AMSTERDAM — Today, Tuesday, 27, 2024, the Dutch airline KLM (KL) welcomed its first Airbus A321neo.
As part of a fleet renewal process that began in December 2023 with the delivery of the first A321neo to Transavia (HV), KLM will replace the ageing Boeing 737s with the new Airbus.
Respiratory tract attended the handover reception in Hangar 12 at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).
PH-AXA landed on runway 27 at 14:52 local time. While waiting for the plane, a crowd of journalists, guests and executives of the Dutch airline gathered. In keeping with KLM tradition, the aircraft was named “Swallowtail” after a new theme: “Butterflies”, designed by KLM employees.
Three more A321neos, Peach Blossom (Braamvlinder), Common Brimstone (Citroenvlinder) and Clouded Magpie (Porseleinvlinder), will join KL before the end of 2024.
In 2021, the Air France-KLM Group ordered 100 units plus 60 options for the A320neo family. With the aim of modernizing the fleets of KLM, Transavia Netherlands and Transavia France, the first unit was delivered on December 19, 2023.
KLM has equipped its new narrow-body aircraft with 227 seats arranged in the traditional 3-3 row layout. Each Recaro seat is equipped with a USB-C charger and a holder for personal devices.
Compared to the previous generation Boeing 737 family, this aircraft will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 20%.
The aircraft will start commercial operations on September 16 and will fly to Copenhagen (CPH) as KL1267. Other destinations include Berlin (BER) and Stockholm (ARN), followed by Paris (CDG), Prague (PRG) and Vienna (VIE).
Comments from KLM
“I was looking forward to it with great anticipation. The arrival of the first A321neo marks the beginning of the replacement of our Boeing 737 fleet. The A321neo generates less noise and CO2 and thus contributes significantly to a cleaner, quieter future. It also offers more comfort. I am excited to see how our passengers experience the new aircraft.” Marjan Rintel, President and CEO of KLM
