approximately 40% smaller, meaning that people living near airports experience less noise from aircraft taking off and landing. For passengers, the A350 offers a new level of comfort, with one of the quietest cabins in its class and an improved onboard environment.
Certification of World Business Class Seats
The A350 has 331 seats: 271 in Economy Class, 26 in Premium Comfort Class, and 34 in World Business Class (WBC). EASA has now approved the test results for the WBC seats, allowing the certification process to begin.
Fleet Renewal
KLM is investing €7 billion in fleet renewal. In addition to the Airbus A350 for intercontinental routes and the A350F for cargo operations, the fleet renewal program includes the Airbus A321neo, the Embraer E2 fleet operated by KLM Cityhopper, and Boeing 787 aircraft.
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