Air France-KLM to Acquire Up to 60 A350s

The Air France-KLM Group has said it intends to sign for up to 60 A350 XWB aircraft, of which 25 A350-900 are expected to be firmed up shortly.

The aircraft will become an essential pillar in the group’s long-haul fleet modernization strategy.

"We are honoured that our all new, extra efficient A350 XWB will contribute to Air France-KLM’s long-term success," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer - Customers. "The A350 XWB's unbeatable economics and environmental credentials will establish the aircraft as the future backbone of the airline's long-haul fleet. We take this decision as a testimony of confidence in our brand and products."

The A350 XWB (Xtra Wide-Body) Family is an all-new long range product line comprising three models capable of flying between 270 and 350 passengers in typical three-class layouts on flights of up to 8,500 nautical miles.

In total the Air France-KLM Group currently operates a fleet of 191 Airbus aircraft, comprising six A380s, 26 A330s, 15 A340s, 24 A321s, 58 A320s, 44 A319s and 18 A318s.

 With this new order Air France-KLM joins the expanding group of airlines to have a member of each Airbus aircraft family in their fleet.

By end of August 2011, Airbus has recorded 567 A350 XWBs firm orders from 35 customers.

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