With this aircraft, named after the renowned painting by Rembrandt, KLM is introducing a new naming theme for the A350 fleet, inspired by famous Dutch works of art. KLM expects to receive its first A350-900 at the end of August.
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For more than a century, KLM has connected the Netherlands with the rest of the world. For the A350 fleet, KLM has chosen to name its aircraft after iconic Dutch artworks. The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn is one of the Netherlands’ most celebrated paintings and is arguably the country’s best-known work of art. Visitors from around the world travel to the Rijksmuseum to see it. The first aircraft therefore carries a name that is deeply rooted in Dutch culture and instantly recognizable around the globe.
First comercial flight in September
The Airbus A350 is part of KLM’s ongoing fleet renewal. The aircraft is quieter and more fuel-efficient than the previous generation of aircraft it will replace. The aircraft is being built in Toulouse and has now been fully painted in KLM’s distinctive livery. Over the coming months, it will undergo final preparations before being delivered to KLM at the end of the summer. The aircraft is scheduled to operate its first passenger flight in September, with Toronto as its inaugural destination.
Certification of World Business Class seats
The A350 features 331 seats: 34 seats in World Business Class (WBC), 26 seats in Premium Comfort, and 271 seats in Economy. Due to a revised interpretation of regulatory requirements by the aviation authorities, certification of the World Business Class seats has not yet been completed. As a result, these seats will not be available when the first 2 aircraft enter service.
The seat manufacturer is working hard to complete the certification process as quickly as possible and make this cabin class available to customers at the earliest opportunity. Premium Comfort, which offers additional legroom, enhanced comfort, and a dedicated onboard dining experience, will be available from day one.
Fleet renewal
Over the coming years, KLM will invest €7 billion in fleet renewal. In addition to the introduction of the Airbus A350 and the Airbus A350F, this investment includes new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft for KLM Cityhopper, the latest Airbus A321neo aircraft for European routes, of which KLM currently operates 16, and new Boeing 787 Dreamliners for intercontinental services.
