KLM, Transavia order A320neo jets, Air France eyes A350Fs

Air France-KLM says it has selected Airbus (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac) for its narrowbody fleet renewal and expansion drive as well as for cargo growth.

In a statement, the Franco-Dutch holding said it has now placed a firm order with the European manufacturer for 100 A320neo Family jets with options for an additional 60. The aircraft’s deliveries, including A320-200Ns and A321-200Ns, are expected to begin in the second half of 2023. Collectively, the aircraft will renew the fleets of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL, Amsterdam Schiphol) and Transavia Airlines (HV, Amsterdam Schiphol), and both renew and expand the Transavia France (TO, Paris Orly) fleet.

All three carriers currently employ Boeing (BOE, Chicago O’Hare) narrowbody jets. According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, KLM operates eleven B737-700s, thirty-one B737-800s, and five B737-900s, while Transavia Airlines operates four B737-700s and thirty-five B737-800s. Its French sister carrier operates fifty-four B737-800s.

The jets will operate medium-haul routes in Europe, notably from Amsterdam Schiphol – KLM’s global hub and Transavia Netherlands’ main base, and from Paris Orly, Transavia France’s main base.

Meanwhile, Air France (AF, Paris CDG) has signed a Letter of Intent with Airbus for four A350 freighters with options for four more. The aircraft will supplement the airline’s existing freighter fleet of two B777-Fs. Once firmed, the order will also include full substitution rights for A350 passenger aircraft.