Air France-KLM today confirmed a firm order for three new Airbus A350-900 and four A350F, which will join the fleet of Martinair, the Dutch cargo carrier that is part of KLM Cargo.
Three new A350-900 for Air France
According to the Franco-Dutch consortium, the Board of Directors approved an order for three A350-900 to operate for Air France. In this way, the French airline expects to have up to 41 units of the European manufacturer’s latest wide-body type in the coming years. So far, it had ordered 38 airplanes and has already taken delivery of 20.
The addition of the aircraft, which will be based at Paris-Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG), will allow the airline to move forward with its fleet renewal plan. Deliveries are scheduled for 2024.
Four A350F for Martinair
The Airbus A350F will replace the four Boeing 747-400F currently operated by KLM Cargo and Martinair. Deliveries are scheduled to take place from the second half of 2026. The company would thus become one of the launch customers of the model. The aircraft will be based at Amsterdam-Schiphol International Airport (AMS).
In a press release, Air France-KLM stressed that the new freighters will allow it to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from operations by up to 40% compared to its current fleet. They will also have a significantly lower noise impact.
«Fleet renewal is an important part of KLM’s ambition to become more sustainable», commented Marjan Rintel, the company’s CEO. «Instead of in 2027, we will replace the freighters from autumn 2026», Rintel said. «We are accelerating KLM’s sustainability efforts with this», he added.
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