Air France – KLM Group To Place Order For 50 Airbus A350s
Category:NewsEarlier today, the Air France-KLM Group announced its intentions to purchase 50 next-generation Airbus A350 aircraft.
Adding more next-generation Airbus widebodies
The Air France-KLM Group, which includes the two flag carriers and Transavia, is renewing its widebody fleet. Just a few hours ago, the group announced it would order 50 Airbus A350s, with options for 40 more. The order would make the group the world’s largest operator of the aircraft, with several already in operation by Air France. Though the variant and airline breakdowns are unavailable, the airline group revealed the new purchase will include the -900 and -1000.
According to the group, the first deliveries are expected in 2026 and will go through 2030. The purchase has not been finalized but will include purchase rights for an additional 40 aircraft that can be exercised.
Fleet renewal and sustainability were cited as the primary reasons for the new purchase, as the airline group needs to replace aging Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s. Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith said,
Smith highlighted the significance of the A350 since joining Air France’s fleet in 2019, saying its track record is excellent and the aircraft has been extremely popular among passengers and crew.
