KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is gearing up to introduce its Airbus A321neo aircraft, a significant addition to its fleet, in the third quarter of 2024. This move represents a pivotal moment in KLM’s strategy to modernize and enhance the sustainability of its European operations.
According to AeroRoutes, the first routes for the A321neo, which will begin service in late August 2024, include vital European destinations such as Stockholm, Berlin, and Copenhagen. On August 26th, 2024, the inaugural flights will depart from Amsterdam, with the Amsterdam-Copenhagen route being the first flight. The Dutch flag carrier plans to configure its aircraft to carry up to 227 passengers.
A big order in 2021
The A321neo, a member of the efficient Airbus A320neo family, was part of an original order placed by the Air France-KLM Group in 2021. This order included 100 aircraft of the A320neo family, with an option for 60 additional aircraft, and four Airbus A350F reflecting the group’s strategic focus on modernizing its fleet with more sustainable and efficient aircraft.
The decision to choose the A320neo family for both KLM and Transavia, a low-cost carrier also part of the Air France-KLM group, was driven by the need for more efficient, sustainable, and passenger-friendly aircraft for their European operations.
The holding’s two low-cost carriers, Transavia Airlines and Transavia France, took delivery of their first A321neo and A320neo in late December 2023 and early January 2024.
The cabin
The cabin of KLM’s A321neo is set to offer passengers a unique and comfortable experience. In a strategic partnership with Recaro, KLM will equip its A321neo jets with BL3710 and SL3710 seats, designed primarily for economy class. This hybrid layout will feature the BL3710 model at the front of the cabin and the SL3710 at the rear, ensuring a balanced mix of comfort and efficiency.
These seats are not just about comfort but also a part of KLM’s sustainability drive. Their lighter weight contributes to the overall reduction in the aircraft’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The A321neo, with these advanced seats, is expected to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 15% compared to older generation aircraft, aligning with KLM’s sustainability goals and the broader climate objectives of the Paris Agreement.
In line with KLM’s usual service on short-haul routes, the A321neo will likely feature a European business class called Eurobusiness. This class typically involves a blocked middle seat arrangement, offering more space and privacy for business class passengers.
Source SimpleFlying.com
Photo KLM
