KLM adjusts Airbus A350 delivery schedule

KLM has announced that they have adjusted the delivery schedule for their Airbus A350-900s.

Instead of receiving the first in 2020, the airline has opted to push back the first delivery until 2021.

The Air France-KLM Group has a firm order for 28 Airbus A350-900s. Seven are destined for KLM, 10 are for low-cost carrier Joon and the remaining 11 are for Air France.

The group originally had 25 on order but has since converted two A380s to three A350-900s. 25 additional aircraft are also available as options.

Since the introduction of the type has been delayed, KLM has chosen to deploy its Boeing 747-400s for a little while longer. Expected retirement date is 2021 but the airline remains open to the fact that this could change.

Air France’s A340-300s are also set to be retired soon, with the final frame to be gone by the end of 2020.

This whole strategy is to reduce four-engine aircraft in the airline’s fleet and to modernize with two highly advanced aircraft consisting of the A350 and 787.

Although KLM is heavily focused on the environment and operating efficiency, the decision to wait longer and keep the remaining 747s longer means less money spent when its not required, which ties in with the company’s fleet development plan.