KLM takes delivery of its first Airbus A321neo

KLM’s fleet renewal took a major step forward, with the airline taking delivery of its first Airbus A321neo from Airbus.

The first A321neo for KLM was handed over at Airbus’ Hamburg manufacturing site by Wouter van Wersch, Airbus Executive Vice President International, to Marjan Rintel, President & CEO KLM – Image, Airbus

The aircraft are being introduced to slowly replace the Boeing 737 NexGen fleet that the airline currently runs as part of KLM’s fleet modernisation with the latest generation, fuel-efficient aircraft, as part of the fleet renewals for both KLM and Transavia.

With the new aircraft, KLM joins the community of A321neo operators.

The newly delivered A321neo for KLM seats 227 passengers in a two-class layout with seating by Recaro (featuring the R1 and R2 seats). It also features the revised KLM livery. 

The cabin features Airbus’ Airspace cabin with XL bins. The larger bins provide 60% more luggage capacity for a more relaxed boarding experience for passengers and cabin crew. In addition, USB-C ports are available for passengers at every seat, and the latest lighting system to enhance the overall passenger experience.

In Quotes

Marjan Rintel, President & CEO KLM said:

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 see how our passengers will experience the new aircraft.

More to come

Air France-KLM group placed an order for 100 Airbus A320neo family aircraft(with 60 options) in December 2021. The airline will take delivery of a further three more new A321neo aircraft in its fleet this year.

And with a narrowbody fleet to replace, there’s a lot to do, as the type is integrated, routes selected to take advantage of the A321neo, as well as prepare for the exit of older aircraft.

But you won’t have to wait long.

The A321neo will start operating services to Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm from mid-September, followed by Paris, Prague and Vienna.

We’ll have a look at the interior in another article – as there is a lot to talk about there.

What’s in a name?

With this new aircraft series, KLM continues its tradition of giving aircraft unique names. Different themes have been featured over the past 104 years, from names of members of the Royal Family to bridges, aviation pioneers and national parks.

This time, KLM employees were allowed to choose the theme – and went with ‘Butterflies’

The names of the first four A321neo aircraft will be Swallowtail (Koninginnepage), Peach Blossom (Braamvlinder), Common Brimstone (Citroenvlinder) and Clouded Magpie (Porseleinvlinder).

Expect to see them in service this year.

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