In this video, we look at KLM’s ground-breaking decision to replace its wide-body fleet with Airbus A350 jets, abandoning its previous preference for Boeing aircraft. This strategic decision by the world’s oldest airline, which is now part of the Air France-KLM Group, has sent shockwaves across the aviation sector. We’ll go into the fascinating specifics of this decision, revealing the complicated variables that drove KLM’s decision.
To comprehend KLM’s reasoning, we’ll take a look back at the airline’s history, which dates back to 1919. KLM has played an important role in influencing the aviation scene as the Dutch flag carrier and a key component of the Air France-KLM Group. We’ll discuss how the 2003 merger with Air France resulted in the formation of the Air France-KLM holding company, which allowed both airlines to keep their own brands, hubs, and identities.
The exceptional range of Airbus A350 jets, notably the A350-1000 and A350-900 versions, is at the heart of KLM’s decision. These aircraft, with ranges of 8,700 and 8,300 nautical miles, respectively, outperform the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which has a range of only 6,430 nautical miles. We’ll emphasise how this expanded range allows KLM to expand into new markets, such as South America and South Africa, where the extra range is a game changer.
The cost-effectiveness of this decision is critical. We’ll talk about how the A350s are supposedly cheaper than the 787s, potentially saving KLM billions of dollars. While list prices are flexible, the cost savings for a large order such as KLM’s can be substantial.
Availability was also important, with Airbus touting a more solid production rate for the A350 vs Boeing’s difficulties with Dreamliner production. The consistency of production schedules was an important factor in KLM’s decision.
We’ll also discuss the environmental concerns that exist in today’s aviation business. KLM’s fleet renewal strategy may coincide with global initiatives to cut carbon emissions and implement more environmentally friendly practises.
In the context of the aviation industry as a whole, we’ll look at how KLM’s choice between Airbus and Boeing represents the competition between these two major manufacturers, which drives innovation and shapes the market.
Throughout the video, we will emphasise the importance of adaptability in the aviation sector, as well as how KLM’s strategic decision demonstrates the company’s dedication to staying a significant participant in the global airline landscape.
Join us as we explore the intriguing narrative of KLM’s fleet renewal and the causes that led to this historic decision, shedding light on the ever-changing nature of the airline industry. Subscribe, like, and share to stay up to speed on everything aviation-related.
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After a Business Class flight CGK-AMS on a KLM 787 I will do my utmost to save myself the agony of a second flight on this horrible type. Zero seating comfort, full-flat seat position not usable, only one armrest usable due to the stupid design of the fold-away table, fuselage diameter optimised to make you hit your head against the baggage bins. Even the venerable 777 is far better. I fully understand KLM's decision to go Airbus.
What is Airbus bribing again. A lot of the Airbus planes up there now are up there because Airbus bribed the companies to take their planes over Boeing. I would not be at all surprised if that was th e case
Man, what a trashy title for this vid
C’mon, planes made in Europe is the reason. Delta needs to learn what loyalty is from Air France/KLM. Boeing airplanes will rule the sky again soon!
The A350-1000 will be to expensive to operate
Prior to this order, Air France and KLM swapped their existing 787 and A350 orders, whereby, KLM would take the remaining 787 orders, and Air France would take the remaining A350 orders…
I assume they have extended amount of engineering data where it helped influence their choice of more 787-10 vs. A350s to replace the existing 772.
Also, no doubt if Airbus came them a big discount. The 787 is backlog for years to come. Boeing probably wasn't too incentivized to give them a discount OR wasn't able to give KLM an earlier delivery date.
A350 is preferred over B787 for SkyTeam alliance. All the major stakeholders in SkyTeam are dominate with A350. KLM taking of B787 was a very odd choice to start with. As sad for me to admit as an American, the A350 is vastly superior to B787 for passenger comfort as well. As a multimillion miler, I do not fly on B787 unless it's under 2.5 hours.
untill 1971 KLM was a comiitted Douglas user, the 747 was the first Boeing in the blue fleet. Short haul first B737 was introduced in 1986.
A350 is a lovely plane. Can hardly wait.
Airbus is superior to boeing!
wow, airbus a350
Fokker is one of the suppliers to Airbus and the main production plant is in France. And Boeing has continues quality and production problems. Boeing is its own competitor.
bro uses ai for talking 💀
KLM stay with Airbus all the way. Don't go back to corrupt Boeing.