KLM took delivery of their first new Airbus A321neo on Tuesday (August 27th), representing a major milestone in the carrier’s goal of operating a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient fleet.
On Tuesday (August 27, 2024), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced the delivery of their first Airbus A321neo as the aircraft touched down at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). This is an important step in the carrier’s rigorous fleet renewal program, with the goal of supporting cleaner, quieter, and more efficient flight operations. Measured in terms of passenger tonne kilometer, the Airbus A321neo is approximately 21 percent more fuel efficient than the Boeing 737 aircraft it replaces in KLM’s fleet, and also offers a 50 percent smaller noise footprint. Starting mid-September, the aircraft will serve several European destinations including Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm, followed by Paris, Prague and Vienna.
In Tuesday’s announcement, KLM’s President and CEO, Marjan Rintel, said,
“I’ve been looking forward to this with great anticipation. The arrival of the first A321neo marks the start of replacing our Boeing 737 fleet. The A321neo produces less noise and CO2 and therefore contributes significantly to a cleaner, quieter future. It also offers more comfort. I am looking forward to see how our passengers will experience the new aircraft.”
Guests traveling onboard KLM’s new A321neo will enjoy wider seats, larger tables, and more spacious overhead bins, as well as a USB-C port and holder for a mobile device or tablet at every seat. Crew members will also appreciate a wider aisle and easy-to-open luggage bins. KLM will take delivery of up to three more A321neos by year-end 2024.
KLM's First New Airbus A321neo Arrives at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 - Courtesy KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
With the delivery of their new A321neo, KLM continues the carrier’s 104 year tradition of giving unique names to their aircraft, with themes ranging from members of the Royal Family to bridges, aviation pioneers and national parks. In the latest naming process, KLM team members were invited to submit suggestions, with ‘Butterflies’ coming out the winner, tying in nicely with KLM’s fleet transformation. The first four A321neos will be named Swallowtail (Koninginnepage), Peach Blossom (Braamvlinder), Common Brimstone (Citroenvlinder) and Clouded Magpie (Porseleinvlinder).
Over the next few years, KLM will invest $7.0 billion in their fleet renewal program. The airline will be replacing their older Boeing 737s on European routes with Airbus A320neos and A321neos, while KLM Cityhopper will add new generation Embraer E2 jets to their E175 and E195 fleet. For the carrier’s transcontinental network, KLM will add five new Boeing 787-10s, followed by new Airbus A350s, which will replace older Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s. Additionally, the airline has ordered four Airbus A350 Freighters, which will replace their aging Boeing 747 Freighters.
Source: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
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