KLM has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, marking a significant milestone in Air France-KLM’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme and bringing the Group’s second network carrier into the A350 family.
KLM received the aircraft on October 2, 2026, with the A350-900 configured to accommodate 331 passengers across three cabins, 34 seats in World Business Class, 26 in Premium Comfort and 271 in Economy.
The aircraft is scheduled to enter commercial service from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Toronto Pearson Airport in the coming weeks. During the IATA Winter 2026 season, the aircraft is also expected to operate to Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Zanzibar.
The first KLM A350 follows Air France’s introduction of the aircraft type in 2019. Air France currently operates 43 A350s, while successive orders placed by Air France-KLM have brought the Group’s combined A350 order book to 99 aircraft across passenger and freighter variants, with purchase rights for a further 40 aircraft.
The milestone strengthens the Group’s position as a major A350 operator while supporting its broader strategy to modernise its long-haul fleet.
KLM expands next-gen fleet
KLM expects to receive a second A350-900 before the end of 2026, with further deliveries planned over the coming years. The airline has chosen prominent Dutch artworks as names for its A350 fleet. The first aircraft has been named The Night Watch, after Rembrandt van Rijn’s celebrated masterpiece, while the second will be named Girl with a Pearl Earring.
“Today is an important milestone for KLM and the Group, with both of our network carriers now operating Airbus A350 aircraft,” said Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM. He added that the A350 would support KLM’s move towards quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft while strengthening its long-haul fleet.
The A350 incorporates a range of newer-generation technologies designed to improve operational and environmental performance. According to Air France-KLM, the aircraft delivers a 40% reduction in noise and a 25% reduction in fuel consumption compared with previous-generation aircraft.
Fleet renewal at the core of decarbonisation strategy
Air France-KLM has been investing more than €2 billion annually in new-generation aircraft since 2019 as it accelerates fleet renewal across the Group.
The company identifies fleet renewal as a key lever for reducing both CO2 and noise emissions, alongside the use of sustainable aviation fuel, operational measures such as eco-piloting, and intermodal travel initiatives including its Air+Rail offering.
The Group aims to have new-generation aircraft account for up to 80% of its fleet by 2030, compared with 38% as of July 2026.
As of October 2, 2026, Air France-KLM operated a fleet of 593 aircraft serving more than 320 destinations worldwide.
