Transavia has received its first Airbus A321neo, marking the beginning of a new era for the airline within the Air France-KLM group. It is the first time the Dutch company is incorporating aircraft from the A320 family.
The Transavia A321neo fleet will be configured to carry 232 passengers in a single cabin and will be operated by the Dutch subsidiary. The much-anticipated first commercial flight is scheduled for January 5, 2024, departing from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
Benjamin Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, emphasized that «This is the beginning of a new chapter for Transavia and the Group. By introducing the Airbus A320neo family into our fleet, we are bringing quieter, less polluting, and more fuel-efficient aircraft capable of carrying more passengers.»
«This massive long-term investment in our fleet confirms our commitment to reduce our environmental footprint, pioneering a more sustainable aviation while enhancing our customer experience,» added Smith.
The delivery of this aircraft follows the order placed by the Air France-KLM Group for 100 aircraft from the A320neo family, with an option for an additional 60 units. These planes will renew the fleets of Transavia Netherlands and KLM, as well as expand the fleet of Transavia France.
In January 2024, the French subsidiary of Transavia will receive its first Airbus A320neo, and in the middle of the same year, the first A320neo family aircraft will arrive at KLM. The introduction of the A320neo family into the fleets of KLM and Transavia is a historic event, as neither of the two companies has previously operated narrow-body Airbus aircraft.
Records show that Transavia operated a leased A310 from Air Charter from April 1998 to February 1999. On the other hand, KLM’s connection with Airbus is somewhat more robust. The airline had 4 A310-200s, and currently operates 11 A330s (6 A330-200 and 5 A330-300).
