KLM to receive first Airbus A350-900 in October

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is preparing to receive its first Airbus A350-900, named ‘The Night Watch’ (De Nachtwacht) after the Rembrandt masterpiece. The aircraft has successfully completed test flights in Toulouse, France, and is expected to be delivered to Schiphol Airport in early October.

The aircraft features a 331-seat configuration, including 34 Business Class, 26 Premium Comfort, and 271 Economy seats. However, due to delays in the certification process for the Business Class seats, the first two aircraft will operate without Business Class service initially.

KLM plans to debut the new aircraft on a commercial flight from Amsterdam to Toronto on October 30. Following its introduction on Canadian routes, the A350 fleet will be deployed to various East African destinations, including Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Nairobi, and Zanzibar.