KLM receives first Airbus A350

Dhaka: Dutch flag carrier KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900, introducing the latest-generation wide-body to its long-haul fleet, said the European planemaker in an official statement on October 2.

The aircraft will operate from the airline's home base at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to long-haul destinations, including Toronto in Canada.

KLM, a member of the Air France-KLM Group, currently operates an Airbus fleet of 10 wide-body A330 and 17 narrow-body A321neo jets.

The newly delivered A350 features a three-class layout with 331 seats, comprising 34 Business Class suites with direct aisle access, 26 Premium Comfort seats, and 271 economy seats.

The cabin offers larger luggage capacity, advanced ambient lighting, and high-speed satellite connectivity.

The A350-900 can fly up to 18,000 kilometers (9,700 nautical miles) nonstop. Powered by Rolls-Royce engines and built with lightweight materials, the aircraft offers a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon dioxide emissions over previous-generation competitor aircraft, according to Airbus.

At the end of August, the A350 Family had received more than 1,620 orders from 69 customers worldwide.