KLM receives first Airbus A350-900 from Air France-KLM order

KLM accepted its first Airbus A350-900 on Friday, an aircraft the Dutch carrier will use to replace part of its intercontinental fleet.

The jet arrived through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and carries the name "The Night Watch," a reference to a Rembrandt painting. Parent company Air France-KLM placed an order for 50 of the type in 2023, and this is the first of those allocated to KLM. How the group will split the aircraft between KLM and Air France has not been settled; the company has said the division will follow operational requirements.

At KLM, the A350 is to take over duties from the A330 and the Boeing 777 as that transition proceeds.

Marjan Rintel, KLM's president and CEO, called the arrival an important milestone for the airline and for the Netherlands. She said fleet renewal is among the most effective ways to make operations cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient, noting that 17 A321neos are already flying on European routes and describing the A350 as the next step for the intercontinental network.

The aircraft will enter service in a few weeks on a flight to Toronto, according to the carrier. Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Zanzibar are to follow.

KLM's A350s are configured for 331 passengers in three classes: 34 Business Class suites, 26 Premium Comfort seats and 271 Economy seats. The airline said its "Airspace" cabin includes greater luggage capacity, ambient lighting and satellite internet. KLM also said it is putting €7 billion, about $7.8 billion, into fleet renewal.