KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES TO ACQUIRE UP TO 24 A330-200

22 July 2002

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Airbus today announced they have signed a letter of intent for the purchase of six Airbus A330-200 aircraft, for delivery from early 2005. 

The airline has additionally acquired purchasing rights for a further eighteen aircraft of the same type. The two companies released the joint announcement today at the UK's bi-annual Farnborough Air Show. KLM has assured a high degree of flexibility by combining a firm order with purchasing rights, enabling the carrier to respond adequately to market developments in the coming years.

With this order, KLM has taken a further step towards detailing its intercontinental fleet renewal program. Earlier this year, the airline announced it would be replacing its currently operated Boeing 747-300 fleet, and two MD-11 aircraft, with ten Boeing 777-200 Extended Range full-passenger airliners and three Boeing 747-400 Extended Range Freighters (ERF).

In the second phase of KLM's fleet program, planned for 2005 through 2010, the airline will replace its remaining eight MD-11s and twelve Boeing 767-200ERs with a combination of A330-200s and additional Boeing 777-200ER equipment. Today's announcement was the first step towards implementing this second phase.

"In daily operations, the Airbus A330-200 has proven to be an aircraft providing excellent operational and commercial performance, with high levels of efficiency and flexibility, generating a high degree of passenger appreciation," said KLM Chief Operating Officer Peter Hartman. "This aircraft type will also contribute to achieving our goal of minimizing the impact of our operations on the environment in the vicinity of airports. I should also point out that the fact that our alliance partner Northwest Airlines has also ordered the A330 opens new perspectives for our alliance in the areas of operations, handling, maintenance, and product specification."

Airbus' A330-200 is renowned for being the most efficient aircraft in its class, combining the lowest operating costs with highly efficient cargo capabilities that enhance airline profitability through freight operations. The A330-200 also offers the most spacious cabin of any widebody jet in its category. Wider seats and wider aisles create a more enjoyable seating arrangement for passengers and state-of-the-art cabin systems help to provide a comfortable atmosphere that reflects the commitment to passenger comfort found in all Airbus aircraft, which are known worldwide to have the quietest cabin in the sky.

"Airbus Industrie is very happy to welcome KLM back as customer," said Noël Forgeard, Airbus President and Chief Executive Officer. "KLM sets high quality standards for aircraft manufacturers' products and services. We regard the enthusiasm for the A330 displayed by KLM and its partner Northwest Airlines as major indicators of the quality of this aircraft's design and technology, and for its added operational and commercial value."

"I am delighted with KLM's decision to select the A330-200. This agreement marks an important breakthrough for Airbus, since KLM was one of the major European airline not yet operating Airbus' modern aircraft family," Mr Forgeard said. "This new mark of confidence in the A330-200 clearly shows its leadership in this segment," he added.

KLM's selection of the A330 further reinforces the remarkable success of the A330/A340 Family as the preferred medium to long-range aircraft among airlines worldwide. The A330/A340 Family has booked some 750 total orders from more than 60 customers to date and is cornering 76 per cent of the market against its direct competitors so far in 2002.

KLM will operate the A330-200 on routes in the 250-seat market.