MONTREAL — KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ very first Airbus A350 is scheduled to enter commercial service in September, with Toronto chosen as its inaugural destination — making it the first city in KLM’s network to welcome the airline’s newest aircraft.
This summer, KLM will operate up to 40 weekly flights from Canada to Amsterdam, serving five gateways: Toronto (14 weekly flights), Vancouver (7), Calgary (7), Montreal (7) and Edmonton (5). KLM expects to receive its first Airbus A350 at the end of August.
The first KLM Airbus A350 will be named The Night Watch, after the renowned painting by Rembrandt. The airline has a long tradition of naming its aircraft according to a theme. With this aircraft KLM is introducing a new naming theme for the Airbus A350 fleet, inspired by famous Dutch works of art.
The A350 is part of KLM’s ongoing fleet renewal, and the airline notes that the aircraft is quieter and more fuel-efficient than the previous generation of aircraft it will replace. Over the coming years, KLM will invest €7 billion in fleet renewal. In addition to the introduction of the Airbus A350 and the Airbus A350F, this investment includes new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft for KLM Cityhopper, the latest Airbus A321neo aircraft for European routes, of which KLM currently operates 16, and new Boeing 787 aircraft for intercontinental services.
