Air France-KLM Group is ordering another 10 Airbus A350-900s, which will be used to replace the company’s Airbus A380 fleet.
The aircraft are set to be operated by Air France, which is phasing out its A380s by the end of 2022. Air France-KLM says the decision is in line with its fleet simplification strategy.
Airbus has confirmed the agreement for the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-powered jets.
“Rationalising and modernising the fleet is central to our effort to regain our leading position in Europe,” says Air France-KLM chief executive Ben Smith.
“It will strengthen our performance from both an economic and operational standpoint, and will help us deliver on our ambitious sustainability agenda.”
Air France will take its A350 fleet to 38 aircraft as a result of the agreement.
Its long-haul fleet, by 2023, will comprise 116 aircraft from four families: the A330, A350, Boeing 787 and 777. The additional A350s will also enable Air France to “accelerate” the withdrawal of its A340s during the first quarter of 2021, the carrier says.
Sister operator KLM will have a long-haul fleet comprising 777s and 787s.
Air France chief executive Anne Rigail says the initial results of A350 operations at the flag-carrier are “excellent in every way”.
