Source: KLM

  • A key aspect of KLM’s post-Covid-19 restructuring strategy is the further renewal of its European fleet with a new and more efficient generation of European aircraft. Today KLM announced that it has opted for the Airbus A320neo family, taking an important step forward in fleet renewal and the further enhancement of operational sustainability.

The KLM Group’s order forms part of a memorandum of understanding that the Air France-KLM Group has signed for a total of 100 aircraft of the A320neo family, plus an option on 60 additional aircraft of the same type. These aircraft are intended for KLM as well Transavia Netherlands and Transavia France.

From late 2023, these new A320neo/A321neo aircraft will begin replacing KLM and Transavia’s existing Boeing 737 NG aircraft on European routes. Having previously opted for the Embraer 195-E2 aircraft for intra-European flights, this new order is an important step in enhancing sustainability, customer experience, comfort and efficiency.

These new aircraft will substantially improve the sustainability of KLM’s fleet. The Airbus A320neo family not only produces 50% less noise than the current, older generation of aircraft, but also reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions to 15%.

This improvement in sustainability, combined with the use of sustainable aviation fuel and improving operational innovation and efficiency, will contribute significantly to achieving the climate objectives laid down in the Paris Agreement. Lower fuel consumption will reduce costs, creating more room for investment in operations for a stronger future. In addition to initiatives such as “Fly Responsibly”, KLM recently aligned its objectives for reducing CO2 emissions with the UN Climate Agreement signed in Paris.

Further details on the definitive choice of engine as well as cabin configuration and equipment will be decided and announced in due course.

“This order for fleet renewal is an important new step for KLM in achieving our objectives in terms of sustainability, customer experience, comfort and efficiency. These new aircraft will allow us to substantially reduce CO2 emissions and noise levels. I’m glad that, by continually investing in our product, we can improve our efficiency and customer experience. The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to focus on survival for the past eighteen months. Now that we are on the road to recovery, we can look to the future once more. With this order, which is an important component of our restructuring plan, we will further prepare our company as well as our customer experience for the future”, said KLM CEO Pieter Elbers.