The arrival of this new aircraft is an important step in the rigorous refurbishment programme initiated by KLM to support cleaner, quieter and more efficient flight operations. From mid-September, the A321neo will begin to operate in several European destinations.
“I have been looking forward to this with great anticipation. The arrival of the first A321neo marks the start of the replacement of our Boeing 737 fleet. The A321neo produces less noise and CO2 and thus contributes significantly to a cleaner and quieter future. It also offers more comfort. I am looking forward to seeing how our passengers will experience the new aircraft,” says Marjan Rintel, President and CEO of KLM.
New engine option
The word “neo” stands for new engine option: the aircraft are equipped with new engines that emit less CO2 than their predecessors. Measured in passenger tonne-kilometres, the A321neo consumes around 21% less fuel than the Boeing 737 it replaces. In addition, the aircraft reduces noise impact – it essentially halves its noise footprint, causing far less disruption to residents.
More comfort and convenience
Passengers on the A321neo will enjoy increased comfort thanks to wider seats, larger tables and more spacious luggage compartments. Each seat is equipped with a USB-C port and a smartphone or tablet holder. The aircraft also offers increased comfort for the crew, including a wider aisle and an easy-to-open luggage storage space. The interior has been designed to enhance the KLM experience, with more recognisable details and ambient lighting that adapts to each stage of the journey.
Butterfly names
The A321neo will begin operating flights to Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm from mid-September, followed by Paris, Prague and Vienna. The aircraft is also scheduled to operate flights to Madrid in the last quarter of the year. KLM will add three more new A321neo aircraft to its fleet this year. With this new series of aircraft, KLM continues its tradition of giving unique names to its fleet. Over the past 104 years, they have featured different themes, from names of members of the Royal Family to bridges, aviation pioneers and national parks.
Marjan Rintel comments: “This time, KLM employees were able to choose the theme. The winning theme was ‘Butterflies’, which fits perfectly with the transformation we are undertaking with the new fleet. The names of the first four A321neos will be Koninginnepage (Swallowtail), Braamvlinder (Peach Blossom), Citroenvlinder (Common Brimstone) and Porseleinvlinder (Clouded Magpie).”
Renewal of the fleet
KLM will invest €7 billion in its fleet renewal programme over the coming years, representing a substantial part of its total investment portfolio.
On European routes, KLM will replace its older Boeing 737s with Airbus A320 and A321neo aircraft. On KLM Cityhopper, new Embraer E2 models will join the Embraer 175 and 190 aircraft.
For intercontinental flights, KLM will introduce five new Boeing 787-10s, followed by the Airbus A350, which will replace the older Boeing 777 and A330.
Finally, KLM has ordered four A350Fs for its cargo division to replace the B747 freighters.
Source: KLM.