Air France-KLM Group, the parent company of Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, announced on September 25, 2023, that it plans to order 50 Airbus A350 family aircraft, with purchase rights for 40 additional aircraft.
The aircraft will be delivered between 2026 and 2030, and will be used to replace previous-generation aircraft, namely Airbus A330 and older Boeing 777 aircraft.
“This new order will be a major step in the renewal of the Group’s fleet,” said Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith.
“The Airbus A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft with an excellent track record at Air France, where it has rapidly become a favorite among passengers and crew since its entry into service in 2019. It is the perfect fit for the network needs of the Group and boasts outstanding performances: it is a quieter, more fuel efficient and more cost-effective aircraft compared to previous generations. It will be instrumental in helping the Group reach our ambitious sustainability targets, including -30% CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer by 2030.”
The Airbus A350 is a wide-body airliner that is known for its fuel efficiency and quiet operation. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, which are the most fuel-efficient aero engines in the world. The aircraft also features a number of other fuel-saving technologies, such as a lightweight carbon fiber structure and a new aerodynamic design.
The A350 is also known for its spacious and comfortable cabin. The aircraft has a wider fuselage than previous generations of wide-body airliners, which allows for more legroom and wider seats. The cabin also features a number of other amenities, such as larger windows, improved mood lighting, and a more advanced entertainment system.
The new order will make Air France-KLM the largest operator of the Airbus A350 family aircraft in the world. The Group currently has an order for 41 Airbus A350-900s for Air France, of which 22 have been delivered to date. Air France-KLM is also among the launch customers of the Airbus A350 Full Freighter version of the aircraft, having ordered 8 aircraft to renew and expand its cargo fleet.
The order for 50 Airbus A350 family aircraft is a significant investment for Air France-KLM, and it is a sign of the Group’s confidence in the future of air travel. The A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft that will help Air France-KLM to reduce its emissions and improve its fuel efficiency. The aircraft will also provide passengers with a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
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