KLM names first Airbus A350 The Night Watch

KLM has named its first Airbus A350-900 The Night Watch, opening a new fleet-wide naming theme built around famous Dutch artworks.

The aircraft, painted in Toulouse, is due for delivery in August 2026 and is scheduled to enter passenger service in September, with Toronto planned as the first route. The move ties the A350 rollout to KLM’s fleet renewal programme while giving the type a distinct branding layer rooted in Dutch cultural heritage.

For operators and lessors, the signal is clear: KLM is treating the A350 not just as a capacity replacement, but as a visible reset for its long-haul product.