KLM receives first A321neo named ‘Swallowtail’
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has taken delivery of its first A321neo at Amsterdam Schiphol airport, where the type will gradually phase out the carrier’s existing B 737 fleet.
The aircraft will start operating services to Copenhagen, Berlin and Stockholm from mid-September, with three more units to arrive this year. Estimated to be around 21% more fuel-efficient than the aircraft it replaces, the arrival of the A321 is part of KLM’s ongoing seven billion euro investment into fleet renewal, accounting for “a substantial share of its total investment portfolio”.
“With this new aircraft series, KLM continues its tradition of giving aircraft unique names” explains KLM, with the theme of butterflies voted by employees to inspire the new fleet’s monikers. The first four aircraft have already been named Swallowtail (Koninginnepage), Peach Blossom (Braamvlinder), Common Brimstone (Citroenvlinder) and Clouded Magpie (Porseleinvlinder).
Airbus adds that “by selecting the A321neo, KLM brings on board the latest technology to lower decibels and reduce the noise footprint during take-off, approach and landing,” with the CFM International LEAP-1A powered aircraft offering “a 50% noise footprint reduction and at least 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft”.
