The Air France-KLM Group announced a substantial order of 50 Airbus A350 aircraft, accompanied by options for an additional 40 units.
The order encompasses both the Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 variants, the distribution of which has not been finalized. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2026 and continue through 2030.
“This new order will be a major step in the renewal of the Group’s fleet,” Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith stated. “It will be instrumental in helping the Group reach our ambitious sustainability targets, including -30% CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer by 2030.”
Air France already operates 22 A350-900s, with 19 still to be delivered. Taking all existing orders into account, Air France-KLM is poised to emerge as the world’s leading operator of the Airbus A350 family, potentially boasting a fleet of up to 99 of these highly efficient aircraft.
These newly ordered Airbus A350s will replace older generation aircraft, such as the 26 Airbus A330s and 33 Boeing 777s, operated by both Air France and KLM.
While announcing its H1 2023 results, Air France-KLM announced that it “has decided to extend the amortization period for its Boeing B777-300 fleet from 20 to 25 years, generating a reduction in amortization expense of €41 million [$43.7 million] over the period ended June 30, 2023.”
The group’s long-haul fleet also includes 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with 10 more to be delivered.