Air France-KLM Plans to Order 50 Airbus A350 Jets to Replace Older A330s and 777s

Air France-KLM has made a substantial commitment by announcing on Sep. 25 its plan to purchase 50 Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft, with options for an additional 40 planes. This order encompasses both the smaller and larger variants of the A350, accommodating passenger capacities ranging from 300 to 400 passengers.

The delivery of these new aircraft is scheduled to commence in 2026, continuing through to 2030. Notably, this order provides Air France-KLM with the flexibility to distribute the aircraft among its portfolio of airlines based on market dynamics and local regulatory conditions.

This additional order supplements Air France-KLM’s existing order for 41 Airbus A350-900s, of which 22 have already been delivered to Air France. Consequently, Air France-KLM is set to become the world’s largest operator of Airbus A350 family aircraft.

Air France-KLM plans to replace its older Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 planes with the new Airbus A350 jets. In the Air France Group retired from the fleet three 777-200ERs, and took delivery of seven new A350-900s in its long-haul fleet.

In the coming years, Air France-KLM’s fleet modernization plan will manifest through the sustained expansion of the Boeing 787 and Embraer E195-E2 fleets at KLM, alongside the growth of the Airbus A350-900 and A220-300 fleets at Air France. Concurrently, Transavia (France and the Netherlands) will undergo fleet rejuvenation, incorporating A320neo and A321neo aircraft to align with the burgeoning demands of the leisure sector market.

The Air France Group will continue to invest substantial sums in the renewal of its cabins, as is currently for its Boeing 777-300ERs and the introduction of the Premium Economy class for KLM’s long-haul fleet, as well as the on-board satellite connectivity, to offer a WiFi connection to its customers during flights.

The Airbus A350 represents a state-of-the-art aircraft, renowned for its exceptional fuel efficiency, noise reduction capabilities, and reduced carbon emissions. It plays a pivotal role in helping Air France-KLM achieve ambitious sustainability goals, including a targeted 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer by 2030.

Furthermore, the Airbus A350 provides Air France-KLM with a competitive edge, offering passengers a superior flying experience with spacious cabins, expansive windows, mood-enhancing lighting, and advanced entertainment systems. Additionally, it will facilitate the expansion of the group’s network, enabling the introduction of more destinations and flight frequencies.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, skift.com, bloomberg.com