On December 16, 2021, the Board of Directors of Air France-KLM decided to move towards the group’s goal of improving its economic and environmental performance through the introduction of next generation aircraft. In doing so, the group has also demonstrated its ability to leverage synergies in procurement.
With a firm order for 100 aircraft of the Airbus A320neo family with the option to purchase an additional 60 aircraft, the group is renewing the fleet of KLM and Transavia Netherlands, as well as the renewal and expansion of the fleet of Transavia France.
The order applies to Airbus A320neo and Airbus A321neo aircraft. The first deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2023. These aircraft will operate medium-haul routes in Europe, in particular from Amsterdam and Paris-Orly, the main base of Transavia France.
Compared to previous generation aircraft, the A320neo delivers over 10% lower unit cost and 15% lower fuel consumption and CO emissions.2… Its noise footprint is also 50% less.
Details of the cockpit configuration will be announced at a later date.
Briga Boeing x Airbus
Earlier this year, KLM launched a pricing process aimed at replacing its Boeing 737NG fleet with state-of-the-art aircraft. At the time, she approached two major manufacturers, Boeing and Airbus, asking for the terms of a possible deal for 80 aircraft and 60 to 80 variants.
Until a few years ago, Boeing remained the supplier of the fleet for KLM, and this was a fait accompli. However, today everything has changed dramatically. This is because Airbus had a significant lead in this contract, which is a major blow to Boeing as the Dutch company has been a regular customer for decades.
Sources cited by Reuters indicate that, in addition to the aircraft’s performance, the good deal with the group’s French arm outweighs an agreement with a European manufacturer. At the same time, the 787’s problems that are delaying deliveries are affecting the relationship with Boeing.
