KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has taken delivery of its first two-class, 227-seat Airbus A321neo and will press the twinjet into revenue service in mid-September on European routes.
Part of KLM’s EUR 7 billion fleet renewal programme, the A321neo will initially operate services from the carrier’s Amsterdam Schiphol hub to Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm, followed by Paris, Prague and Vienna. Three more new A321neos are slated to arrive at KLM this year.
Configured 3-3 throughout, the A321neo is equipped from nose to tail with seats from Recaro Aircraft Seating. A total of 36 Recaro R2 seats (reclining slimlines) are configured Eurobiz-style up front with a blocked middle seat, whilst 191 Recaro R1 seats in economy class (with fixed backrests) round out the offering.
“For 25 years, Recaro and KLM have partnered together to bring passengers enhanced comfort in-flight and this tradition continues with the R1 and R2 seats. Debossed with the KLM logo, both seat types feature a customised backrest developed specifically for KLM that integrates a BYOD holder directly into the backrest along with a USB-C power port,” says Recaro.
“To increase passenger comfort and provide additional space in economy class, KLM also opted for an enlarged table on the R1, exclusive to KLM Group aircraft.”
For KLM, which is focused on achieving CO2 emission reduction targets, the seat dress covers have been “crafted with one of the lightest weight synthetic leathers” available, adds Recaro.
“In addition, the redesigned backrests allow for enhanced passenger comfort while reducing seat weight through removal of the traditional high literature pocket.”
The aircraft also features Viasat’s Ka-band satellite-supported inflight connectivity system, which was “factory-installed and is ready to serve up fast, trusted Wi-Fi to travelers,” according to Viasat.
The satellite operator and aero ISP already powers broadband Internet on KLM’s Boeing 737s and Embraer E195s using its high-capacity KA-SAT satellite over Europe.
“We have enjoyed several years of providing trusted Wi-Fi aboard KLM’s 737 and E195 aircraft servicing flights across Europe,” says Don Buchman, GM and VP, Commercial Aviation at Viasat.
“We are honored to expand that connectivity service across the international routes served by KLM’s new A321neo aircraft.” Financial terms have not been disclosed.
The A321neo cabin features Airbus’ Airspace cabin with XL bins, providing 60% more luggage capacity for “a more relaxed boarding experience” for both passengers and cabin crew, says Airbus. KLM says the mood lighting onboard “adapts to each stage of the journey”.
“I’ve been looking forward to this with great anticipation. The arrival of the first A321neo marks the start of replacing our Boeing 737 fleet,” says KLM president and CEO Marjan Rintel in a statement.
“The A321neo produces less noise and CO2 and therefore contributes significantly to a cleaner, quieter future. It also offers more comfort. I am looking forward to see how our passengers will experience the new aircraft.
With this new aircraft series, KLM is continuing the tradition of giving its aircraft unique names. KLM employees chose the theme, ‘Butterflies’, and named the first four A321neo aircraft as Swallowtail (Koninginnepage), Peach Blossom (Braamvlinder), Common Brimstone (Citroenvlinder) and Clouded Magpie (Porseleinvlinder).
On European routes, KLM is replacing its aged 737s with A320neo and A321neo twinjets. At its regional subsidiary, KLM Cityhopper, new Embraer E2 models will join the Embraer 175 and 190 aircraft. For intercontinental flights, KLM says it will be adding five new Boeing 787-10s, followed by the Airbus A350 replacing the older 777s and A330s. Finally, KLM has ordered four A350Fs for its cargo division to replace the 747 freighters.
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Featured image credited to and copyright of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
