KLM celebrates arrival of first Airbus A321neo, inaugural flight mid-September

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is celebrating the arrival of the carrier’s first Airbus A321neo after the new jet touched down at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). 

The new Airbus A321neo was welcomed in traditional aviation spirit with a water salute and a personalized escort on August 27, 2024, before a brief ceremony to mark the special occasion in front of staff. 

“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 seeing how our passengers will experience the new aircraft,” said Marjan Rintel, President and CEO of KLM. 

KLM confirmed that the Airbus A321neo will enter service from mid-September, serving a host of European destinations.  

Operations will begin with services to Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm followed by Paris, Prague, and Vienna. 

Welcome home! 🏠💙 Our first @Airbus A321neo arrived today. Doesn’t she look gorgeous? 🤩#KLM #AirbusA321neo pic.twitter.com/8wgrxcbbwY— KLM (@KLM) August 27, 2024 A further three Airbus A321neo aircraft will arrive later this year as part of KLM’s fleet renewal to replace the A320. 

KLM has continued its 104-year tradition of giving its aircraft unique names which in the past have included Royal Family members and aviation pioneers.  

“This time, KLM employees were allowed to choose the theme. ‘Butterflies’ emerged as the winning theme, which ties in nicely with the transformation we’re embarking on with the new fleet. The names of the first four A321neo aircraft will be Swallowtail (Koninginnepage), Peach Blossom (Braamvlinder), Common Brimstone (Citroenvlinder) and Clouded Magpie (Porseleinvlinder),” added Rintel. 

The newly delivered A321neo for KLM seats 227 passengers in a two-class layout in an Airspace cabin with XL bins. USB-C ports are also available for passengers at every seat 

“The sky just got bluer: @KLM has welcomed its first #A321neo! As part of the airline’s fleet modernisation, the A321neo will play a key role in KLM’s environmental ambition. Plus, its #AirspaceCabin offers unparalleled comfort and XL bins with 60% more luggage capacity,” Airbus wrote in a post on social media. 

KLM’s renewal program is designed to support cleaner, quieter, and more efficient flight operations. 

At the airline’s regional subsidiary KLM Cityhopper, new E2 models will join the Embraer 175 and 190 aircraft and for intercontinental flights, KLM will be adding five new Boeing 787-10s, followed by the Airbus A350 replacing the older 777s and A330s.  

Finally, KLM has ordered four A350Fs for its cargo division to replace the 747 freighters. 

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AirlinesbyLuke PetersAugust 28, 2024

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