Air France-KLM is changing most of its Airbus A350-1000 orders to the smaller A350-900, according to Airbus’ latest order backlog data. This adjustment comes two years after the group’s initial purchase. The change was first reported by FlightGlobal.
The Franco-Dutch airline group originally ordered 50 A350s in 2023, including 39 A350-900s and 11 larger A350-1000s. Now, the group plans to convert eight of the A350-1000 orders into A350-900s. Simple Flying has requested a comment from Air France-KLM.
Opting For Longer-Range Widebody Aircraft
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
Air France-KLM’s decision to convert eight Airbus A350-1000 orders to A350-900s reflects a preference for smaller-capacity aircraft with longer range. The A350-900 seats 332–352 passengers in a standard three-class layout and can operate efficiently on routes from short-haul segments to ultra-long-haul flights of up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 km) nonstop.
By comparison, the A350-1000 is a larger variant, accommodating 375–400 passengers in a three-class layout, with about 40% more space for premium seating. In an all-economy configuration, it can seat up to 480 passengers and fly up to 8,000 nautical miles. Currently, the Franco-Dutch group operates 39 A350-900s, all in Air France’s fleet, with an average age of 2.8 years, according to ch-aviation.
Air France’s A350-900s can accommodate a total of 324 passengers in a three-class cabin layout: 34 in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 266 in economy class. Interestingly, as part of a pilot-sharing arrangement, KLM pilots are training on Air France’s A350s in preparation for KLM’s planned introduction of the type in 2026–2027. This training includes simulator sessions and may involve Air France pilots serving as instructors.
A350s To Replace Aging A330s and Boeing 777s
Photo: Minh K Tran | Shutterstock
The new Airbus A350s are intended to replace the aging Airbus A330 and Boeing 777 fleets at Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. In a 2023 statement, Air France-KLM said it was pursuing “the renewal and rationalization of its long-haul fleet, to the benefit of the Group’s environmental and economic performance.”
Currently, Air France operates 10 Airbus A330-200 widebody aircraft, with an average age of 22.6 years. Its Boeing 777 fleet totals 62 aircraft: 43 777-300ERs (average age 16.9 years) and 19 777-200ERs (average age 24.9 years).
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has 11 A330s, comprising six A330-200s (average age 19.5 years) and five A330-300s (average age 12.8 years). Its Boeing 777 fleet includes 31 aircraft: 16 777-300ERs (average age 11.6 years) and 15 777-200ERs (average age 20.6 years). At the time of the Airbus A350 order announcement, the Air France-KLM Group CEO, Benjamin Smith, said that the A350 “is the perfect fit for the network needs of the Group and boasts outstanding performances: it is a quieter, more fuel efficient and more cost-effective aircraft compared to previous generations.”
Airbus Orders And Deliveries Data In July 2025
Photo: Ryken Papy | Shutterstock
Airbus has released its aircraft orders and deliveries data for July 2025. The European manufacturer delivered 67 aircraft to 41 customers during the month. As expected, Airbus’ major deliveries in July were from its best-selling A320neo family, which includes both the A321neo and A320neo models. Below is the breakdown of aircraft deliveries in July 2025:
- 2 A330neos to Cebu Pacific and Delta Air Lines
- 4 A350-900s to Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Air France, and Emirates
- 2 A350-1000s to Japan Airlines and Etihad Airways
- 5 A220-300s to JetBlue Airways (3), Breeze Airways, and Air France
- 19 A320neos
- 35 A321neos
- Stock Code
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AIR
- Business Type
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Planemaker
- Date Founded
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December 18, 1970
- CEO
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Guillaume Faury
- Headquarters Location
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Toulouse, France
In terms of new business, Airbus logged just seven orders from two airlines: four A330neos from Condor Airlines and three A321neos from an undisclosed customer. For comparison, the European plane maker secured a total of 203 gross orders in June 2025.