KLM has revealed its first Airbus A350-900 painted in the airline’s colors as the aircraft nears delivery from Airbus’ assembly line in Toulouse.
The jet, which has not yet been fitted with its engines, will be named The Night Watch after the famous painting by Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It will be the first aircraft in a new naming scheme inspired by well-known Dutch artworks.
KLM expects to receive the A350-900 at the end of August, with the aircraft scheduled to enter passenger service in September. Toronto is appointed as the inaugural destination.
The aircraft will be configured with 331 seats, including 34 in World Business Class, 26 in Premium Comfort and 271 in Economy. However, certification of the new business class seats has not yet been completed, meaning the first two A350s will initially enter service without that cabin available.
The arrival of the A350 marks a long-awaited addition to KLM’s long-haul fleet. Although Air France-KLM ordered the type years ago, the Dutch carrier never received any of the aircraft, with previous deliveries allocated to Air France instead.
Today, KLM’s intercontinental fleet consists of five Airbus A330-200s, five A330-300s, 12 Boeing 787-9s, 15 Boeing 787-10s, 14 Boeing 777-200ERs and 16 Boeing 777-300ERs.
KLM first A350-900 | KLM KLM first A350-900 | KLM
The A350-900 is expected to occupy a similar segment to the Boeing 777 fleet, offering comparable long-haul capability with lower fuel consumption and operating costs.
The aircraft forms part of a wider fleet renewal plan that also includes Airbus A321neos for European routes, Embraer E195-E2 regional jets and Airbus A350F freighters. KLM said it plans to invest €7 billion in fleet modernization over the coming years.
