50 Firm and 40 Options: Air France-KLM Group to Place Massive Airbus A350 Order

The Air France-KLM Group has unveiled plans to order 50 Airbus A350 family aircraft. This order also includes purchase rights for an additional 40 aircraft. With this move, subject to company approval, the Group is set to become the world’s largest operator of the Airbus A350 family aircraft.

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A Strategic Fleet Overhaul

The Group’s decision aims to rejuvenate and optimize its long-haul fleet. This will bolster both its environmental and economic performance. Aircraft deliveries are anticipated between 2026 and 2030, providing the Group flexibility to adjust allocations according to market trends and regulations.

Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, praised the Airbus A350’s efficiency and passenger appeal. He highlighted its pivotal role in the Group’s sustainability goals, including a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer by 2030.

Replacement and Expansion

The new aircraft will replace older Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 planes. This order supplements an existing order of 41 Airbus A350-900s for Air France, with 22 already delivered. Furthermore, Air France-KLM will be among the first to acquire the Airbus A350 Full Freighter version, with 8 orders already placed.

Evolution of the Fleet

By 2028, new generation aircraft will comprise 64% of the Air France-KLM fleet, a substantial leap from 5% in 2019. As of now, the Group operates 533 aircraft worldwide and, after this order, will have over 220 aircraft awaiting delivery.

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