KLM takes delivery of first A321neo aircraft

Dutch carrier KLM has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft at Amsterdam Schiphol, marking an “important step” in its plan towards providing “cleaner, quieter, and more efficient flight operations”.

The new generation aircraft will take to the skies from mid-September, operating services to Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm, followed by services to Paris, Prague and Vienna, according to the carrier.

KLM CEO and president 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.”

The aircraft seats 227 passengers in a two-class layout. Cabins feature wider seats each equipped with a USB-C port and a holder for a mobile or tablet, larger tables, more spacious luggage bins and mood lighting.

The A321neo is also equipped with new engines that reduce noise impact and emit less CO2 compared to previous models, according to the carrier. KLM said the new aircraft is around 21 per cent more fuel efficient than the Boeing 737 aircraft it has replaced.

Airbus, in a statement, added that the A321neo can operate with up to 50 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with a target to operate with up to 100 per cent SAF by 2030.

KLM said it expects to take delivery of a further three new A321neo aircraft this year, which will largely service European routes. The wider Air France-KLM group also recently ordered 50 Airbus A350 aircraft as part of its long-haul fleet renewal plans.