Firm Contract For 25 Aircraft, Options For 25 More

The Air France-KLM Group has finalized a firm contract for 25 A350-900 aircraft and for a further 25 options, saying the aircraft will become an essential element in the Group’s future fleet strategy.

"This order of new-generation, high performance aircraft reflects the importance of our investments for the benefit of our customers, whose comfort is at the heart of our concerns. With the A350, Air France-KLM will continue to operate one of the most modern fleets in the world, and ensure the growth of its long-haul activity, while achieving significant cost savings." said Alexandre de Juniac, Chairman and CEO of the Air France-KLM Group as of first of July 2013.
 
“Our order for this new aircraft type opens a new chapter for the Group," said Peter Hartman, President and Chief Executive Officer of KLM. "This aircraft introduces major environmental advances and will contribute to our ambitious targets for noise and carbon reduction."
 
"We are honored that our all new, extra efficient A350-900, which has just recently flown on its maiden flight, will become an essential cornerstone in the future fleet development of Air France-KLM,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer. "The A350 XWB's unbeatable economics and environmental credentials will pay nice dividends into the future positioning of the airline, while the aircraft’s commonality with the groups existing Airbus fleet will generate further efficiencies and savings.”
 
The Air France-KLM Group currently operates a fleet of just over 190 Airbus aircraft, comprising eight A380s, 31 A330s, 13 A340s, 25 A321s, 54 A320s, 41 A319s and 18 A318s. With this new order Air France-KLM joins an exclusive group of airlines who are customers for every member of the Airbus product family.

(Images provided by Airbus)

FMI: www.airbus.com