KLM’s first A350-900 completes its first flight

The first Airbus A350-900 to be delivered to Dutch flag carrier KLM completed its maiden flight on September 4, 2026. 

The aircraft, still bearing its provisional registration F-WZNM, took off from Toulouse-Blagnac (TLS) and landed at the same airport one hour and 34 minutes later, having completed a test flight circuit over southern France, as it is the norm for all new aircraft ahead of their delivery. 

The arrival of the A350-900 into KLM’s fleet has been much awaited in the industry, as the Dutch airline is currently undergoing a major transition to Airbus after having been primarily a Boeing operator for many decades. The switch to Airbus started to materialize in January 2024, when KLM took delivery of its first Airbus A320neo. 

This first aircraft, which has been named ‘The Night Watch’ after Rembrandt’s famous masterpiece, is the first of 22 which KLM is expected to receive. These aircraft are part of a 50-aircraft order (plus 40 options) which was placed by the Air France-KLM Group in 2023. 

‘The Night Watch’ is scheduled to start commercial operations on October 23, 2026, a date KLM has pushed back a few days from the originally planned date of October 9, 2026. The aircraft will have its debut on the Amsterdam-Schiphol (AMS) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) route. This service, which is operated with flight number KL691/692, is currently operated by B787 aircraft. 

KLM’s A350s are due to be fitted with 332 seats, including 34 in business class, 26 in premium economy and 271 in economy. For its first flights at least, though, the Dutch airline may be forced to fly the A350s with an empty business class cabin, due to delays in the certification of the seats.

RELATED

KLM installs Netherlands’ first A350 simulator ready for aircraft-type launch

The post KLM’s first A350-900 completes its first flight appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source