Industry Air France-KLM optimizes long-haul fleet

The Air France-KLM group has released, that it intends to change its plans for the respective future long-haul fleets.

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A new optimization plan sees the firm orders for Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 aircraft being swapped between the carriers. That means, that KLM will not receive A350 aircraft, but the 787s that have been ordered by Air France.

Between 2021 and 2023, the new aircraft will be delivered. The six remaining 787 aircraft will then be delivered to KLM. On the other hand, KLM has ordered seven A350-900, which then will be delivered to Air France.

The decision was made to further harmonize the respective long-haul fleets. Currently, KLM flies with 13 787-9s and one 787-10, which was delivered last week. Air France is also using nine 787-9 Dreamliner but is set to takeover a first A350 very soon. This A350 was initially thought to go to Joon, but after the mainline carrier decided to stop the low-cost subsidiary, the A350 will be taken by Air France.

Pieter Elbers, President & CEO of KLM, said: "Both Boeing 787 and the Airbus A350 are excellent aircraft. From a fleet management perspective, optimizing the number of different aircraft types KLM operates is very important for our operational efficiency and productivity. That is why KLM is happy to be able to expand the 787 fleet via this order swap. With these additional B787-10’s KLM will be ready to further develop its route network bringing in the next few years the total B787’s for KLM to 28 (13x B787-9 and 15x B787)."

In consultation with all stakeholders, the group is currently discussing additional studies for further fleet development decisions.

The Air France-KLM airlines holding company was founded 15 years ago in 2004. Headquarters are at Tremblay-en-France. The group incorporates the airlines Air France, Air France Cargo, HOP!, Transavia France, as well as KLM, KLM Cargo, KLM Cityhopper, Transavia and Martinair. Last year, the group realised revenues of over €26 billion. Air France-KLM employs over 84,000 people.

Both Air France and KLM are the flag-carrier airlines of their respective countries. Both airlines have a strong fleet for serving all markets. On Paris Air Show 2019, KLM announced that it will further strengthen its regional fleet by purchasing new E195-E2 aircraft.

Source © airfranceklm.com

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