In an effort to update its fleet, Air France-KLM announced on Friday that it has placed a definitive order with Airbus for four freighters and three passenger planes.
Four Airbus A350-900 freighters that will be operated by Martinair for KLM Cargo and headquartered out of Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam are anticipated to be delivered in the second half of 2026.
According to the airline, the A350Fs would replace four Boeing (NYSE: BA) 747Fs that are presently in operation. The purchase was added to an earlier agreement for four identical aircraft made in December 2021. The airline also claimed that they are less noisy and deliver a 40% decrease in CO2 emissions compared to Boeing’s aircraft.
The group’s CEO, Benjamin Smith, said in a statement: “I am pleased to announce that KLM and Air France’s cargo divisions will shortly fly the quietest and most modern complete freighter aircraft available on the market.”
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Air France will replace older models with the three extra A350-900 passenger planes, which will be based at Paris’ primary Charles de Gaulle airport. In 2024, deliveries are anticipated.
Smith stated that since entering service with Air France, the A350-900 has proven to be a dependable and effective aircraft, as well as a game changer in terms of reducing CO2 and noise emissions.
Air France-KLM wants to cut CO2 emissions per passenger and kilometre by 30% by 2030 compared to levels in 2019.
