KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is set to welcome four new A321neo aircraft to its fleet, each bearing a unique butterfly-inspired name. The first of these, aptly named “Swallowtail,” is expected to touch down at the end of August.
Following closely behind will be “Peach Blossom,” “Common Brimstone,” and “Waved Carpet,” all scheduled to join the KLM fleet later this year.
KLM Aircraft Naming Convention
This naming convention continues KLM’s long-standing tradition of christening its aircraft with distinctive monikers.
Over its impressive 104-year history, the airline has drawn inspiration from various themes. These have ranged from members of the Dutch Royal family to famous bridges, pioneering aviators, and even national parks. For this latest series, KLM employees chose the enchanting world of butterflies as their muse.
But there’s more to these new additions than just their charming names. The introduction of the A321neo aircraft represents a significant leap forward in KLM’s ongoing fleet modernization efforts.
These new aircraft align perfectly with the airline’s sector plan, aptly titled “Cleaner, Quieter, More Efficient.”
The First Airbus A321neo
KLM’s first A321neo recently completed its maiden test flight at Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport. This flight was operated by a screw of Airbus test pilots and test engineers. The main objective was to test warning and alert systems, as well as perform checks that are not possible on the ground.
The aircraft was flown from its lowest flyable speed to its maximum allowable speed, ensuring all systems are functioning optimally.
So, what makes these new aircraft so special? For starters, they’re considerably quieter than their predecessors, promising a more peaceful journey for both passengers and communities near airports.
Even more impressive is their environmental impact – these latest generation aircraft boast a remarkable 21% reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger-kilometer compared to the current generation of aircraft.
As KLM continues to innovate and improve its fleet, passengers can look forward to not only a more comfortable and quieter travel experience. The arrival of these butterfly-named A321neos marks a new chapter in KLM’s storied history. It blends tradition with cutting-edge technology for a brighter, greener future in aviation.
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