KLM’s first Airbus A350-900 landed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) on Oct. 2, 2026, marking the latest step in the airline’s intercontinental fleet renewal. The aircraft will debut on the Toronto route in the coming weeks, with flights to Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, Nairobi, Montreal and Zanzibar to follow.
Dutch-Inspired Names and an Improved Fleet
For over a century, KLM has focused on linking the Netherlands with the rest of the globe. The airline continues its tradition of naming aircraft after Dutch artists, with its first A350-900 taking the name Rembrandt van Rijn, inspired by the painter whose Night Watch has attracted millions of visitors to the Rijksmuseum. The second aircraft will be named Girl with a Pearl Earring, after another famous Dutch work of art by Vermeer.
The A350 will replace part of KLM’s intercontinental fleet. The aircraft uses around 25% less fuel than previous-generation aircraft, as its noise footprint has been reduced by 40%,reducing noise pollution. Onboard, the A350 offers one of the quietest cabins in its class, alongside an improved passenger experience designed to emphasise comfort.
World Business Class Seats and Further Investment
The A350-900 seats 331 passengers, with 271 in Economy Class , 26 in Premium Comfort Class, and 34 in World Business Class (WBC). The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has approved the assessment results for the WBC seats, which allows them to progress through the certification process.
KLM has invested 7 billion euros in renewing its fleet as part of its long-term strategy. The A350-900 will operate on intercontinental routes, and the A350F will support cargo flights. The wider renewal project also includes the Airbus A321neo, the Embraer E2 fleet operated by KLM Cityhopper and additional Boeing 787 aircraft.
