KLM operated its first passenger flight with an Airbus A350-900 on 30 October, flying from Amsterdam Schiphol to Toronto as KL0691. The aircraft, named De Nachtwacht, carried passengers and eight tonnes of cargo. Its 34 World Business Class seats were not available because certification of the new seats was still pending; Economy and Premium Comfort were open to passengers.
The entry into service begins the A350’s role in KLM’s fleet-renewal programme. The airline plans to deploy the type on services to Montreal, as well as Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Zanzibar.
KLM has described the renewal programme as intended to make its operations cleaner, quieter and more fuel-efficient. The Toronto flight was the aircraft’s first in passenger service for the airline.