Air France-KLM orders 50 fuel-efficient A350 aircraft

Air France-KLM Group will place a landmark aircraft order to pursue the renewal and rationalization of its long-haul fleet. The order of 50 fuel-efficient Airbus A350 aircraft order (with purchase rights for 40 more) will benefit the Group’s environmental and economic performance.

The LoadStar reports that the Airbus A350 consumes 25% less fuel than an equivalent-sized, previous-generation aircraft, thanks to the use of lighter materials: 53% composites and 14% titanium. Its noise footprint is also reduced by 40%.

The Airbus A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft that boasts outstanding performances: it is a quieter, more fuel efficient and more cost-effective aircraft compared to previous generations. According to the group, the aircraft will be instrumental in helping Air France-KLM reach its ambitious sustainability targets, including -30% CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer by 2030.”

Fleet renewal is the Group’s primary lever to immediately cut CO2 and noise emissions. Alongside the use of sustainable aviation fuel and eco-piloting techniques, it is one of the pillars of the Group’s decarbonization trajectory, which aims for -30% CO2 emissions per passenger/km by 2030 compared to 2019.

The Airbus A350 will replace previous-generation aircraft, namely Airbus A330 and older Boeing 777 aircraft.