KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has unveiled its first Airbus A321neo, in its journey to replace its Boeing 737 fleet with cleaner, less noisy, and more efficient aircraft.
The first of the replacement A321neos, dubbed Butterflies, touched down at the Amsterdam Airport Schipol, and will be serving several European destinations from mid-September.
More routes will be served with new planes in the next few years, as KLM commits to invest seven billion euros in its fleet renewal program.
The new aircraft are equipped with new engines that emit less CO2 than their predecessors. Measured per passenger tonne kilometer, the A321neo is around 21% more fuel efficient than the Boeing 737 aircraft it replaces. The A321neo aircraft also has halved its noise footprint, causing far less disturbance along its flight paths.
On European routes, KLM will be replacing its older Boeing 737s with Airbus A321neo and A320neo aircraft. At KLM Cityhopper, new E2 models will join the Embraer 175 and 190 aircraft. For intercontinental flights, KLM will be adding five new Boeing 787-10s, followed by the Airbus A350 replacing the older 777s and A330s. This is in addition to the four A350Fs that are set to join KLM’s cargo division, replacing the 747 freighters.
According to KLM, passengers on the A321neo can expect to experience more comfort thanks to wider seats, larger tables and more spacious luggage bins. Each seat on the new aircraft is also equipped with a USB-C port and mobile device holders. The aircraft also offers more convenience for the crew, including a wider aisle and easy-to-open luggage bins.
The introduction of the A321neo in its fleet underscores KLM’s pioneering role in airline industry innovation. Among other technologies, KLM is also trialling the Flying-V, a futuristic airplane that could one day carry 315 passengers in its wings, while giving better fuel efficiency than any Airbus aircraft currently in service.
Launching the new aircraft, KLM’s President and CEO, Marjan Rintel, 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 seeing how our passengers will experience the new aircraft.”