KLM welcomes its first Airbus A350, named ‘The Night Watch’

KLM took delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 on October 2, 2026, welcoming an aircraft named “The Night Watch” to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) ahead of its passenger debut on flights to Toronto.

The name comes from Rembrandt’s painting and introduces a Dutch art theme for KLM’s A350 fleet. The airline’s second aircraft will be named “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”

The airline has said its A350s will replace Boeing 777-200ERs and Airbus A330-200s and A330-300s. The aircraft form part of an Air France-KLM group order announced in 2023 for 50 A350s, with options for another 40.

KLM’s new A350 seats 331 passengers across three cabins, with 34 business-class suites offering direct aisle access, 26 Premium Comfort seats and 271 economy seats. Airbus said the aircraft also features larger luggage capacity, adjustable ambient lighting and high-speed satellite internet connectivity.

Certification of the business-class seats remains an issue ahead of the aircraft’s entry into service. KLM said in June 2026 that a revised interpretation of regulatory requirements meant the seats would be unavailable when its first two A350s began carrying passengers.

In its delivery announcement, KLM said the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had approved the seat test results, allowing the certification process to begin. The airline did not confirm whether business class would be available on the inaugural passenger flights.

Airbus says the A350’s Rolls-Royce engines, aerodynamics and lightweight materials deliver a 25% reduction in fuel burn compared with previous-generation competing aircraft.

KLM expects the aircraft to begin passenger flights in a few weeks. Flights to Montreal, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Zanzibar will follow.The post KLM welcomes its first Airbus A350, named ‘The Night Watch’ appeared first on AeroTime.

Go to Source