KLM Acquires First Airbus A321neo to Replace Boeing 737 Fleet
KLM has unveiled its first Airbus A321neo that joins its fleet as it begins the journey to replace its Boeing 737 fleet.
According to Airbus, the A321neo is is the longest member of the A320 Family. It can comfortably accommodate 180 to 220 passengers in a typical two-class layout, and upto 244 in a single-class layout. The aircraft has two new engines that emit less C02 than its predecessors.
Measured per passenger tonne kilometre, the A321neo is around 21 percent more fuel efficient than the Boeing 737 aircraft it replaces. Additionally, the aircraft has halved its noise footprint causing far less disturbance along its flight paths.
KLM’s President and CEO, Marjan Rintel, said, I’ve been looking forward to this with great anticipation. The arrival of the first A321neo marks the start of replacing our Boeing 737 fleet. The A321neo produces less noise and CO2 and therefore contributes significantly to a cleaner, quieter future. It also offers more comfort. I am looking forward to seeing how our passengers will experience the new aircraft”.
Introductions that give butterflies
The first of the replacement A321neos, christened Butterflies, touched down at the Amsterdam Airport Schipol last week and will be serving several European destinations as from mid-September. More routes will be served with new planes in the next few years, as KLM commits to invest seven billion euros in its fleet renewal programme.
On European routes, KLM will be replacing its older Boeing 737s with Airbus A321neo and A320neo aircraft. At KLM Cityhopper, new E2 models will join the Embraer 175 and 190 aircraft. Meanwhile, for intercontinental flights, KLM will be adding five new Boeing 787-10s, followed by the Airbus A350 replacing the older 777s and A330s. This is in addition to the four A350Fs that are set to join KLM’s cargo division, replacing the 747 freighters.
Passengers on the A321neo experience more comfort thanks to wider seats, larger tables and more spacious luggage bins. Each seat is equipped with a USB-C port and mobile device holders. The aircraft also offers more convenience for the crew, including a wider aisle and easy-to-open luggage bins. The interior has been designed to enhance the KLM experience, with more recognisable details and mood lighting that adapts to each stage of the journey.
What is the difference between A321 and A321neo?
The Airbus A321neo is considered an upgraded version of the A321. The A321 was first released in 1994 and is a single-aisle, narrow-body, twin-engine aircraft. The A321neo offers better fuel efficiency, improved seating options, longer range and can accommodate more passengers.
What is the name of the KLM A321neo?
The first 4 A321neo aircrafts by KLM will be called Swallowtail, Peach Blossom, Common Brimstone, and Clouded Magpie.
How many passengers does an A321neo have?
The A321neo can comfortably accommodate 180 to 220 passengers in a typical two-class layout, and upto 244 in a single-class layout.
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