KLM welcomes A321neo equipped with IFC from Viasat
KLM receives first A321neo
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) has welcomed its first A321neo after it touched down at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). The arrival of this new aircraft is an important step in the rigorous renewal program initiated by KLM to support cleaner, quieter and more efficient flight operations. From mid‑September, the A321neo will begin serving several European destinations
“I’ve been looking forward to this with great anticipation,” said Marjan Rintel, President & CEO KLM. “The arrival of the first A321neo marks the start of replacing our Boeing 737 fleet. 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.”
The “neo” stands for new engine option: the aircraft are equipped with new engines that emit less CO2 than their predecessors. Measured per passenger tonne kilometre, the A321neo is around 21 percent more fuel efficient than the 737 aircraft it replaces, the press release said. Additionally, the aircraft reduces noise impact, causing less disturbance to residents.
Passengers on the A321neo can expect enhanced comfort with wider seats, larger tables and more spacious luggage bins. Each seat is equipped with a USB-C port and a holder for a mobile or tablet. The aircraft also offers more convenience for the crew, including a wider aisle and easy-to-open luggage bins. The interior has been designed to enhance the KLM experience, with more recognisable details and mood lighting that adapts to each stage of the journey.
The A321neo will start operating services to Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm from mid-September, followed by Paris, Prague and Vienna. KLM will be taking up three more new A321neo aircraft in its fleet this year. With this new aircraft series, KLM continues its tradition of giving aircraft unique names. Different themes have featured over the past 104 years, from names of members of the Royal Family to bridges, aviation pioneers and national parks.
“This time, KLM employees were allowed to choose the theme. ‘Butterflies’ emerged as the winning theme, which ties in nicely with the transformation we’re embarking on with the new fleet,” said Rintel. “The names of the first four A321neo aircraft will be Swallowtail (Koninginnepage), Peach Blossom (Braamvlinder), Common Brimstone (Citroenvlinder) and Clouded Magpie (Porseleinvlinder).”
Passengers travelling on KLM’s A321neo can also expect a connected experience. The aircraft are equipped with Viasat’s inflight connectivity solution, which has been factory-installed and is ready to serve up fast Wi-Fi to travellers.
“We have enjoyed several years of providing trusted Wi-Fi aboard KLM’s 737 and E195 aircraft servicing flights across Europe,” said 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.”
