The Air France KLM Board of Directors has approved the Group’s order of 110 long-haul aircraft (50 firm orders and 60 options), still subject to the finalisation of discussions with the manufacturers. Finalised contracts are expected before the end of the year.
This first joint long-haul order by Air France and KLM will be replacing in the medium term the aircraft with 200 / 350 seats currently present in the fleet and support the Group’s growing operations. The acquisitions are scaled to a size that can be financed through cash flow generated from Group operations.
Consistent with the provisional fleet plan, this order will result in the Group’s operation of 73 next generation aircraft through to 2024: 43 Airbus A350-900 and 30 Boeing 787-9. The first aircraft Boeing B787-9 order will enter into service with KLM in 2016 and the first Airbus A350-900 with Air France in 2018. Later, both airlines will operate both types of aircraft.
The selection of engines for the Boeing 787-9 will be made later. The Airbus A350-900 will be equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the only engine provided for this aircraft by the manufacturer.
These new aircraft will reduce fuel consumption by over 15% and will give rise to a significant reduction in noise and gas emissions, confirming the Group’s commitments in terms of environment and sustainable development.
“For its first joint order, the Air France KLM group made its selection after a detailed assessment showing all the performance characteristics of each aircraft, including their energy and environmental performance,” Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, Chief Executive of Air France KLM. Peter Hartman, President and Chief Executive of KLM, added: “Their integration into the fleet will enable the Group to continue to operate one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world.”
