MONTREAL — KLM Royal Dutch Airlines’ very first Airbus A350 is scheduled to enter commercial service in September, with Toronto chosen as its inaugural destination — making it the first city in KLM’s network to welcome the airline’s newest aircraft.

This summer, KLM will operate up to 40 weekly flights from Canada to Amsterdam, serving five gateways: Toronto (14 weekly flights), Vancouver (7), Calgary (7), Montreal (7) and Edmonton (5). KLM expects to receive its first Airbus A350 at the end of August.

The first KLM Airbus A350 will be named The Night Watch, after the renowned painting by Rembrandt. The airline has a long tradition of naming its aircraft according to a theme. With this aircraft KLM is introducing a new naming theme for the Airbus A350 fleet, inspired by famous Dutch works of art.

The A350 is part of KLM’s ongoing fleet renewal, and the airline notes that the aircraft is quieter and more fuel-efficient than the previous generation of aircraft it will replace. Over the coming years, KLM will invest €7 billion in fleet renewal. In addition to the introduction of the Airbus A350 and the Airbus A350F, this investment includes new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft for KLM Cityhopper, the latest Airbus A321neo aircraft for European routes, of which KLM currently operates 16, and new Boeing 787 aircraft for intercontinental services.

This first A350 for the airline will undergo final preparations before it’s delivered to KLM at the end of the summer and enter service on the YYZ-AMS route.

The A350 features a total of 331 seats: 34 seats in World Business Class (WBC), 26 seats in Premium Comfort and 271 seats in Economy Class.

DELAYED CERTIFICATION OF WORLD BUSINESS CLASS SEATS

Due to a revised interpretation of regulatory requirements by the aviation authorities, certification of the World Business Class seats has not yet been completed, says KLM. “As a result, these seats will unfortunately not be available when the first two aircraft enter service,” says the airline.

KLM says the seat manufacturer is working hard to complete the certification process as quickly as possible and make this cabin class available to customers at the earliest opportunity. Premium Comfort, which offers additional legroom, enhanced comfort, and a dedicated onboard dining experience, will be available from day one.

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