Air France and KLM orders 50 A350 and 40 options

Air France-KLM, the fourth-largest airline group in Europe, has confirmed its plan to purchase 50 Airbus A350 family aircraft with an option for an additional 40 planes. This order is part of the group’s ongoing fleet renewal strategy and will include both the A350-900 and A350-1000 passenger variants. Deliveries of the new aircraft are expected to commence in 2026 and be completed by 2030. Benjamin Smith, the CEO of Air France-KLM Group, emphasized the significance of this order as a milestone in their fleet renewal process. The Airbus A350 has been well-received by both passengers and crew since its introduction to Air France in 2019, thanks to its advanced technology and features.

Upon completion of this order, Air France-KLM Group will become the largest operator of Airbus A350 family aircraft, approaching nearly a hundred aircraft in its fleet. This will surpass Qatar Airways, which currently operates 58 A350s, securing Air France-KLM Group’s position as a key player in the aviation industry.

Regarding the distribution of the order between Air France and KLM, no official confirmation has been provided yet. Air France has already received 22 out of the 41 aircraft ordered earlier, while KLM is yet to receive any. Both airlines intend to replace their aging fleets of Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 aircraft, which will reach 17 years of service by 2023, with the more advanced and fuel-efficient Airbus A350. The A350’s state-of-the-art Rolls Royce Trent XWB engine contributes to improved avionics, aerodynamics, and overall fuel efficiency compared to previous-generation aircraft.

Air France-KLM Group operates extensive routes and maintains a diverse fleet. In 2022, the group successfully transported over 80 million passengers, catering to 300 destinations worldwide. The main operational hubs of the group are located at Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Amsterdam-Schiphol (AMS) airports. As of September 25th, the Air France-KLM Group currently operates a fleet of 533 aircraft.

With the forthcoming Airbus A350 order confirmation, their total order list will encompass 220 aircraft, with 100 of them being from the Airbus A320neo family. The delivery of the first A321neo aircraft, destined for Air France-KLM, is anticipated to take place in December 2023. Recently, this initial unit was observed in Hamburg, showcasing a partially adorned Transavia livery on its tail.