"Night Watch", KLM's first A350. Photo: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines KLM is undergoing a huge renovation. The Dutch airline announced that the first Airbus A350 aircraft to join the company's fleet will be named "The Night Watch," after the famous work by the Dutch painter Rembrandt.
The move marks the beginning of a new tradition for the airline’s A350 fleet, in which the aircraft will be named after famous Dutch works of art. The airline said the Night Watch was chosen because of its status as one of the most iconic works of art in the Netherlands and as a major attraction at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
The first A350 is currently being built in Toulouse, France, and has already been painted in the airline's colors. It is expected to be delivered to KLM at the end of August and operate its first commercial passenger flight in September, with the first destination chosen for its operation being Toronto, Canada.
The A350 is part of KLM's fleet renewal program and is considered more fuel-efficient and quieter than the generation of aircraft it is set to replace.
The aircraft has 331 seats, including 34 seats in World Business Class, 26 seats in Premium Comfort Class, and 271 seats in Economy Class.
However, the company has updated that the certification process for the Business Class seats has not yet been completed following an updated regulatory interpretation by the aviation authorities. As a result, Business Class will not be available on the first two A350 aircraft to enter service. The seat manufacturer is working to complete the certification process as soon as possible. Premium Comfort Class will be available to passengers from the first day of operation of the aircraft.
In the coming years, KLM is expected to invest around €7 billion in renewing its fleet. In addition to the A350 and A350F, the plan also includes the acquisition of Embraer 195-E2 aircraft for KLM Cityhopper, Airbus A321neo aircraft for flights in Europe, and new Boeing 787 aircraft for long-haul flights.
"Night Watch", KLM's first A350