KLM to acquire 50 Airbus A350 aircraft to expedite upgrade
What you need to know:
- These aircraft will be deployed on intercontinental flights from 2026, replacing KLM's Boeing 777-200ERs, Airbus A330-200s, and Airbus A330-300s.
Dutch airliner KLM is replacing older generation long-haul aircraft with new Airbus A350s, which are designed to burn less fuel and make less noise.
In a statement, the airline revealed that it has signed an agreement with Airbus for a total of 50 Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft. These aircraft will be deployed on intercontinental flights from 2026, replacing KLM's Boeing 777-200ERs, Airbus A330-200s, and Airbus A330-300s.
The Airbus A350 is the most fuel-efficient and silent aircraft of its generation. It has a wide body and substantial benefits in terms of reducing CO2 emissions and noise impact.
KLM expects to make its fleet significantly cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient with the A350s. This is important because the airline is committed to becoming more sustainable. Additionally, the new aircraft will offer passengers more service and comfort on intercontinental flights.
The 50 aircraft have been ordered and will be allocated between KLM and Air France according to local market dynamics and regulatory conditions.
In addition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other operational innovations and efficiency gains, the A350s will significantly contribute to making KLM's operations cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient.
KLM is part of the Air France–KLM Group and a member of the global SkyTeam Alliance. It connects the Netherlands with all of the world's key economic regions and is a powerful engine driving the Dutch economy
