KLM Set to Launch A321neo Operations in Late August 2024 with Flights to Key European Destinations

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL, Amsterdam Schiphol) is gearing up to introduce its Airbus A321-200neo aircraft into service in late August 2024. The Dutch flag carrier has announced plans to deploy its first A321neo from Amsterdam Schiphol to key European destinations including Stockholm Arlanda, Berlin Brandenburg International, and Copenhagen Kastrup. This update comes from the local aviation news site Luchtvaartnieuws.nl.

Following the inaugural A321neo flight, KLM’s second aircraft of this type is scheduled to commence operations on October 7, 2024. This aircraft will serve routes to London Heathrow, Edinburgh, and Paris Charles de Gaulle. Each of these A321neo jets will be configured to accommodate up to 227 passengers, offering enhanced comfort and efficiency.

KLM will become the third airline within the Air France-KLM group to incorporate the A320neo Family aircraft into its fleet. This follows the earlier introduction of the A321neo and A320-200neo to the group’s low-cost carriers, Transavia Airlines and Transavia France, which received their first units in late December 2023 and early January 2024, respectively.

The delivery of these aircraft has experienced delays of up to six months from the initially planned schedule.

The Air France-KLM group has a standing order for 100 A320neo Family aircraft, with an additional sixty options. Notably, Air France is not currently expected to be part of this specific order. To complement this direct order from Airbus, the group is also arranging for leased aircraft. Specifically, KLM anticipates the arrival of three A321neo jets from CDB Aviation in the second half of 2024.

This strategic move by KLM to introduce the A321neo into its fleet represents a significant step in modernizing its aircraft offerings and enhancing its operational capabilities on European routes.